'Swarming' incidents, an arrest in Vaughan draws warning from York police

Yorkregion.com
June 27, 2022

Police are warning residents to be cautious after 'several incidents' of street robberies at plazas and on sidewalks in Vaughan.

The warning comes after a number of individuals were 'swarmed by a large group of young people' in the evening hours between June 11 and 18, centered in the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue.

In one particularly concerning incident on June 11, a man went to the area to pick up some food. However, when he exited the restaurant he was 'aggressively accosted' by a large group of youth demanding alcohol, cigarettes and his food.

"The victim was followed to his car where he placed his food in the back seat," the police press release reads. "The crowd began kicking and hitting the victim’s vehicle causing extensive damage. One teen opened the rear door and stole the victim’s food. The victim attempted to get his food back, however, he was chased, swarmed, attacked and had his wallet stolen."

Following an investigation one of the suspects, a 16-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested and charged with mischief and causing a disturbance on June 23.

"York Regional Police is urging any additional victims of this type of robbery or swarming, and any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police, to please come forward," the release goes on to say.

Const. Amy Boudreau said police plan to continue to review surveillance images and work with community members and business owners to combat this form of crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7445, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.