A man is facing multiple charges in connection with a series of residential break-ins across Peel Region, police announced Thursday.
Project NOMAD Investigation
Peel Regional Police said that on March 26, officers launched an investigation, dubbed Project NOMAD, targeting a string of home burglaries. It is alleged that the suspect would enter homes during the evening hours, focusing on stealing jewelry and currency from upstairs bedrooms.
On Thursday, police, working alongside the Canada Border Services Agency, identified and located the accused at a residence near Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga. During the operation, approximately $31,000 in currency and $36,000 worth of jewelry were seized. Police said they were able to identify and return the recovered property to the rightful owners.
Gerard Barrett, 39, has been arrested and charged with four counts each of break and enter and commit indictable offence, and possession of property obtained by crime, as well as one count each of disguise with intent and possession of break-in instruments.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact investigators with the 11 Division BEAR unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133.
Firearms Charges Laid in North York
In a separate incident, Toronto Police have arrested and charged three men and a teenage boy in a firearms possession investigation in North York. On Wednesday around 9:10 p.m., officers patrolling the Don Mills and York Mills Roads area spotted a black Honda Accord allegedly involved in a gas theft earlier that day.
Police initiated a vehicle stop, and four males fled the vehicle, prompting a foot chase. Officers apprehended all four suspects and recovered two loaded handguns at the time of the arrests.
Three men, aged 22, 20, and 19, were charged with 12 firearm-related offences and one count of possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. The 19-year-old also faces a charge of failing to comply with a release order.
A 14-year-old boy was charged with 14 firearm-related offences, as well as one count each of possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of an automobile master key, failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with a probation order.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
