Hamilton,
16
July
2021
|
05:15
America/New_York

83 Charges, 20 Stolen Vehicles Recovered and More in Project El Dorado

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Project ElDorado
Project ElDorado

Hamilton Police have arrested three individuals after a two-month investigation into criminal activity involving stolen vehicles and more. The investigation, dubbed Project El Dorado was conducted in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and Niagara Police Service.

In May of 2021, Hamilton Police launched an investigation into an organized auto theft and chop shop ring.

The project took place at various locations in the Hamilton and Niagara Region.

Hamilton Police BEAR Unit, Emergency Response Unit, Niagara Regional Police Emergency Response Unit along with the Insurance Bureau of Canada executed six search warrants at five different locations in the Hamilton and Niagara Region.

Last week investigators completed the project. Investigators seized 20 stolen vehicles, numerous vehicle parts, a firearm and other suspected stolen items.

Hamilton Police have charged the following individuals:

CHARGED

CHARGES

Ryan Strong

  • 37 Years-of-age
  • Hamilton
  • Break and Enter – Commit x 9
  • Theft Under $5000 x 2
  • Mischief Under $5000 x 5
  • Possession Under $5000 x 4
  • Disguise with Intent x 14

Robert Sheppard

  • 30 Years-of-age
  • Hamilton
  • Break and Enter – Commit x 8
  • Theft Under $5000 x 2
  • Mischief Under $5000 x 5
  • Possession Under $5000 x 5
  • Disguise with Intent x 13

Andrew Wayne

  • 34 Years-of-age
  • Niagara
  • Unauthorized Possession Of a Firearm
  • Careless Storage of a Firearm
  • Possession Contrary to Order x 3
  • Possession Over $5000 x 5
  • Possession Under $5000 x 6

All three males were released on their own recognizance and their first court appearance is August 12, 2021.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates auto thefts cost Canadians close to $1 billion yearly, including $542 million for insurers to fix or replace stolen vehicles, $250 million in police, health care and court system costs and millions more for correctional services.

The investigation is ongoing, you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Sean Woodard by calling 905-546-3820 or Detective Sergeant Andrea Torrie at 905-546-2991.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com