Police charge Hamilton man after over 85 break-ins within 2 months

Hamilton police have charged a 47-year-old man in connection with nearly 85 break and enters in the region over the past two months.

Officers say they noticed an increase in break-ins between December 2022 and January 2023 at auto body shops in Hamilton.

Other businesses were also targeted, including the Ibrahim Mosque on King St. East in Hamilton.

On Wednesday, investigators arrested Ryan Lonergan of Hamilton while he was driving a stolen vehicle from a break-in that happened in the Niagara region.

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Police charged Lonergan with the following offences:

• Break and Enter – Commit Theft – 16 Counts
• Break and Enter – Intent/Attempt – 7 Counts
• Possession Under $5,000 – 17 Counts
• Mischief Under $5,000 – 22 Counts
• Failing to Comply with Probation – 23 Counts

Investigators expect to lay more charges as they believe Lonergan is responsible for several crimes outside of Hamilton.

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“Lonergan is transient in nature and is a repeat offender with convictions for similar crimes in 2011, 2016 and 2017,” police said in a news release.

His bail has also been opposed, officers said.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Det. Const. Michael Suffoletta at 905-546-8936 or Det. Sgt. Shane Groombridge at 905-546-2991.