Street racing rings lead cops to car parts stolen from Mississauga and Brampton auto shops

Two Brampton men are among four people facing numerous charges after police busted a theft ring that targeted automotive stores in Mississauga and across the GTA since early 2022.

Peel Regional Police said in a news release this afternoon (July 26) that search warrants executed on Wednesday across the GTA by Peel officers along with Toronto and York cops led to the seizure of numerous stolen car parts taken in the thefts and two vehicles.

The cars were seized due to driving offences, police noted.

Peel police said that Criminal Investigation Bureau officers in east Mississauga began looking into a group of people in April of 2022 they believed were involved in a series of automotive store break-and-enters in Mississauga and across the GTA.

Investigators identified who they believed to be members of illegal street racing rings as also being responsible for the car parts thefts, police said.

Vernacio Gardener, 26, of Brampton, is charged with 10 counts of break-and-enter, seven counts of disguise with intent and theft under $5,000.

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Brishawn Zaydeek Mills, 20, also of Brampton, is charged with eight counts of break-and-enter and four counts of disguise with intent.

Devante Donaldson, 27, of Bowmanville, is charged with 11 counts of break-and-enter, 14 counts operation while prohibited, 27 counts fail to comply with release order, four counts of dangerous operation (of motor vehicle) and theft under $5,000.

Taylor Lee, 22, also of Bowmanville, is charged with three counts of operation while prohibited and two counts dangerous operation (of motor vehicle).

Donaldson was held for a bail hearing in Brampton court while the other three were released on condition to appear at a later date.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233, or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.