Authorities report that two men suspected of being part of an international “theft group” have been charged after a traffic stop in Oakville.
Halton police stated that at approximately 6:15 p. m. on Nov. 29, officers noticed a white Dodge SUV parked in a “suspicious” manner on Lions Valley Park Road, close to the entrance of a trail leading to Forest Manor Gate. The police conducted a traffic stop, and three individuals dressed in dark clothing fled from the vehicle.
The driver was taken into custody, while another suspect was caught following a brief foot chase.
Officials identified the two arrested Chilean men as Bastian Luciano Pinto Mell, 28, and Esteban Leonardo Beroiza Rios, 28. They face charges of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence (break and enter) along with possession of break and enter tools.
Both suspects are being held in custody until their bail hearing.
In a news release, investigators indicated they believe the suspects are connected to a “South American Theft Group” that operates in southern Ontario from late fall through early spring, executing organized residential break-ins.
“Organized Crime knows no jurisdictional boundary. We are well aware of South American Theft Groups targeting our community and have taken steps to bolster public safety,” HRPS Superintendent Dave Costantini said in a statement.
“Our message to these theft groups is simple: We will be relentless in our pursuit to apprehend you, and it is only a matter of time. We will continue to work with our policing partners, the Canada Border Services Agency, and our community members to ensure that members of these groups are held accountable.”
Efforts to identify the other two suspects remain ongoing.
The charges against them have not yet been proven in court.
If anyone has information about this investigation or any security or dash cam footage from the area around Forest Manor Gate and Riverbank Way between 5:45 p. m. and 7:30 p. m., please reach out to the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216
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“Organized Crime knows no jurisdictional boundary. We are well aware of South American Theft Groups targeting our community and have taken steps to bolster public safety,” HRPS Superintendent Dave Costantini said in a statement.
“Our message to these theft groups is simple: We will be relentless in our pursuit to apprehend you, and it is only a matter of time. We will continue to work with our policing partners, the Canada Border Services Agency, and our community members to ensure that members of these groups are held accountable.”
Efforts to identify the other two suspects remain ongoing.
The charges against them have not yet been proven in court.
If anyone has information about this investigation or any security or dash cam footage from the area around Forest Manor Gate and Riverbank Way between 5:45 p. m. and 7:30 p. m., please reach out to the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 57,958 Votes
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