York Regional Police have charged four Chilean nationals in connection with 20 residential break-and-enters across York Region and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The charges stem from an investigation dubbed Project Towns, which began in April after police received reports of suspects entering homes through rear basement glass doors.
Details of the Investigation
Police allege that an organized crime-tourism group is responsible for at least 20 residential break-ins. The suspects targeted cash, high-end clothing, jewelry, and firearms. On May 13 at approximately 10 p.m., officers responded to a break-in in the area of Clark Avenue and Dufferin Street in Vaughan, where they located a suspect vehicle and took three individuals into custody. Simultaneously, search warrants were executed at residences in Toronto and Mississauga, leading to the arrest of a fourth suspect. Stolen property, break-in tools, and a radio-frequency jammer were recovered.
Charges Laid
Jose Ricardo Vargas Sepulveda, 24, of Chile, faces five counts of break and enter with intent, seven counts of break and enter commit, and one count each of disguise with intent, possession of break-in instruments, possession of property obtained by crime, and failure to comply with a judicial release order. Rodrigo Ariel Correa Paredes, 24, also of Chile, faces five counts of break and enter with intent, seven counts of break and enter commit, and one count each of disguise with intent and possession of break-in instruments. Danil Alexis Carrasco Cruces, 44, of Chile, faces four counts of break and enter with intent, three counts of break and enter commit, and one count each of disguise with intent, possession of break-in instruments, and failure to comply with a judicial release order. Rose Marie Monroy Sepulveda, 27, of Chile, faces one count of break and enter with intent, five counts of break and enter commit, and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.
At the time of their arrests, two of the suspects were already on judicial release orders for unrelated incidents. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are anticipated.
Police Appeal for Information
York Regional Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7545, or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.1800222tips.com.
