Halton police bust retail theft ring that targeted LCBO stores, other retailers

Halton police have busted an organized retail theft ring that targeted Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores as well as other retailers in the province.

In August 2025, the police launched a joint investigation with the LCBO’s Resource Protection Unit into an organized group in the Greater Toronto Area.

Police and LCBO investigators identified four individuals believed responsible for a series of liquor thefts valued at over $85,000 and committed during 54 separate incidents since May of this year.

The group also stole merchandise from retailers including Home Depot, Dollarama, Value Village and Metro stores.

On Oct. 1, the four suspects were arrested in Oakville. A search of a vehicle also found 31 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of MDMA and 183 capsules of hydromorphone.

All are from Mississauga and face charges of possession of stolen goods for the purpose of trafficking. Police say they were already under various forms of judicial release for prior theft-related charges.

Christopher Noel, 39, Crystal King, 40, and Philip Young, 48, also face charges of theft of property obtained by crime and Young also faces charges of failing to comply with probation.

Noel faces additional charges of failing to comply with a release order and failing to comply with probation. He was also bound by eight separate release orders at the time of committing thefts at LCBO locations.

Marc Martiniello, 33, face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Halton police emphasize that retail theft is not a victimless crime.

“The theft of goods from retail stores impacts all Ontarians through increased prices and compromised safety in retail environments,” read a police statement.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of stolen goods is encouraged to contact Halton Police’s Retail Crime Unit at 905-825-4747 or Halton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) should they wish to remain anonymous.

READ MORE: Norfolk County OPP investigate murder of woman in Simcoe