York police launch Project Beehave in response to 'swarming' robberies in Vaughan

10 teens already arrested, charged in connection with incidents near Canada’s Wonderland, adjacent plazas

yorkregion.com
July 7, 2022

York Regional Police increased its police presence and enforcement efforts with the launch of Project Beehave over the Canada Day long weekend in response to the recent volume of swarming-style robberies occurring in Vaughan.

Throughout the month of June, officers responded to a significant volume of swarming-style robberies in the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue, near Canada’s Wonderland and the sidewalks and plazas nearby.

In all of these incidents, victims reported being swarmed and robbed by a large group of young people in the evening hours.
Police have already arrested and charged 10 teens with very serious offences, including robbery, mischief and causing a disturbance.
Const. Laura Nicolle said more arrests are expected as these investigations continue.

She added there have been no additional incidents since launching the project and issuing warning and prevention tips via media releases and social media posts.

While the project will continue through the summer as needed, parents are being urged to be aware that both the suspects and many of the victims are teens, who are in the area without adult supervision.

Police urge parents who are not able to supervise their teens to have conversations about the severity of these incidents.

"Youths involved in these groups committing these crimes can face very serious criminal charges, as well as being prohibited from returning to the park and the surrounding businesses," Nicolle said.

Police are also urging any additional victims of this type of robbery or swarming, and any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police, to come forward.

Residents are encouraged to consider the following safety tips to help prevent these offences.

• trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings;
• if you suspect you are being followed, call 911;
• If you are approached by thieves, try to remain calm and comply --- don’t fight backk
• head to a safe location and call 911 as soon as possible; and
• Try to note characteristics of the robber (s), surfaces touched, any weapon description and direction they fled.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police No. 4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1- 866-876-5423, ext. 7445, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.