Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill residents were targeted in a months-long string of home invasions, culminating in the arrest of four men on January 23 after a dramatic pursuit that involved suspects leaping from a second-story window. It’s a case that highlights the increasingly brazen tactics of property crime, and the lengths police will go to catch those responsible.
york Region Break-Ins: Four Charged in $150,000 Theft Ring
Four men face multiple charges after a police inquiry linked them to 20 residential break-ins and over $150,000 in stolen goods.
- York Regional Police arrested four suspects following a months-long investigation into residential break-ins.
- The group is accused of being responsible for 20 break-ins across Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill.
- Over $150,000 worth of stolen property has been recovered.
- The arrests occurred after officers observed suspects fleeing a home via a second-story window.
What kind of security measures can homeowners take to protect themselves from break-ins? police recommend reinforcing doors and windows, installing security systems, and being vigilant about reporting suspicious activity.
the arrests unfolded after police received data that the suspects were active again in a Richmond Hill neighbourhood. Investigators had been tracking the group since October, following a series of break-ins that began in Vaughan. A white Toyota RAV4, identified as being used in previous incidents, was spotted in the area of Chiltern Hill.
From above, officers in Air2 observed the suspects exiting a home through a second-floor window in an attempt to evade capture. “We’ve got movement – three males coming out the back window… they’re running, they’re running,” an Air2 officer reported, according to police. Moments later, ground units arrived and successfully blocked the RAV4, taking all four occupants into custody.
A search of the SUV yielded approximately $50,000 in stolen property. A subsequent search warrant executed at a residence connected to the group uncovered an additional $100,000 in offense-related property, bringing the total recovered value to over $150,000.
Those charged include Zurab Gogua, 39, of Vaughan; Muiedin Ziizadinov, 33, of Toronto; Irakli Khitarovi, 34, of Richmond hill; and Gia Tchavtchavadze, 36, with no fixed address. The charges include 20 counts of break-and-enter, 16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime, participation in a criminal organization, and possession of break-in instruments.
Police say the group typically targeted residential neighbourhoods, gaining entry through upper-floor windows and quickly fleeing with valuables. York Regional Police are asking anyone with information or additional surveillance footage to contact investigators.
