Arrests made in catalytic converter theft investigation in Milton

Published May 19, 2022 at 12:45 pm

On May 12, 2022, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded to an address in the area of Ontario St. North and Woodward Ave. in Milton, after receiving reports of a group of suspects stealing catalytic converters from multiple vehicles in a parking lot.

Police say the suspects were observed entering a vehicle and leaving the parking lot.

HRPS officers attended the area and located the suspect vehicle which led to four occupants being arrested without incident.

Police say investigators later obtained judicial authorization to search the vehicle which led to the recovery of four catalytic converters, a floor jack and a reciprocating saw.

As a result, the following have been charged.

A 25-year-old male from Toronto has been charged with theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (3 counts), possession of break-in instruments and fail to comply with undertaking (2 counts).

A 26-year-old from Scarborough was charged with theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (3 counts), possession of break-in instruments and fail to comply with undertaking.

A 23-year-old from Scarborough was charged with theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (3 counts), possession of break-in instruments and fail to comply with undertaking.

A 16-year-old from Scarborough was charged with theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (3 counts) and possession of break-in instruments.

According to police, the adult offenders were held for bail and the 16-year-old was released on an undertaking.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable James Walsh the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2422.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Police would also like to provide the following tips to reduce the risk of being a victim of this type of theft.

Vehicles should be parked in locked, well-lit areas whenever possible and in a way that makes it harder to access its underside such as against a wall or by other vehicles.

Additionally, police say vehicle alarms and CCTV cameras can also act as a deterrent to thieves.

Photo: HRPS

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising