Waterloo Regional Police have charged three individuals following an investigation into a series of break-and-enters targeting businesses in Waterloo Region and across Southwestern Ontario.

The investigation, led by the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Break and Enter, Auto Theft, and Robbery (BEAR) Team, began after multiple break-ins at vape stores in Kitchener between October 2025 and January 2026. Through extensive collaboration with partner agencies, investigators determined the suspects were linked to more than 15 similar incidents in communities including Niagara, Hamilton, Guelph, and London. Five of the occurrences were in Waterloo Region.

On January 5, 2026, WRPS officers executed search warrants at a storage unit and a residence in Brampton, recovered stolen property, and arrested one suspect. Later that day, Peel Regional Police arrested a second suspect and seized a vehicle loaded with stolen merchandise. On January 9, 2026, Guelph Police arrested a third suspect in a stolen vehicle.
 

As a result of this investigation:

• A 31-year-old Brampton male and a 30-year-old Brampton male have been charged with multiple offences, including break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, disguise with intent, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and failing to comply with release orders.
• A 32-year-old Brampton male has been charged with break and enter, disguise with intent, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Additional charges are anticipated in connection with related investigations in other jurisdictions.

Video footage related to this investigation is available for media use. To access the video, please visit https://youtu.be/gWErWk2JRvQ.