Four arrests after jewelry store break-ins

Four Toronto residents face charges following a lengthy investigation into four commercial break-ins in Guelph, including two jewelry stores. 

The early morning of May 28, two males driving a stolen Chevrolet Camaro attended two businesses in a south-end plaza, where they smashed the glass doors to gain entry and stole merchandise and electronic devices. 

Less than two hours later they drove the Camaro to an east-end jewelry store, where one of the males smashed the glass door to gain entry while the other acted as lookout. They stole approximately $60,000 worth of jewelry.

The same day, investigation led police to an address in Toronto. Officers attended an apartment building but were told by the property manager the building’s surveillance cameras were not working so he could not assist. It is alleged the property manager and his daughter helped one of the suspects escape the building with the stolen jewelry.

On August 13, one of the suspects attended with two other unknown males in a stolen Range Rover to a jewelry store on Speedvale Avenue East. The three used a sledgehammer to smash the front door and stole approximately $7,700 in jewelry.

Following a lengthy investigation by the Guelph Police Service Break Enter Auto Theft Unit, search warrants were executed Tuesday at three addresses in Toronto. A quantity of jewelry was recovered.

·        A 34-year-old Toronto man is charged with three counts of break and enter, possessing stolen property over $5,000, trafficking stolen property, disguise with intent, occupying a stolen vehicle and two counts of failing to comply with a release order

·        A 31-year-old Toronto man is charged with four counts of break and enter, possessing stolen property over $5,000, two counts of disguise with intent, occupying a stolen vehicle, possessing stolen property under $5,000 and breaching a probation order

·        A 24-year-old Toronto woman is wanted for obstructing police and trafficking stolen property

·        A 70-year-old Toronto man is charged with obstructing police

The two younger men were held for bail hearings Wednesday. The older man will appear in court January 16. The woman has not yet been located. The investigation into the August break-in is ongoing.

“We are committed to the safety of our citizens and will work diligently to hold accountable those who commit criminal activities in our city,” said Guelph Police Chief Gord Cobey. “The results of this investigation by our Break Enter Auto Theft Unit demonstrates the important work being done by our members and the impact of the critical public safety investments supported by our Guelph Police Service Board and our City Council.”