Peel police lay 545 charges in major retail theft crackdown across GTA - BERITAJA

Peel constabulary opportunity dozens of repetition offenders person been arrested and hundreds of charges laid pursuing a awesome unit theft investigation targeting stores crossed Brampton and Mississauga, Ont.

Project Filcher was launched aft officers successful 12 Division noticed a crisp summation successful shoplifting incidents successful 2025, according to a merchandise issued by Peel police.

Police said the thefts were being driven by a mini group of repetition offenders who regularly targeted the aforesaid unit stores.

Between Feb. 6 and April 16, officers focused connected businesses experiencing precocious levels of theft, including Nike, Walmart, LCBO, Winners, Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall locations.

Police said the cognition resulted successful 65 arrests and 545 criminal charges tied to unit theft offences. Investigators besides solved 356 cases and issued 20 apprehension warrants.

Authorities estimate the thefts led to much than $256,000 successful unit losses.

Const. Bernard Trlaja said 1 Nike shop recorded 266 thefts betwixt June and December 2025, while a Walmart location successful Mississauga reported 41 thefts since opening past year.

Police said LCBO locations crossed Mississauga reported 556 thefts linked to much than $173,000 successful losses. Investigators identified 106 prolific offenders successful relationship pinch those incidents.

Deputy Chief Marc Andrews said organized unit theft is “not a victimless crime.”

“It drives up costs, impacts livelihoods and undermines nationalist safety,” Andrews said successful a statement.

Police said unit theft charges laid betwixt January and March roseate from 522 successful 2024 to 1,300 this year. Retail theft arrests besides accrued from 223 successful 2024 to 752 successful 2026.

Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, said organized unit theft “threatens the information of workers, businesses and communities,” adding that the state is supporting constabulary efforts to “crack down connected repetition offenders, clasp criminals accountable and support communities safe.”

Police opportunity the investigation remains ongoing and much arrests are expected.