Halton Regional Police have announced charges against eight individuals, including two male youths, in connection with a series of organized smash-and-grab robberies targeting jewelry stores across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between January and March 2026. The accused face more than 50 charges combined.
Police revealed that four of the accused were already on various forms of release at the time of their arrests, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the judicial system in preventing repeat offenses.
Project Pinnacle Investigation
The investigation, dubbed Project Pinnacle, identified an organized group responsible for a string of robberies. According to authorities, the robberies typically involved four to five suspects using stolen vehicles with cloned license plates. The perpetrators wore masks and balaclavas, using hammers to smash display cases before fleeing with stolen jewelry.
While no injuries were reported, one incident involved a stolen vehicle being driven into a Buy & Sell store, causing significant structural damage. Chief Stephen Tanner emphasized that residents, shoppers, and business owners deserve to feel safe in their communities. He stated that the investigation goes a long way toward restoring that sense of safety.
Search Warrants and Recovered Property
Investigators executed six search warrants at residences in Toronto and Mississauga, recovering some of the stolen jewelry. The investigation remains ongoing, with police anticipating further arrests and charges related to additional robberies.
Supt. Dave Costantini expressed deep concern that several offenders are young and were already before the courts on various forms of release at the time of these offenses. He described this as unacceptable and stressed the need for accountability.
Charges Filed
The following individuals have been charged:
- Krishawn Scott, 21, of Mississauga: nine counts of robbery and disguise with intent, one count of breach of release order.
- Joshua Akhigbe, 18, of Toronto: three counts of robbery and disguise with intent, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
- Romario Angelo Abraham, 19, of Mississauga: four counts of robbery, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of possession under $5,000, and one count each of disguise with intent, mischief over $5,000, dangerous operation, and failure to stop after accident.
- Cassie Miller, 19, of Mississauga: two counts of fail to comply with release order, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
- Adam Buttigieg, 21, of Mississauga: possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and robbery.
- Coulton Peters-McComb, 22, of Barrie: disguise with intent and robbery.
- One male youth from Toronto: five counts of robbery and four counts of disguise with intent.
- Another male youth from Toronto: robbery and disguise with intent.
Targeted Businesses
The charges are linked to robberies at the following locations:
- Jan. 25: Michael Hill, Burlington
- Jan. 29: Buy & Sell, Burlington
- Feb. 4: Barry's Jewellers, Burlington
- Feb. 17: Charm Diamonds, Guelph
- Feb. 23: Charm Diamonds, Brantford
- March 2: Charm Diamonds, Waterloo
- March 3: Barry's Jewellers, Burlington
- March 6: Karat Jewellers, St. Catharines; Michael Hill, Burlington
- March 16: Michael Hill, Burlington; HW Williams, Hamilton
- March 17: Michael Hill, Barrie
Coordinated Criminal Activity
Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie stated that this marks the first major crackdown on smash-and-grab robberies. He emphasized that the arrests send a clear message that coordinated criminal activity will not be tolerated. Costantini expressed relief that no injuries occurred, noting the potential for violence seen in other jurisdictions.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Halton police at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
