Hamilton police looking for rightful owners of stolen goods
Hamilton police seized more than $20,000 worth of stolen goods at a Stoney Creek townhouse, but need the public’s help finding the true owners to lay more charges.
The BEAR (Break, Enter, Auto Theft and Robbery) unit unveiled the suspected stolen items — which included a motorcycle, two bicycles, generators, a compressor, car keys and lots of tools, — at the Mountain station Friday.
They were seized Feb. 22 in the search of a townhouse at Highgate Drive and Upper Centennial Parkway, where 32-year-old Shawn Hunt was arrested.
That search spurred several schools into “hold and secure” after Hunt allegedly refused to come out of neighbouring Unit 11. BEAR unit Staff Sgt. Emidio Evangelista said police were forced to get a second warrant that allowed tactical officers from the Emergency Response Unit to burst through the neighbour’s door and make an arrest. Police weren’t sure if Hunt, who is well known to police, had a weapon. He had a pellet gun. He remains in custody charged with dangerous driving and flight from police, after an unrelated incident with Hamilton police several days before his arrest.
Possession of stolen property charges are pending.
Police believe many items may have been stolen from construction sites or large-scale renovation projects as far back as 2016.
“We believe he’s been active for at least a year-and-a-half,” said Evangelista, adding the targets may be from Hamilton and elsewhere in the Golden Horseshoe.
Anyone who believes they may be the rightful owner of any of the stolen goods is asked to contact Evangelista at 905-546-2991 for an appointment to view the items.