Toronto man charged in 103 LCBO outlet thefts across York Region, GTA

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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A 30-year-old man from the City of Toronto has been charged in relation to multiple thefts from Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores across York Region.

In March 2019, officers with the #4 District Community Oriented Response (COR) Unit began an initiative that included proactive policing efforts to address the issue of thefts from LCBO stores in the City of Vaughan. These efforts included plainclothes and uniform presence, responding to calls for service and conducting detailed followup investigations. An increased concentrated effort, including the assistance of many outside agencies and an investigative support by the #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau Property Crime Team, provided very positive results.

As a result of this initiative, a suspect was identified as being involved in 28 thefts from LCBO stores in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, King, Aurora, Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville, as well as more than 75 additional thefts from stores across the Greater Toronto Area. On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, investigators located the suspect in the City of Toronto and he was placed under arrest.

Charged:

• Sean McCulloch 30, City of Toronto

Charges: 

• Theft under $5,000 x28

“We will continue to work closely with our local businesses to prevent criminal acts and to bring those responsible for committing these and other crimes before our courts. This initiative is a fine example of our officers diligence, truly making a difference in our community,” said York Regional Police #4 District Supt. Graham Beverly.

“As customer and employee safety is the LCBO’s top priority, we are grateful for the continued collaboration of all our local police forces in helping us prevent and investigate theft when it occurs and are especially appreciative for the tremendous work done by the officers with the #4 District COR unit in consultation with LCBO employees on this extensive investigation and subsequent arrests,” said George Soleas, President & Chief Executive Officer, LCBO.

Officers continue to work closely with LCBO staff to prevent thefts and other criminal acts and to identify the individuals responsible for these incidents. Excellent quality video surveillance greatly aids in identifying these suspects. While LCBO employees are trained not to physically intervene in a theft, as this can put customers and employees at risk, they contact police once a theft has occurred, allowing York Regional Police to respond to and thoroughly investigate these incidents.

Anyone with information relating to thefts from LCBO stores is asked to contact the #4 District COR Unit at 1-866- 876-5423, ext. 7420, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online at www.1800222tips.com

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