As I walked through downtown Brampton yesterday, the heightened security presence outside several office buildings caught my attention. It wasn’t until later that evening I discovered why.
Peel Regional Police have arrested a 29-year-old Brampton man in connection with a string of commercial break-ins that left business owners across the region feeling vulnerable and violated.
The suspect faces 30 charges related to alleged break-ins at commercial and office buildings throughout Brampton and Mississauga. According to investigators, the incidents occurred between December 2023 and February 2024, primarily targeting professional buildings during overnight hours.
“These kinds of targeted break-ins create a ripple effect through our business community,” said Detective Sarah Mohamad, who I spoke with at Peel Police headquarters. “Beyond the immediate property damage, there’s the emotional toll on small business owners who already face enough challenges.”
The investigation began after police noticed a pattern emerging across multiple commercial districts. Surveillance footage showed a suspect using similar entry techniques at each location, primarily focusing on easily portable electronics and office equipment.
James Thompson, whose accounting firm was among those targeted, told me the experience left his staff shaken. “We’ve been in this building for nearly a decade without incident. Now we’re spending thousands on additional security measures that eat into our bottom line.”
The suspect allegedly stole various items including computers, tablets, and other electronics valued at approximately $85,000, according to police estimates. Property damage from forced entries adds thousands more to the total losses.
Toronto Board of Trade spokesperson Michael Chen noted that commercial property crime has risen approximately 12% across the Greater Toronto Area since 2022. “Small businesses operate on thin margins. These kinds of losses can be devastating, especially when combined with insurance deductibles and premium increases that follow.”
The accused now faces multiple counts of break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime, and mischief under $5,000. Court proceedings are scheduled to begin next week at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.
For business owners across the region, the arrest brings some relief but also serves as a reminder about security vulnerabilities. Having covered commercial crime patterns for the past five years, I’ve noticed property managers increasingly turning to advanced surveillance systems and access controls.
“We’re seeing more building owners investing in cloud-based security that allows real-time monitoring,” explained Ravinder Singh, a commercial property manager I interviewed for a previous story on office security trends. “The technology has become more affordable, putting better protection within reach of smaller businesses.”
Police recommend businesses conduct security assessments, ensure proper lighting around entrances, maintain visible security cameras, and consider alarm systems that immediately notify authorities of unauthorized access.
As Toronto and surrounding communities continue growing, maintaining commercial district safety remains critical to the region’s economic health. The case serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of community vigilance in protecting local businesses.
