In August 2025, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), in partnership with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) Resource Protection Unit, launched a joint investigation into an organized group targeting the LCBO and other retailers across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Over the course of the two-month investigation, police and LCBO investigators identified four (4) individuals believed responsible for a series of thefts involving liquor valued at over $85,000, committed during 54 separate incidents since May 2025. In addition to targeting LCBO locations, the group also stole merchandise from other retailers including Home Depot, Dollarama, Value Village, and Metro stores.

On October 1, 2025, the four (4) suspects were arrested in Oakville. A search of their vehicle located:

  • 31 grams of cocaine
  • 17 grams of MDMA
  • 183 capsules of Hydromorphone

All four (4) individuals were already under various forms of judicial release for previous theft-related charges.

They were held for bail and face the following charges:

Christopher Noel, (39) of Mississauga:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
  • Theft over $5,000
  • Theft under $5,000
  • Fail to comply with release order
  • Possession of property obtained by crime
  • Fail to comply with probation (2 Counts)

Noel was bound by eight separate release orders at the time of committing thefts at LCBO locations.

Crystal King, (40) of Mississauga:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
  • Theft under $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime

Philip Young, (48) of Mississauga:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)
  • Theft under $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime
  • Fail to comply with probation (2 Counts)

Marc Martiniello, (33) of Mississauga:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (3 Counts)

HRPS emphasize that retail theft is not a victimless crime. The theft of goods from retail stores impacts all Ontarians through increased prices and compromised safety in retail environments. The rise in organized retail crime continues to pose risks to both retail workers and customers.

Halton Police remain committed to investigating retail theft and strengthening partnerships with retailers such as the LCBO to combat organized crime.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of stolen goods is encouraged to contact the Halton Police Retail Crime Unit at 905-825-4747.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Media Inquiries:

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca