Hamilton police charge two in break-in probe, recover stolen goods

Hamilton police have charged two men and recovered a large quantity of suspected stolen property after an investigation into a series of commercial break-and-enters.

The BEAR Unit began investigating in September after suspects broke into a Waterdown hardware store, causing extensive damage and stealing DEWALT power tools and other merchandise. 

Officers say the suspects wore disguises and used a stolen truck.

Investigators linked the suspects to additional break-and-enters across Hamilton, Niagara Region and Whitby. 

Police believe they used multiple stolen vehicles, switched licence plates and repainted some vehicles to avoid detection.

On Wednesday, detectives were preparing to execute a search warrant at a property on Hamilton’s Dickenson Road when they received information that a suspect was committing another break-and-enter nearby. 

Officers attended and arrested two men inside a vacant commercial property.

Investigators then executed the search warrant and recovered suspected stolen property, including over $13,000 in LEGO products, a large quantity of Pokémon cards, over $10,000 in powersports equipment, a Trek bicycle and a loaded Ruger bolt action rifle.

READ MORE: Man charged after theft of 40 flower vases at Hamilton cemetery

Jason McIntosh, 51, was charged in connection with Wednesday’s break-and-enter and earlier incidents under investigation as well as several breaches of his bail conditions. 

McIntosh is facing 28 charges including 11 counts of failure to comply with a release order, three counts of break-and-enter to commit theft, theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Officers say he was previously arrested and charged in connection with the alleged theft of 38 bronze flower vases from a Hamilton cemetery in April. He was released on bail with an ankle monitoring bracelet at that time.

The second man arrested on Wednesday was charged with break-and-enter and released on an undertaking.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police believe others were involved and are investigating links to additional break-and-enters.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Pat Root at 905-540-6327 or Det. Staff Sgt. David Brewster at 905-546-2991.

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