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Toronto teen arrested following Vaughan youth swarming thefts

Victims of street robberies at Jane and Norwood report being swarmed by large groups of youth
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NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police continue to remind citizens to be cautious when engaged by strangers after another arrest was made in connection with a recent swarming robbery in the City of Vaughan. 

Over the past few weeks, York Regional Police has responded to several incidents of street-level robberies at plazas and on sidewalks in the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue. In all of these incidents, victims reported being swarmed by a large group of young people in the evening. 

On Saturday, June 25, at approximately 10 p.m., York Regional Police responded to the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue for a report of an assault in progress. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a 14-year-old male victim who had been swarmed by a group of youths who assaulted him and stole his hat and some cotton candy he was carrying. The victim was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. 

Through investigation, one of the suspects, a 15-year-old male from Toronto, was identified and charged. The investigation is ongoing.

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. 

Officers will remain active in this area to combat this issue. Investigators continue to work with 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 9-1-1 
  • If you are approached by thieves, try to remain calm and comply. Don’t fight back  
  • Head to a safe location and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible  

Try to note distinct characteristics of the robber and surfaces touched, any weapon description and the 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 here.

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