09/10/2026
Suspects Arrested Following Project Magenta Investigation into Organized Property Crime
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Two adult males and two male youth are facing more than 200 charges following an investigation into numerous stolen vehicles and commercial break-and-enters across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
Project Magenta was launched by members of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch after investigators identified links between a series of commercial break-and-enters, vehicle thefts, attempted vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles, fraud-related offences, and the use of stolen vehicles in the commission of the offences.
Between June and September 2026, the group was responsible for 36 incidents across Durham Region and Toronto, including eight commercial break-and-enters and 15 vehicle theft-related offences involving stolen vehicles, attempted vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles, and licence plate thefts.
The investigation began after suspects committed two smash-and-grab break-ins at trading card retailers in Ajax on June 14, 2026, resulting in approximately $148,000 worth of merchandise being stolen. Investigators also linked the group to a break and enter at Oliver Jewellery in Pickering, where suspects allegedly used stolen vehicles in an attempt to force entry into the business.
The businesses targeted included jewelery stores, cannabis dispensaries, trading card retailers, and pawn shops. Investigators determined that stolen vehicles were frequently used to facilitate offences, including incidents where vehicles were driven into storefronts to gain entry. The offences connected to Project Magenta resulted in nearly $1 million in known losses and damages to businesses, vehicle owners, and the community.
Video footage of several incidents connected to Project Magenta, including commercial break-and-enters and an attempted carjacking, is available here
“Organized property crime is not a victimless offence. It causes significant financial harm, undermines the community’s perception of safety, and fuels further criminal activity,” said Acting Deputy Chief Glenn Courneyea.
Investigators from the West Division Crime Team, assisted by members of the Community Resource Unit and East Division Crime Team, executed multiple search warrants at residences throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Four suspects were arrested without incident. Investigators also recovered property believed to be connected to several of the offences.
An 18-year-old male from Pickering is charged with: Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x10, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 x14, Theft Under $5000 x6, Attempted Theft of Motor Vehicle x3, Disguise with Intent x24, Break-and-Enter x4, Possess Break-in Instruments x4, Mischief Under $5000 x12, Attempt Theft Over $5000 x11, Theft from Motor Vehicle x2, and Theft of Motor Vehicle.
An 18-year-old male from Toronto is charged with Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x6; Theft of Motor Vehicle x2; and Disguise with Intent x4.
A 16-year-old male from Toronto is charged with: Break-and-Enter x4, Disguise with Intent x4, Possess Break-in Instrument x4, Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, and Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x3.
A 15-year-old male from Pickering is charged with: Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x17, Robbery, Possess Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 x13, Theft of Motor Vehicle x3, Attempted Theft of Motor Vehicle x2, Disguise with Intent x20, Theft Under $5000 x5, Break-and-Enter x4, Possess Break-in Instruments x4, Mischief Under $5000 x11, Attempt Theft Over $5000 x11, and Theft from Motor Vehicle x2.
All were held for a bail hearing.
Project Magenta remains an active investigation. Investigators continue to review evidence seized during the ex*****on of search warrants and are examining additional incidents believed to be connected to this group. Further charges are anticipated.
Anyone with information, surveillance footage, dashcam footage, or cell phone video related to these incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Madhavan of the West Division Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1905.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.
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Please see a full list of names here: https://www.drps.ca/news/posts/project-magenta-results/
