$1 million in surgical masks stolen from Hamilton storage site

Hamilton police say they're investigating the theft of a trailer of surgical masks - worth $1 million - from a storage site at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport this summer.

The trailer was one of four being held in the storage area in early July 2020, said Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman.

Several days later, when only three of the four trailers arrived at their destination, the theft was reported to Hamilton police.

An investigation by the break, enter, auto theft and robbery unit revealed that the suspect or suspects used fraudulent paperwork to access the 53-foot trailer in a storage dock, she said.

No one has been charged and the investigation is ongoing.

Police believe it's not likely the suspects knew what was in the trailer as the landing documents don't specify what is in the load.

The theft happened at a time when communities across Canada were increasing demands for personal protective equipment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The theft was not made public until it surfaced in media reports this week.

Penman said police did not issue a press release because of the delay in the theft being reported to police and the fact there was no public safety risk.

Police are working with the Government of Canada on the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Sean Woodward at 905-546-3820.

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