Eight arrested, 50-plus charges laid in GTHA smash-and-grab investigation

Halton Regional Police say they have broken up an organized group linked to a series of smash-and-grab jewelry store robberies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Officers began the investigation titled Project Pinnacle, which spanned weeks looking into smash and grab robberies that took place between January and March.

Detectives say the robberies typically involved four to five suspects using stolen vehicles and cloned licence plates.

The suspects allegedly wore masks and balaclavas to hide their identities and used hammers to smash display cases before leaving with stolen jewelry.

All the alleged robbers are young, with most of them being teenagers. It is a disturbing trend where police say they are seeing young people committing more crimes.

“This organized group has been targeting communities across the GTA for weeks,” Halton Regional Police Service Chief Stephen Tanner said in a statement.

“Residents, shoppers, and business owners deserve to feel safe in our malls and stores. They act in complete disregard for the rule of law – four of the accused were out on forms of release at the time of their arrest.”

Police say no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

WATCH MORE: Police searching for suspects after smash-and-grab jewelry theft in Burlington

More than three months after a Burlington pawn shop was the target of a violent robbery, the store is still being put back together.

“People don’t realize how much you suffer,” said Kwame Akuffo, owner of Buy N Sell City. “I mean we’re still doing construction and it’s been what, four months? It’s a mess, there’s still drywall dust all over the place.”

Back on Jan. 29, a gang of masked men armed with hammers and tools backed an SUV through the front of Akuffo’s bustling business. The vehicle nearly hit Akuffo himself before the group smashed display cases and made off with a load of jewellery and watches.

Today, Halton police announced the arrest of the people they say are behind the brazen daylight attack.

“It’s not traditional organized crime like you think mafia, but I think criminals are becoming smarter, they’re becoming organized, they have a plan,” said Halton police deputy chief Roger Wilkie.

Wilkie says the group provides would-be robbers with targets, stolen vehicles, replica licence plates and other supports, and pays them to commit crimes.

“They make it easy and that way they insulate themselves from getting caught,” Wilkie said.

In this case, all the alleged robbers are young guys. Two are under the age of 18, three are 18 or 19, and the oldest are 21 and 22.

“The trend is that all types of crimes are being committed by younger and younger people,” Wilkie said.

He added that the group uses social media and savvy approaches to recruit young people into a life of crime.

READ MORE: Halton police seek five suspects after robbery at Mapleview jewelry store

Police have laid charges against six people and two youths related to offences including robbery and disguising with intent in connection with the following robberies:

• Jan. 25, Michael Hill in Burlington;
• Jan. 29, Buy N Sell City in Burlington;
• Feb. 4, Barry’s Jewellers in Burlington;
• Feb. 17, Charm Diamonds in Guelph;
• Feb. 23, Charm Diamonds in Brantford;
• March 2, Charm Diamonds in Waterloo;
• March 3, Barry’s Jewellers in Burlington;
• March 6, Karat Jewellers in St. Catharines and Michael Hill in Burlington;
• March 16, Michael Hill in Burlington and HW Williams in Hamilton; and
• March 17, Michael Hill in Barrie.

As a part of the investigation, the following people have been charged:

• Krishawn Scott, 21, of Mississauga;
• Joshua Akhigbe, 18, of Toronto;
• Romario Angelo Abraham, 19, of Mississauga;
• Cassie Miller, 19, of Mississauga;
• Adam Buttigieg, 21, of Mississauga;
• Coulton Peters-McComb, 22, of Barrie; and
• Two male youths from Toronto.

READ MORE: Halton police investigate smash-and-grab robbery at Mapleview jewelry store

Officers executed six search warrants at homes in Toronto and Mississauga, and as a result some of the stolen jewelry has been recovered.

The investigation remains ongoing and Halton police say they anticipate more arrests and charges in connection with additional robberies.

Detectives believe the accused are responsible for additional offences and released their photos.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers either by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through their website.

WATCH MORE: Local jewelry stores face growing threat as Burlington Michael Hill robbed again