Dozens of thefts from LCBO stores lead to nearly 300 charges for Mississauga man
Published May 9, 2024 at 12:04 pm
A Mississauga man is facing nearly 300 charges in the wake of a police investigation into 45 thefts from LCBO stores across Ontario in which some $88,000 in liquor was stolen.
Two other people have also been arrested and charged in connection with the joint probe carried out by York Regional Police and the LCBO Resource Protection Unit.
In addition to theft and other charges, the main suspect was also charged after a police officer was assaulted during the arrests on March 25 in the parking lot of a Mississauga apartment building, York police said in a news release Thursday.
Police said they began their investigation along with the LCBO in January into dozens of liquor store robberies across the province, including some in York. An example of a typical robbery is provided by police in a video (see below).
During the arrests in late March, one man tried to flee in a car after one of the arresting officers was assaulted, police said, adding the vehicle was quickly stopped.
Three people were then taken into custody.
Videos
LCBO officials said in the police news release they combine “investigative expertise with leading-edge technology” to fight back against robberies and other criminal activity.
Investigators believe there are other LCBO stores that may have been targeted by the same person. They’re urging any additional victims to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Matthew Doucette, 40, of Mississauga, is charged with 45 counts of theft, 46 counts of fail to comply with probation and 184 counts breach of release order. He’s also charged with robbery, two counts of operating motor vehicle while prohibited, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, assault police with intent to resist arrest, possession of property obtained by crime and mischief to property.
Doucette was on conditions to not to attend any LCBO in Ontario at the time charges were laid, police said.
Bruce Doucette, 63, and Sarah McBride, 42, both of no fixed address, are each charged with theft (five counts Doucette, four counts McBride) and possession of property obtained by crime (three counts McBride, one count Doucette).
Bruce Doucette is also charged with five counts breach of release order.
Matthew Doucette, 40, of Mississauga. (Photo: York Regional Police)