Scarborough Canada April 14 2013 A man and three women face a total of 40 charges following an investigation into an organized retail theft ring by police in southwest Scarborough.
One suspect remains outstanding.
The two-month investigation, conducted by 41 Division officers, concluded April 8.
Police allege suspects, operating in groups of two to four, targeted display cases at electronics and jewelry stores.
“One person would distract store employes while the remaining people opened locked display cases with a key to remove items,” police alleged in a news release. “It is further alleged that the suspects are responsible for nine thefts in Toronto.”
One suspect committed offences with and without a hijab.
Police allege there are links to thefts in York Region, Peel Region, Halton Region, Hamilton, Ottawa, Alberta and British Columbia.
The identified thefts in Toronto are valued at $45,000. Search warrants resulted in the seizure of additional property valued at about $50,000, police allege. Efforts continue to identify the rightful owners of the property.
Paul Dixon, 49, is charged with seven counts of theft over $5,000, 12 counts of theft under $5,000, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over and one count of possession of property obtained by crime under.
Chrystal Shamachuk, 28, is charged with three counts of theft over $5,000, three counts of theft under $5,000 and one count of possession of property obtained by crime over.
Leah Sinclair, 42, is charged with three counts of theft over $5,000, six counts of theft under $5,000, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over and one count of possession of property obtained by crime under.
Jowanna Dixon, 49, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over.
Police are looking for 35-year-old Tyrone Stewart.
Anyone with information is asked to call 41 Division at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).