Retail theft has shifted from being primarily individual shoplifting incidents to increasingly involving organized criminal networks, as stated by Peel Regional Police. Deputy Chief Marc Andrews revealed at a press briefing on Tuesday that the number of charges related to retail theft being filed by police in Peel Region is escalating. In 2025, there were 2,310 charges related to retail theft, and as of the first eight months of this year, there have already been 2,241 charges laid, indicating that this year’s total is likely to surpass last year’s figures.
Andrews emphasized that the phenomenon of organized retail crime in Peel and Ontario is more intricate, sophisticated, and pervasive. He highlighted that the issue goes beyond stealing items and involves well-coordinated networks that exploit vulnerabilities, operate across different regions, and generate substantial profits to the detriment of businesses, employees, consumers, law enforcement, and communities. Police investigations have unveiled that seemingly unrelated incidents were often carried out by the same habitual offenders connected to the same criminal syndicates.
During a news conference held as part of a two-day event in Mississauga organized by Peel police on organized retail crime, Andrews made these remarks. The conference aims to bring together law enforcement, representatives from the retail industry, and public safety experts. In September 2025, Peel police initiated a specialized enforcement team in Mississauga to address break-ins and auto theft, which later expanded its focus to combat organized retail crime, leading to the establishment of the break and enter, auto, and retail (BEAR) unit.
Since its inception, the unit has made 53 arrests, brought forth 263 charges, and recovered over $1 million worth of stolen goods related to retail theft starting from this spring. Peel police intend to extend the unit’s operations to cover Mississauga and Brampton by 2027. Rui Rodrigues, the executive advisor of loss prevention and risk management at the Retail Council of Canada, highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration among retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors to apprehend habitual offenders responsible for the majority of retail crimes.
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner affirmed the province’s commitment to combating organized retail crime, condemning its impact on vulnerable individuals who are coerced into illegal activities. Under the proposed Bill 119, Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, the Ontario government plans to establish a dedicated prosecution team to address organized retail theft, prioritizing severe cases and offering early investigative support to the police.
