NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police has charged 12 youths in relation to a string of swarming-style robberies in the city of Vaughan as part of Operation Beehave.
In the month of June, York Regional Police responded to a significant volume of swarming-style robberies in the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue Vaughan, including Canada’s Wonderland and nearby sidewalks and plazas. In all of these incidents, victims reported being swarmed and robbed by a large group of young people in the evening hours.
Twelve youths have been arrested and charged with multiple offences, including Robbery, Mischief and Causing a Disturbance. More arrests are expected as the investigation continue.
York Regional Police launched Operation Beehave over the Canada Day long weekend, increasing proactive patrol and police presence in areas where the robberies occurred. These efforts have been effective, with no reported swarmings since the start of the project.
Operation Beehave will continue through the summer. Many of the suspects and victims were teenagers.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about the personal safety when unsupervised and the consequences, such as criminal charges, should they be involved in a swarming.
York Regional Police is urging any additional victims of this type of robbery or swarming and any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police to please come forward. Investigators continue to work with Canada’s Wonderland security, community members and business owners in the area to gather video surveillance, report incidents and apprehend those responsible for these offences.
Residents are encouraged to consider the following safety tips to help prevent these offences.
- Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings
- If you suspect you are being followed, call 911
- If you are approached by thieves, try to remain calm and comply. Don’t fight back
- Head to a safe location and call 911 as soon as possible
- Try to note characteristics of the robber, surfaces touched, any weapon description and direction they fled
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866- 876-5423, ext. 7445, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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