Two adults and one youth have been arrested in connection with organized retail crime after police responded to shoplifting in progress.
On March 22, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., police responded to a shoplifting in progress at a business on Elgin Street West in Cobourg. Staff advised police that three individuals left with a shopping cart full of stolen products. Staff provided police with a description of the vehicle involved and CCTV footage.
Police located the vehicle and observed the suspect remove the licence plates. Police located the vehicle and observed the suspect remove the licence plates. Officers arrested the three suspects and located offence related property in the vehicle, including a large quantity of grocery items in the trunk. The plates are both linked to organized crime incidents reported in other jurisdictions.
As a result, a 32-year-old Toronto woman, a 21-year-old Scarborough woman, and a 14-year-old Toronto youth were arrested and charged with Theft under $5,000 and Possession of Property obtained by Crime under $5,000.
The 32-year-old Toronto woman was additionally charged with
Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000
Use Plate not authorized for vehicle
Drive Motor Vehicle
Dangerous Operation
Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance
Make False Statement
Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner
The youth was released to family, and the two women were held for a bail hearing and subsequently released on the strength of a release order.
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.
Exclusive – Video – Suspects Arrested After Alleged Grocery Theft at Cobourg Metro
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
