York police arrest 20, lay 200-plus charges in probe of residential break-ins

York Regional Police (YRP) says 20 people have been arrested, and more than 200 charges have been laid in an investigation centred on 40-plus residential break-ins.

Authorities announced the results of Project Dusk on Thursday.

Investigators said the four-month investigation helped dismantle criminal groups breaking into dozens of homes in York Region, where officers recovered tools like crowbars, punches, screwdrivers, radios and Wi-Fi signal jammers and detectors, which can not be sold legally in Canada.

YRP Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida said several of the 20 people in custody came from outside Canada, adding that the suspects often worked in groups to target residences.

“Many of these items are irreplaceable,” Almeida said. “I am thrilled to announce that this investigation has not only helped disrupt these criminal groups in our communities but also has led to the return of many of those items taken from their rightful owners.”

A warrant has been issued for one additional suspect who fled Canada with no fixed address. Among the suspects arrested, eight are from Chile and one from Albania. Those charged within the country are from Toronto, Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill.

Authorities shared several tips to help prevent break-and-enters, including installing security cameras and putting lights on timers, cutting back shrubs that block the view of entrances, locking all doors and windows, storing valuables in a safe place and ideally not in a bedroom, and to know your neighbours and ask for their assistance if you’re away from your home.

“I’m proud of the YRP members who worked on Project Dusk. I’m even happier that much of the $2 million in stolen property has been returned to its rightful owners,” said Police Chief Jim MacSween.

Click here to access a complete list of those facing charges and various items recovered by police during the four-month investigation.

In March 2024, through a past rendition of Project Dusk, police arrested 10 people with suspected ties to organized crime involving residential break-and-enter robberies. More than 100 charges were laid in that probe, with the first series of arrests happening in December 2023.