Cobourg Police – Organized Crime Investigation Leads to Charges (No Names Released)
Three Brampton residents are facing charges after a traffic stop led to an organized crime investigation on Sunday night. One person remains outstanding.
On January 4, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after the driver was observed to be improperly wearing his seatbelt. Police learned that the driver was driving while under suspension. As the vehicle was being prepared for towing, police discovered contents consistent with organized retail theft.
As a result of the police investigation, officers formed reasonable grounds that all parties in the vehicle were involved in organized retail theft. Two Brampton men and a Brampton youth were arrested for possession of property obtained by crime. The driver was also issued two Summons’ for driving while suspended and improperly wearing a seatbelt. A search warrant was executed on the motor vehicle, and several items believed to be the result of thefts across multiple jurisdictions were seized, including:
Over 4,000 chocolate bars
Sunglasses
Cologne/Perfume
Candy and gum
Cough lozenges
Protein bars
5 Hour Energy
The total value of the stolen property seized was approximately $16,183.
As a result, the three parties were charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.
The two adult males were held for a bail hearing, and the youth was released on an undertaking with a future court date.
A fourth individual remains outstanding, and charges are pending further investigation.
Retail theft is not a victimless crime. The theft of merchandise from retail stores affects everyone through higher prices and reduced safety within retail environments. The continued rise in organized retail crime poses significant risks to both retail workers and customers. CPS remains committed to investigating incidents of retail theft and strengthening partnerships with retailers to combat organized criminal activity.
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