A Milton man is among four who were arrested and charged in a stolen vehicle-dismantling operation.
Back on Tuesday, April 9th, a newer model Mercedez-Benz was stolen from a shopping plaza in Brampton. Investigators quickly tracked the vehicle down to the area of Netherhart Road in Mississauga to an automotive shop with several other high end stolen vehicles which were in the process of being dismantled and destroyed.
Investigators with Peel Police located numerous stolen high end cars with their VIN numbers defaced, along with large parts like engines throughout the auto shop and surrounding area. Stolen vehicles were being stripped of valuable parts and the remainder of the vehicle’s body would be sent to a local metal recycling facility. The vehicle parts would then be sold for a profit.
A search warrant was executed on the auto shop the next day, leading to the discovery of more parts and equipment used to dismantle vehicles.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged:
- 56-year-old Raynor Bucknor of Mississauga
- 54-year-old Washburn Ellott of Brampton
- 53-year-old Kevin Thomas of Milton
- 60-year-old Steven Uka of Etobicoke
All four men were charged with the following offences, for a total of 18 charges each.
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (ten counts)
- Tamper/Alter/Deface Vehicle Identification Number (three counts)
- Mischief over $5000 (four counts)
Investigators were able to identify eight stolen vehicles as part of this investigation valued at $225,000.
Anyone with any information relating to this investigation is asked to the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau at 905-453-3311 extension 3313 or via email at autocrime@peelpolice.ca
Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.
