Five men from Chile are facing charges following a series of residential break-ins across the Greater Toronto Area.
York Regional Police said officers were investigating a group of suspects responsible for a series of residential break and enters on the evening of Dec. 13 when it is alleged they committed the crime in the area of Avenue Rd. and Wilson Ave. in Toronto.
Police allege the same group of men attempted a second residential break-in in the area of Indian Rd. and Woodeden Dr. in Mississauga before they returned to a rental property near Burnhamthorpe Rd. and Eternity Way in Oakville.
Cops say one suspect was followed to a gas station where he was taken into custody. As investigators were getting ready to execute a search warrant, four additional suspects fled the residence and were taken into custody with help from Halton Regional Police.
Authorities say the search warrant was executed and numerous items, including jewelry and other valuables, were recovered. Investigators allege the accused are linked to six break-ins.
Due to the number of items recovered, investigators say they are still working to process the evidence and an online dropbox folder of images will be created in the coming weeks and made available to the public to assist them in returning stolen property to its rightful owners.
Investigators believe the accused are in the country to commit crimes and have released their photos as they believe there may be additional victims.
Michael Brandon Fornells Quezada, 27, and Daniel Arturo Reyes Miranda, 32, Jonathan Alexis Gamboa Carrancio, 36, Claudio Andres Valdes Poblete, 39, and Ricardo Javier Parada Neirda, 35, are each charged with six counts of break and enter commit, break and enter with intent, possession of property obtained by crime, participating in activities of a criminal organization, disguise with intent, and conspiracy to commit.
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Gamboa Carrancio, Valdes Poblete, and Parada Neirda are also accused of obstructing police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Integrated Property Crime Task Force at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7232, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8577), or leave an anonymous tip online at 1800222tips.com.