Multiple vehicles stolen from underground parking garages in Mississauga

One man has been arrested and police are on the hunt for a second suspect in connection with a string of vehicle thefts from underground parking garages near Mississauga’s downtown core.

The two suspects — one from Mississauga, the other from north of the Greater Toronto Area — face 22 charges apiece in the wake of the Peel Regional Police investigation into multiple car thefts and attempted thefts that targeted parked vehicles at residential buildings in the area of Hurontario Street and Burnhamthorpe Road East.

Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives launched their probe, dubbed Project Tail Light, in May after becoming aware of the crime spree, police said in a news release on Monday.

“Several vehicles were stolen, while others were damaged during attempted thefts,” police added.

“Through video surveillance analysis, Automated Licence Plate Recognition, body-worn camera footage and community outreach, two suspects were identified.”

Police subsequently executed search warrants at residences in Mississauga and in Erin, about an hour north of the GTA.

Investigators seized several cellphones, key fobs and key‑programming devices, vehicle-related documents and approximately $1,465 in cash believed to be proceeds of crime.

Prince (his legal name), 21, of Mississauga, is charged with:

• Breach of Release Order
• Theft of Motor Vehicle — seven counts
• Possession of Break-and-Enter Instruments — five counts
• Mischief over $5,000 — five counts
• Theft Over $5,000
• Theft Under $5,000 — two counts
• Fraud Under $5,000

He was held for a bail hearing at Ontario Court in Brampton.

A warrant has been issued for a second suspect, Gurjeet Singh Virk, 23, of Erin, in connection with 22 related alleged criminal offences, police said.

Police are seeking Gurjeet Singh Virk, 23. (Photo: Peel Regional Police)

Virk is described as South Asian, 5-foot-10, with a medium build, short curly black hair and brown eyes.

The investigation remains ongoing and police say they’re “pursuing additional leads to identify any other individuals involved.”

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or Virk’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Prince (his legal name), 21, of Mississauga, faces numerous charges. (Photo: Peel Regional Police)