Peel Regional Police made a significant recovery following a break and enter at Square One in Mississauga, recovering nearly $1 million in stolen property.
"Retail theft has a direct and significant impact on local businesses and the broader community," said Peel Regional Police on Friday morning at Square One. "Incidents like this not only result in financial loss but undermine the sense of safety for those who live and work in our region."
According to the investigation, the alleged suspect entered a store at the Holt Renfrew at Square One shopping mall in Mississauga on April 30 at approximately 1:03 a.m. and fled the area using an unattended vehicle he stole nearby.
Through detailed investigative work, surveillance analysis, and evidence gathering, investigators identified the suspect and took him into custody without incident. A search warrant was executed at the suspect's residence, resulting in the recovery of significant property, including jewelry, lottery tickets, and high-end merchandise.
The majority of the recovered property, approximately 95%, was jewelry stolen from Holt Renfrew. According to the investigation, the suspect acted alone and was a repeat offender with a history of similar crimes.
The BEAR unit, launched on September 1 of last year, has made 93 arrests and laid 577 charges. Retail theft has remained consistent in Peel Region over the last 12 months, but arrests and charges have increased by more than 30%.
"This is not a trend, this is not something that is casual, this is theft, and it has real impacts on our businesses, our employees, and the community we serve," said Peel Regional Police. "Here in Peel, we won't tolerate it."
