Hamilton, Burlington suspects charged in Welland break-and-enter

Niagara police have arrested and charged two suspects in connection to a Welland break-and-enter investigation that began in late June.

Officers say they launched the probe on June 26 at a business on River Road in Welland.

Investigators say two suspects forced entry into the business at around 12 a.m. and stole a large quantity of cigarettes and lottery tickets.

Police say the suspects then fled the scene in a red Ford Escape.

With help from Hamilton police, detectives were able to identify one of the involved suspects.

Officers say a judicial search warrant was granted for a home on Limeridge Road East in Hamilton. The suspect was arrested without incident.

READ MORE: Niagara police seek two suspects after break-in at Wellandport business

Investigators say a second suspect was identified and a second judicial search warrant was granted for a home on Hunt Crescent in Burlington.

Last Wednesday, a second suspect was arrested.

Nicholas Bilbijia, 41, of Burlington, has been charged with committing a break-and-enter and failing to comply with a probation order.

Brooke Byram, 45, of Hamilton, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Bilbijia attended a bail hearing last Thursday at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Byram was released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009725.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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