Peel Regional Police have arrested 65 people and laid 545 criminal charges in a major retail theft investigation targeting repeat offenders accused of stealing from businesses across Brampton and Mississauga.
Police said Project Filcher focused on retailers hit by a sharp rise in thefts between February and April, including Nike, LCBO, Winners and Walmart. Investigators linked more than 350 theft incidents to over a quarter-million dollars in stolen merchandise.
Peel Police Target Repeat Retail Theft Offenders
The investigation was led by Peel Regional Police’s 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau. Police said officers used a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to identify and locate prolific offenders believed to be responsible for a significant number of thefts across the region.
The operation led to 65 arrests and 545 charges connected to retail theft offences. Police said the investigation remains active and more arrests are expected.
“Project Filcher demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting businesses in our community. Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime because it drives up costs, impacts livelihoods and undermines public safety. Through proactive, intelligence-led policing and strong partnerships with retailers, our officers have disrupted criminal activity and made our communities safer.”
Deputy Chief Marc Andrews, Peel Regional Police
Retail Theft Charges Surge Across Peel Region
Police also released figures showing a sharp rise in retail theft enforcement in Peel. Retail theft charges laid between January and March climbed from 522 in 2024 and 1,076 in 2025 to 1,300 in 2026. Police said the increase represents a 149 per cent jump.
Retail theft arrests also rose from 223 in 2024 and 560 in 2025 to 752 in 2026, marking a 237 per cent increase.
The spike has raised concerns among police, retailers and government officials about the broader impact of organized retail theft on business owners, workers and shoppers.
Ontario Grant Supported Project Filcher
Project Filcher received support through the Community Safety and Policing Grant from the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General.
“Organized retail theft threatens the safety of workers, businesses and communities, which is why our government is proud to support investigations like Project Filcher through the Community Safety and Policing Grant. This operation is another example of our plan to protect Ontario by giving police the tools and resources they need to crack down on repeat offenders, hold criminals accountable and keep communities safe.”
Michael S. Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario
Anyone with information about Project Filcher should contact investigators with the 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or peelcrimestoppers.ca.
