Two males are now facing a combined 52 charges in connection with a string of hair salon break-ins from early 2018.
Over the course of a 30-day span in early 2018, numerous hair/nail salons and beauty supply stores were broken into in Pickering. In most cases, the front door glass was smashed with a hammer and the cash register taken.
In the early morning hours of February 7, 2018 the suspects stole a Nissan Sentra warming up in the owner’s driveway in Vaughan. That vehicle was used in connection with two break-ins at a Pickering plaza later that morning and in four separate commercial entries in Toronto on Feb. 9, 2018.
On February 13, 2018 the suspects were arrested by Toronto Police for the theft from a vehicle on Knowles Drive in Scarborough. DRPS investigators worked closely with Toronto Police and the York Regional Police Service to connect these two suspects with a number of criminal incidents. In Durham Region, they are connected with eight salon break-ins.
Cory CROCKATT, age 36, of Calverley Trail in Scarborough is facing 32 charges, including: Theft of Motor Vehicle; Break and Enter; Possession of Break and Enter Tools; and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000.
Karl BATTLE, age 33, of Tisdale Street in Hamilton is facing 20 charges, including Theft of Motor Vehicle; Break and Enter; Possession of Break and Enter Tools; and Possession of Property Obtained by – Crime Over $5000.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Richardson of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2308.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
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ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED FEB. 12, 2018
Police Issue Notice Following Hair Salon Break-ins in Pickering
Police are looking for suspects after several salon break-ins in Pickering that may be connected to other incidents in the GTA.
Since January 2018, nine salons in Pickering have been broken into and in some cases, the salons were ransacked and items taken. It’s believed the suspects were looking for money, hair products and hairstyling tools.
The most recent incidents took place overnight between Tuesday February 6 and Wednesday February 7, 2018 at two salons located at Oklahoma Drive and Whites Road in Pickering. Police responded and found the front glass doors to both businesses had been smashed. Two suspects entered the businesses and took items from one salon, but fled the other empty handed. Both salons were closed at the time and no one was hurt.
Suspect #1 is described as: male, white, tall with a medium build. He was wearing light grey shoes, grey pants, black sweater and black shoes. His face was covered with a black mask.
Suspect #2 is described as: male, with a heavy build, wearing a black jacket and hooded shirt. His face was fully covered with a white mask.
The suspects fled in a silver four door vehicle, possible a hatchback, sedan or small SUV.
Police are reminding business owners to have a security system in place, and/or working video surveillance both inside and outside the business, as alarms can be a great deterrent. If possible don’t leave large quantities of cash on site and lock up any money drawers or loose cash. Make sure your business is well lit and the front is not blocked by obstacles, trees or shrubs. For more tips for businesses, visit the Crime Prevention area or our website here.
Anyone with information about these break-ins is asked to call D/Cst. Richardson of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2308.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
