Halton Police Arrest Jewellery Smash & Grab Crew

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made eight arrests and laid more than 50 charges in connection with a series of smash-and-grab robberies that took place across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The suspects targeted jewellery stores between January and March 2026.

“This organized group has been targeting communities across the GTA for weeks. Residents, shoppers, and business owners deserve to feel safe in our malls and stores,” said HRPS Chief Stephen Tanner. “They act in complete disregard for the rule of law - four of the accused were out on forms of release at the time of their arrest. This investigation goes a long way toward restoring that sense of safety and sends a clear message: the Halton Regional Police Service will be relentless in pursuing those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

The investigation, titled Project Pinnacle, was conducted by the 3 District (Burlington) Criminal Investigations Bureau. After weeks of investigation, officers identified an organized group of suspects operating throughout the GTA.

“This marks the first major crackdown on smash-and-grab robberies”, said Deputy Chief, Roger Wilkie. “We’ve disrupted an organized group responsible for targeting businesses across the GTA, and these arrests send a clear message: this type of coordinated criminal activity will not be tolerated. If you choose to engage in these crimes, expect to be identified, arrested, and charged.”

The robberies typically involved four to five suspects using stolen vehicles with cloned licence plates. The suspects wore masks and balaclavas to conceal their identities and used hammers to smash display cases before quickly fleeing with stolen jewellery. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. However, in one case, a stolen vehicle was driven directly into a store (Buy & Sell), causing significant structural damage to the building (see attached video).

“When we consider the shootings and other tragic events that have occurred in surrounding jurisdictions as a result of violence in large shopping malls, we are extremely fortunate that these robberies did not result in serious injury or loss of life,” said Superintendent Dave Costantini. “It is also deeply concerning and unacceptable that several of the offenders are young and were already before the courts, on various forms of release, at the time of these offences.”

HRPS has laid charges in connection with the following robberies:

•          January 25, Michael Hill in Burlington
•          January 29, Buy & Sell in Burlington
•          February 4, Barry’s Jewellers in Burlington
•          February 17, Charm Diamonds in Guelph
•          February 23, Charm Diamonds in Brantford
•          March 2, Charm Diamonds in Waterloo
•          March 3, Barry’s Jewellers in Burlington
•          March 6, Karat Jewellers in St. Catharines and Michael Hill in Burlington
•          March 16, Michael Hill in Burlington and HW Williams (Hamilton)
•          March 17, Michael Hill in Barrie

The following individuals have been charged:

Krishawn Scott (21) of Mississauga has been charged with the following: 

•          Robbery (9 counts)
•          Disguise with Intent (9 counts)
•          Breach of Release Order

Joshua Akhigbe (18) of Toronto has been charged with the following:

•          Robbery (3 counts)
•          Disguise with Intent (3 counts)
•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Romario Angelo Abraham (19) of Mississauga has been charged with the following: 

•          Robbery (4 counts)
•          Disguise with Intent
•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (4 counts)
•          Mischief Over $5,000
•          Dangerous Operation
•          Failure to Stop after Accident
•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (2 counts)

Cassie Miller (19) of Mississauga has been charged with:

•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
•          Fail to Comply with Release Order (2 counts)

Adam Buttigieg (21) of Mississauga has been charged with:

•          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
•          Robbery

Coulton Peters-McComb (22) of Barrie has been charged with:

•          Disguise with Intent
•          Robbery

A male youth of Toronto has been charged with:

•          Robbery (5 counts)
•          Disguise with Intent (4 counts)

A male youth of Toronto has been charged with:

•          Robbery
•          Disguise with Intent

Investigators also executed six search warrants at residences in Toronto and Mississauga. As a result, some of the stolen jewellery has been recovered.

This investigation remains ongoing, and HRPS anticipates further arrests and charges in connection with additional robberies. Investigators believe the accused are responsible for additional offences and have attached their photos to this media release. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any smash and grab robbery is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.

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