August 5, 2026: The Toronto Police Service announced more than 500 arrests and 4,000 charges laid to date as part of its ongoing efforts to combat organized retail crime in 23 Division.
Watch the media conference here.
In response to a rise in retail crime occurrences impacting businesses across North Etobicoke. Toronto Police established a dedicated Organized Retail Crime Unit to centralize investigations, strengthen partnerships with retailers, and enhance enforcement efforts.
The unit created a direct and consistent point of contact for retailers and introduced a streamlined reporting process. These improvements have resulted in more comprehensive reporting, stronger evidence gathering, and more efficient investigations.
Since its inception nearly two years ago, the unit’s approach has led to:
- 546 arrests
- 4,033 charges laid
- More than $1.6 million in stolen merchandise linked to investigations
“This is outstanding work by our Toronto Police members. Addressing retail crime is essential to strengthening community trust and ensuring that businesses and people can thrive safely,” said Chief of Police Myron Demkiw. “The Organized Retail Crime Unit is a strong example of how we remain agile and ready to act with tailored solutions.”
Due to ongoing court proceedings, specific identifiers on the accused and charges laid in this case cannot be disclosed; however, outcomes included:
- One investigation resulting in 20 arrested individuals and more than 400 charges
- A second series involving four arrested individuals and over 100 charges
- A third series involving four individuals, also with over 100 charges
A video compilation of several occurrences can be viewed here.
“When we established our Organized Retail Crime Unit nearly two years ago, our goal was to bring dedicated investigators together under one roof with a clear mandate: to create a consistent point of contact for retailers, strengthen investigations, and hold prolific offenders accountable,” said Superintendent Ron Taverner of 23 Division. “Today’s announcement shows that our approach is delivering strong results.”
The Toronto Police Service thanks its retail partners, including the Retail Council of Canada, for their continued collaboration and support.
“What Toronto Police are doing here today reflects the kind of coordinated, partnership‑driven approach Canada needs more of,” said Rui Rodrigues of the Retail Council of Canada. “Real progress requires all of us working together, sharing intelligence, and treating organized retail crime with the seriousness it demands.”
This enforcement initiative remains ongoing, and investigators continue to identify offenders, disrupt organized criminal activity, and pursue additional arrests and charges. If you have been a victim of a retail crime, please contact police.
