More than $100,000 in pharmaceuticals, cleaners and other goods stolen during rash of commercial entries
Three people are facing charges after a Hamilton police investigation into a rash of commercial entries where pharmaceutical drugs, cleaners and other items were stolen over the last several months.
Detectives from the BEAR (break, enter, auto theft and robbery) unit searched two properties in Hamilton and Hannon Wednesday where they seized two shotguns, ammunition, more than $100,000 in stolen pharmaceuticals, approximately $100,000 in stolen property and cocaine.
The crime spree began in mid-June after a commercial break-in at an east Hamilton automotive business where a Ford F150 pickup was stolen, police said.
Over the following months, police allege the stolen pickup was used in four commercial entries that happened during overnight hours.
On Aug. 23, a large number of vacuum cleaners and home health-care items were stolen from a Stone Church Road East business.
On Aug. 26, pharmaceutical drugs and other products valued at $100,000 were stolen from a Queenston Road pharmacy in Stoney Creek.
On Sept. 24, tools and automotive supplies were stolen from a car dealership on Upper James Street.
On Oct. 16, a large quantity" of sanitizer and cleaning supplies were stolen from a business on Nebo Road.
A 39-year-old Hannon man is charged with two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of careless storage of a firearm, four counts of break and enter commit indictable offence, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, mischief over $5,000 and eight counts of fail to comply with probation.
A 28-year-old Hannon woman is charged with two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of careless storage of a firearm and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
A 65-year-old Hamilton woman is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and proceeds of crime under $5,000.
The investigation is ongoing.
Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com