Investigation into car theft ring leads police to Brampton

The theft of a car in Guelph has led police to Brampton, and now they believe the criminal operation is more widespread.

Guelph Police say that on New Year’s Eve, a man went into a gym in that city and signed up for a membership using fraudulent identification. Once inside, police allege, the man stole a bag containing a wallet and the keys to a 2017 Toyota Camry.

The man then left the building and got into a vehicle driven by a second male. They then drove around the parking lot until they found the Camry, which was then stolen.

“The Guelph Police Service Break Enter Auto Theft Unit took over the investigation and identified a suspect. Officers attended his address in Brampton last Friday and located the stolen Camry with a fake licence plate attached. While conducting surveillance, officers saw three men, including their suspect, driving in a Toyota van which had been stolen from Toronto earlier that morning,” according to police.

The three were arrested after exiting the van a short distance away to switch the licence plates.

Three Brampton men – aged 27 to 32 – face charges including possessing stolen property over $5,000, possessing stolen property under $5,000, occupying a stolen motor vehicle and breaching court orders. Their names have not been released.

The investigation is ongoing and involves police services from other jurisdictions.