Toronto Police bust break-and-enter ring, recover up to $1.5M in stolen goods

Project Compass led to the arrests of 3 suspects

Published Aug 13, 2026  •  Last updated 2 hours ago  •  2 minute read

Toronto Police seized more than 2,500 items, including jewelry, cash, watches, coins and precious metals, with an estimated value of between $1 million and $1.5 million. Photo by Toronto Police Service

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source 

Article content

Toronto Police have smashed a break-and-enter ring, recovering stolen goods estimated to be worth more than $1 million.  

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

“Officers arrested three individuals and laid 150 charges and recovered thousands of items, believed to have been stolen during these offences,” Insp. Joe Matys of 14 Division said Thursday morning. 

Dubbed Project Compass, the investigation began in September 2025 after police identified a series of break-and-enter offences targeting condominium units believed to contain cash, gold, luxury watches, jewelry, coins and other high-value property. 

On March 27, police executed five Criminal Code search warrants at three residential addresses and arrested the suspects. Some of the charges include conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, break and enter, possession of proceeds of crime and possession of break-in instruments. 

High-value goods

Project Compass led to the recovery of jewelry, gold watches, cash and other property linked to 21 alleged break-ins. Photo by Toronto Police Service

Investigators seized more than 2,500 items, including jewelry, cash, watches, coins and precious metals, with an estimated value of between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Article content

Investigators believe there were 21 break-and-enter occurrences across the Greater Toronto Area.  

The names of the accused were not released because the matter is still before the courts.  

“We do believe that there are more victims and as more are identified, additional charges will be laid,” Matys said. 

Police did not say whether there are other people suspected of being involved in the thefts. 

Police were asked if the crimes were facilitated by security personnel in the buildings.  

“Most of the condos and buildings have security, but I am not going to speak how they gained access to the building,” 14 Division Det. Inspector Bruno Miron said. “It is part of the evidence that is before the courts.” 

A secondary portion of the investigation involves an undisclosed pawn shop in the Queen St. E. and Church St. area. Toronto police allege that “stolen property was being trafficked through this business and converted into cash.” 

“The pawn shop owner has not been arrested, yet” Miron said. “He is part of the investigation, and he may be facing charges in the near future.” 

For those who believe they were victims of these crimes, police have created a website where members of the public can view photographs of recovered items and submit ownership claims. The website can be accessed here. 

[email protected]

Article content