5 arrested in connection with multiple jewelry store break-ins across southwestern Ontario

A collection of stolen jewelry from stores in Ancaster and other places in southwestern Ontario. (Police handout)

Five individuals have been arrested after a series of break-and-enters at jewelry stores in Ancaster and other places in southwestern Ontario.

Ancaster Jewellers, in the area of Wilson Street and Fiddlers Green Road, was the victim of a break-and-enter on Nov. 17, nearly one year after they had previously been robbed.

In the most recent robbery last month, Hamilton police said more than $60,000 in merchandise was stolen.

That’s despite the jewelry store installing anti-theft measures over the summer.

Following the Nov. 17 robbery, investigators said they determined the suspects who broke in the would pose as customers to scout jewelry stores in advance.

The break-and-enters typically occurred overnight, police said, with suspects using a crowbar to pry open doors and gain entry.

“While one suspect waited in a minivan used as the getaway vehicle, four to five others would enter the store and steal high-end watches, jewelry, and repair tools,” a release said. “Police believe the group targeted the same businesses multiple times, sometimes months apart.”

Investigators said they identified an organized criminal group believed to be responsible for those robberies and on Dec. 12, officers executed two search warrants at homes in Hamilton and searched multiple vehicles, including the minivan used in the offences.

A large quantity of suspected stolen property was found, including a stolen BMW.

Police said it will take investigators several days or weeks to come up with a full inventory of what was recovered.

Five individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the thefts:

• Silviu Moraru, 36, from Stoney Creek
• Ion-Ciprian Constantin, 30, of no-fixed-address
• Mircea Drezaliu, 36, of no-fixed-address
• Ionut Stroe, 25, from Hamilton
• Vasile Vasile, 36, from Brampton

A full list of charges was not provided and police said they will be opposing bail for all five accused.

The group is believed to be responsible for similar jewelry store break-and-enters in Brantford, Guelph, Niagara Region, Peel Region, Quebec, and other areas. The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives are asking anyone with information is asked to contact them at 905-540-6329 or 905-546-2991.