Hamilton police charge 3 boys after recovering stolen vehicle in city’s east end

Hamilton police arrested three boys in connection with an investigation of a stolen vehicle in Hamilton’s east end.

Officers were alerted to reports of a suspicious vehicle Tuesday, occupied by people in masks. Investigators confirmed the vehicle had been reported as stolen.

While following the vehicle, they saw it was travelling at a high rate of speed, making unsafe lane changes and “engaging in counter-surveillance driving behaviour.”

Police followed the vehicle before it was parked and left unoccupied; they saw three youths enter a nearby retail business.

Investigators arrested the three shortly after they entered the store without incident.

At the time of the arrest, officers determined the boys were engaged in activity consistent with further criminal behaviour.

During a search incident to arrest, one boy was found to have a key fob, which belonged to the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and towed for further forensic examination.

Police say one of the boys was bound by multiple court-imposed conditions at the time of arrest, including restrictions related to motor vehicles, and associations with a co-accused. That youth was also wanted on outstanding warrants.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with offences including possessing property obtained by crime over $5,000, failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with youth probation.

He was held for a bail hearing, and police opposed his release.

A 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy were each charged with the offence of possessing crime obtained by crime over $5,000.

The 12-year-old and 13-year-old boys were released on undertakings pending future court appearances.

While charges have been laid, the investigation remains ongoing.

Hamilton police have withheld information regarding the boys’ identities.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police, or to provide info anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Hamilton at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppershamilton.com

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