A crime group managed to steal more than a million dollars worth of razors, nicotine gum, makeup, and face creams primarily from Shoppers Drug Marts in Ontario and Quebec, according to Hamilton police.
This retail theft ring was dismantled this week with the arrest of 21 individuals from Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area, police revealed at a news conference on Thursday. The ages of those charged range from 15 to 75.
Various police departments – including those from Hamilton, Peel, York, and Waterloo regions – participated in the Project Sommes investigation that started last August.
This was far from a small-scale operation, stated Peel Deputy Chief Marc Andrews during the announcement in Hamilton. It involved a complex distribution network with Peel Region acting as a key hub for its activities.
Police noted that face creams were stolen and sold at liquidation stores to the public. (Hamilton Police Service)
Photo: (Hamilton Police Service)
People would enter drugstores, mainly Shoppers, and fill bags with items, said Hamilton Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati. These bags were sometimes designed to bypass security systems so they could exit the store unnoticed.
The stolen goods were swiftly transported to Mississauga before being sent to liquidation warehouses and wholesalers who would resell them.
Diodati told reporters that organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. When retailers face repeated losses like this, it impacts the entire community through higher prices and reduced availability of products.
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Warrants Issued for Two Additional Suspects
The group has been linked to hundreds if not thousands of thefts dating back to February 2024, and investigators are still working on determining the overall value of the stolen goods. Staff Sgt. Shane Coveyduck explained that Hamilton police began looking into individuals involved in multiple thefts at local Shoppers stores and discovered they were part of a larger scheme. Many suspects were already out on bail for similar offenses or had warrants in other areas. On Tuesday, authorities executed 16 search warrants leading to these arrests. Warrants have also been issued for two other suspects who are believed to have left Canada, according to Coveyduck. Two suspects were apprehended in B. C., where they recently carried out thefts at Shoppers locations in Vancouver; they will be returned to Hamilton after being arrested by Vancouver police as detailed in a news release. The 21 people arrested now face a combined total of 175 charges ranging from counseling others to commit indictable offenses to possessing property valued over $5,000 obtained through criminal activity as part of an organized crime effort.Several Accused Individuals Already Out on Bail
In order to prevent the suspects from being released on bail again – potentially allowing them to reoffend – all charges will be filed together in Hamilton instead of piecemeal across different jurisdictions, stated Supt. Martin Schulenberg of the investigative division. A week ago, two primary suspects were arrested in another area but released on bail within just 12 hours, Schulenberg noted. This situation arose due to taking a fragmented approach. So adopting an organized crime strategy.. will likely make a significant difference when it comes to detaining them properly and holding them accountable for their actions. Loblaws’ Dean Henrico, vice-president of asset protection also spoke at the news conference expressing gratitude towards law enforcement officials. He mentioned that retail crime affects businesses but also jeopardizes community safety since profits from stolen goods can fund more serious crimes down the line. Samantha Beattie (new window) ·Source link
