Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit, working jointly with the Toronto Police Service Hold-Up Squad, have charged four suspects, have issued a warrant for one other suspect following an investigation into a series of spa robberies in Markham and Toronto.
Police are also seeking two more suspects in this investigation.
On November 23, 2024 at approximately 3:20 a.m., a spa in the area of Dufferin Street and Wilson Avenue in Toronto was robbed at gunpoint by three suspects.
An hour later, at approximately 4:20 a.m., a second robbery occurred at a spa in the area of Birchmount Road and 14th Avenue in Markham. Three suspects forced their way into the business while armed with a firearm. They stole one of the victim’s vehicles and fled with a quantity of cash. In both incidents the suspects arrived in a stolen white Acura.
A video of the incident in Markham can be seen here.
On November 28, 2024, investigators located the stolen Acura and three suspects were taken into custody for possession of the stolen vehicle.
On December 6, 2024, at approximately 1 a.m., a third armed robbery of a spa occurred in the area of Victoria Park Avenue and Steeles Avenue in Toronto.
On December 8, 2024, two additional robberies were reported, one at approximately 3:20 a.m., in the area of Carlingview Drive and Renforth Drive, and the other at 3:45 a.m., in the area of Finch Avenue and Keele Street. In both incidents the suspects arrived at the scene in a stolen Toyota Highlander.
On December 10, 2024, two search warrants were executed at residences in the City of Toronto with the assistance of the York Regional Police Emergency Response Unit. One suspect was taken into custody.
A warrant has been issued for an additional suspect, and investigators are seeking to identify two other outstanding suspects.
Investigators are releasing images of the adult suspects as they believe there are more victims. A list of suspects and their charges can be found here.
Three of the charged parties were on release orders and weapons prohibitions at the time of their arrests.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, officers seized a replica firearm, tools used to commit the robberies and recovered the two remaining stolen vehicles.
Investigators are asking anyone with information, who may have seen something suspicious in the area, or anyone who may have dashcam or video surveillance footage at the time of the incident, to please come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be sent online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
