Police break up alleged auto theft and chop shop ring
Police arrested three men and laid more than 80 charges in an investigation into an organized auto theft and chop shop ring in Hamilton and Niagara.
Two Hamilton men and a third from Niagara are facing a combined 83 charges in a two-month police investigation that recovered 20 stolen vehicles, dozens of vehicle parts, and a firearm, among other items that were allegedly stolen.
A 37-year-old Hamilton man is charged with nine counts of committing break and enter, two counts of theft under $5,000, five charges of mischief under $5,000, four counts of possession under $5,000 and 14 charges of disguise with intent.
A 30-year-old Hamilton man is charged with eight counts of committing break and enter, two counts of theft under $5,000, five charges of mischief under $5,000, five counts of possession under $5,000 and 13 counts of disguise with intent.
Police also charged a 34-year-old man from Niagara with unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, three counts of possession contrary to order, five counts of possession over $5,000 and six counts of possession under $5,000.
All three suspects are expected to appear in court on August 12.
The Hamilton police BEAR unit, emergency response unit, Niagara Regional Police emergency response unit and the Insurance Bureau of Canada worked on the investigation, dubbed Project El Dorado.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sean Woodard at 905-5463820 or Det. Sgt. Andrea Torrie at 905546-2991.
To share information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at crimestoppershamilton.com.