Twelve teenagers have been charged in connection with a series of swarm-style robberies near Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan.
The investigation began in June after York police responded to a “significant volume” of robberies in the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue, including at the amusement park.
Police say in each incident, the victims reported being attacked and robbed by a large group of young people. Few other details have been released about what was stolen or how many robberies took place, but investigators say the incidents happened in the evening.
In a news release issued Wednesday, police said 12 youths were arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including robbery, assault, mischief under $5,000 and disorderly conduct.
“More arrests are expected as the investigation continues,” police said.
The suspects, who are between the ages of 13 and 17 and hail from various areas of the Toronto area, cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The arrests were made as part of “Operation Beehave,” an investigation that began over the Canada Day long weekend in which police increased their presence in the areas where the robberies took place.
“These efforts have been effective, with no reported swarms since the project began. Operation Beehave will continue through the summer,’ police say.
Given that the suspects are all teenagers, investigators are urging parents to talk to their children about personal safety and the consequences of engaging in criminal activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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