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Four people have been arrested following a joint investigation into an organized group targeting the LCBO and other retailers across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Over the course of the two-month investigation, police and LCBO investigators identified four individuals believed responsible for a series of thefts involving liquor valued at over $85,000, committed during 54 separate incidents since May. In addition to targeting LCBO locations, the group also stole merchandise from other retailers including Home Depot, Dollarama, Value Village, and Metro stores.
On Wednesday, October 1st, the four suspects were arrested in Oakville. A search of their vehicle located:
- 31 grams of cocaine
- 17 grams of MDMA
- 183 capsules of Hydromorphone
All four individuals were already under various forms of judicial release for previous theft-related charges.
They were held for bail and face the following charges:
- 39-year-old Christopher Noel of Mississauga
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
- Theft over $5,000
- Theft under $5,000
- Fail to comply with release order
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Fail to comply with probation (2 Counts)
Noel was bound by eight separate release orders at the time of committing thefts at LCBO locations.
- 40-year-old Crystal King of Mississauga
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
- Theft under $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- 48-year-old Philip Young of Mississauga
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
- Theft under $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Fail to comply with probation (2 Counts)
- 33-year-old Marc Martiniello of Mississauga
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) emphasized that retail theft is not a victimless crime. The theft of goods from retail stores impacts all Ontarians through increased prices and compromised safety in retail environments. The rise in organized retail crime continues to pose risks to both retail workers and customers.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of stolen goods is encouraged to contact the Halton Police Retail Crime Unit at 905-825-4747.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
