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Two men arrested following series of break-ins across Hamilton, southern Ontario
Two men have been arrested following an investigation into a series of break and enters targeting gas stations across rural Hamilton and southern Ontario.
The investigation began in February 2026 after a pattern of overnight break-ins occurring between Feb 24 and April 1. Authorities say 21 of these incidents are believed to be connected.
According to police, each case was similar – the men arrived in stolen vehicles and forced their way into the businesses by smashing glass doors or using a hook attached to a vehicle to rip off security gates. This caused significant property damage.
Officers say they targeted cigarettes.
On April 8, Hamilton’s BEAR Unit executed search warrants at two Hamilton residences, resulting in the arrest of two men.
Christopher Claros, 37, of Hamilton is facing the following charges:
- Break and Enter (three counts)
- Possession of Burglary Tools (four counts)
- Disguise with Intent (three counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (nine counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 (three counts)
- Operation While Prohibited (five counts)
- Possession of Counterfeit Mark (four counts)
- Occupy Motor Vehicle Without Consent
- Theft Over $5,000
- Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
- Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Nickolas Claros, 28, of Hamilton is charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (three counts)
- Operation While Prohibited (three counts)
- Fail to Comply with Probation (seven counts)
- Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
- Possession of Ammunition Contrary to Order
Investigators also recovered seven stolen vehicles.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact police at 905-540-6327 or 905-546-2991.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via their website.
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