Peel Regional Police have made a significant recovery following a break and enter at Square One in Mississauga, with nearly $1 million in stolen property recovered.
"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 police, the incident occurred on April 30 at approximately 1:03 a.m. when officers responded to a break and enter at the Holt Renfrew at Square One shopping mall in Mississauga.
Through detailed investigative work, surveillance analysis, and evidence gathering during the investigation, investigators identified the suspect and arrested him without incident. A search warrant was executed at the suspect's residence, resulting in the recovery of jewelry, lottery tickets, and other property.
The majority of the recovered property, approximately 95%, was jewelry stolen from Holt Renfrew, according to investigators.
"Retail theft too often serves as a revenue source for broader criminal enterprises," said a representative of the Peel Region Police Service Board. "This is why the board fully supported a proactive, intelligence-based approach to invest in this growing challenge."
Repeat offender Amir Nikbakht, 41, of Mississauga, was charged with break and enter to commit an indictable offence, possession of break-in instruments, disguise with intent, theft of a motor vehicle, failure to comply, and breach of probation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing as investigators continue to identify additional victims and related theft occurrences. Police anticipate additional charges and believe the accused acted alone.
Launched on September 1 of last year, the 11 Division Break and Enter Auto and Retail Organized Crime Unit 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."
