Five people arrested after slew of break-ins with $100K in items stolen

Guelph police arrested five men from the Toronto-area in connection to several commercial break-ins with hundreds of thousands of dollars in items stolen.

Police launched the investigation in December 2024 after nine convenience stores and an auto repair shop in Guelph were broken into. The suspects stole large quantities of cigarettes and OLG lottery tickets. Two vehicles were taken from the repair shop, which officers said were used as transportation in additional incidents.

After collecting evidence, officials were able to determine there were several people from the Greater Toronto Area working together in the break-ins. In February and March, Guelph police were able to identify the people and some key locations as evidence.

The drug and intelligence and auto theft units conducted six warrants in the GTA and arrested four men. A fifth man was already in custody on other matters.

“At the time police made arrests, some of the accused were in the process of purchasing balaclavas,” the release reads.

After the search and seizure, Guelph police found 6,500 packs of cigarettes, valued at $100,000, and more than 800 OLG lottery scratch tickets believed to be stolen. There were also ski masks, break-in tools and $10,000 taken by officers.

The five men are from Toronto and Brampton and range in ages from 24 to 37. They face dozens of charges including break and enter, possession of break-in instruments, disguise with intent and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Officials also note that while working with other police forces, they were able to connect this group to 10 break and enters in Waterloo Region and two in London, Ont.

Police believe further charges could be laid as officers continue the investigation. They noted that this bust interrupted a “significant property crime group” impacting businesses in the area.