13-year-old Among Teens Charged in 50+ York Region Break-ins Targeting Luxury Cars

York Regional Police announced Tuesday that four Toronto youths, ranging in age from just 13 to 17, have been charged following an investigation into a string of residential break-ins and vehicle thefts across York Region and neighbouring communities. The teens were allegedly going into people’s homes to get the keys.

Police say the group is linked to more than 50 incidents. The investigation, dubbed Project Howler, began after police noticed dozens of cases in which suspects allegedly entered homes to steal keys for luxury vehicles parked in driveways and garages.

And these weren’t all quiet break-ins. Police say that in some cases, weapons, including firearms, were brandished during the thefts.

The arrests came after police tracked a stolen vehicle. On August 26, investigators located a vehicle that had been reported stolen from Richmond Hill the previous day.

Police followed it to the Thorncliffe Park Drive and Overlea Boulevard area in Toronto. Three youths were arrested after what police described as a brief foot pursuit. A fourth youth was charged two days later.

Seven stolen vehicles have been recovered. The four accused are two 17-year-olds, a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old, all from Toronto. They face various charges including possession and trafficking of property obtained by crime, dangerous operation and possession of an automobile master key.

None can be identified because they are minors. The charges have not been proven in court.