A 34-year-old man has been charged in connection with 71 vehicle break-ins across Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say. In a news release, investigators say the incidents occurred during the early morning hours of Sept. 3 and 6 in “targeted” neighbourhoods. “The suspect unlawfully entered vehicles, either by smashing windows or taking advantage of unlocked doors and stole valuables,” police said, adding that all of the vehicles were unoccupied and none of them were stolen. Officials say the break-ins resulted in property damage and financial losses for residents. They did not however provide a dollar figure connected to those losses. As a result, 34-year-old Cory Lowden, no fixed address, was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including 46 counts of attempting to commit an indictable offence, 16 counts of theft under $5,000, and 15 counts of mischief over $5,000. He has also been charged with theft over $5,000. The charges have not been tested in court. Police also say Lowden was also arrested on two outstanding warrants, both of which are related to separate fraud investigations. The accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing. “This arrest sends a clear message that individuals who target our communities will be aggressively pursued and held accountable,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah wrote in the release. “Through determined investigative work, our officers were able to identify and arrest a suspect believed to be responsible for these incidents.” Anyone with additional information is asked to come forward.
