With assistance from the Halton Police Service, Hamilton Police have arrested two males and recovered stolen property valued at approximately $10,000 in relation to several local break and enter incidents.

In late June 2020, Hamilton Police received information about unauthorized entries to several businesses in the Stoney Creek area. The incidents occurred at night and the items targeted were catalytic converters on large vehicles, power tools and equipment including riding lawn mowers.

Officers from the East End Division initiated an investigation and with assistance from the Halton Regional Police Service, members of the Division 20 Heat Unit and Crime Managers Office identified two suspects.

In the early morning of Friday, June 26, 2020, officers used investigative tools to predict the suspect’s next target. Police attended the location and arrested the males as they attempted another entry.

The males were taken into custody and appeared in court later that day.

Through continued investigation, an application for a search warrant was submitted to the criminal court system. The warrant was granted and police attended a residence in the Waterford area on Friday night where they recovered stolen property valued at approximately $10,000.

The investigation remains ongoing as efforts to identify victims and return their property continues. Police anticipate additional charges being laid in the future.

CHARGED

• Justin Hopkins, male, 36-years-of-age from Waterford

CHARGES

• Break and enter X2
• Possession of Burglary Tools

CHARGED

• James McGowan, male, 36-years-of-age from Niagara Falls

CHARGES

• Break and enter X2
• Possession of Burglary Tools

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ben Thibodeau by calling 905-546-2907.

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