Durham police yesterday announced that they have arrested two men and two boys for several commercial break-and-enters, vehicle thefts and fraud under Project Magenta.
Magenta was launched by members of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch after investigators identified links between a series of commercial break-and-enters, vehicle thefts, attempted vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles, fraud-related offences, and the use of stolen vehicles in the commission of the offences.
Between June and September this year, investigators allege the group was responsible for 36 incidents across Durham Region and Toronto, including eight commercial break-and-enters and 15 vehicle theft-related offences involving stolen vehicles, attempted vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles, and licence plate thefts.
The investigation began after suspects committed two smash-and-grab break-ins at trading card retailers in Ajax on June 14, resulting in approximately $148,000 worth of merchandise being stolen.
Investigators also linked the group to a break and enter at Oliver Jewellery in Pickering, where suspects allegedly used stolen vehicles in an attempt to force entry into the business (see video).
Target Stores
The businesses targeted included jewellery stores, cannabis dispensaries, trading card retailers, and pawn shops. Investigators determined that stolen vehicles were frequently used to facilitate offences, including incidents where vehicles were driven into storefronts to gain entry. The offences connected to Project Magenta resulted in nearly $1 million in known losses and damages to businesses, vehicle owners, and the community.
“Organized property crime is not a victimless offence. It causes significant financial harm, undermines the community’s perception of safety, and fuels further criminal activity,” said Acting Deputy Chief Glenn Courneyea.
Investigators from the West Division Crime Team, assisted by members of the Community Resource Unit and East Division Crime Team, executed multiple search warrants at residences throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Four suspects were arrested without incident. Investigators also recovered property believed to be connected to several of the offences.
Teen Gang
The two men were an 18-year old from Pickering and another 18-year old from Toronto. They, along with a 16-year old teen from Toronto and a 15-year old teen from Pickering were held for a bail hearing. Name and further details available at www.drps.ca.
Project Magenta remains an active investigation. Investigators continue to review evidence seized during the execution of search warrants and are examining additional incidents believed to be connected to this group. Further charges are anticipated.
Anyone with information, surveillance footage, dashcam footage, or cell phone video related to these incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Madhavan of the West Division Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1905.
Video footage of several incidents connected to Project Magenta, including commercial break-and-enters and an attempted carjacking, is available here
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name the accused parties as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.
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