Investigators with Peel Regional Police’s 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have arrested dozens of prolific offenders and laid more than 500 charges in an ongoing retail theft investigation targeting businesses across Brampton and Mississauga.

Between February and April, Project Filcher focused on retailers experiencing a significant surge in thefts, including Nike, LCBO, Winners and Walmart. Combined, more than 350 theft incidents resulted in over a quarter-million dollars in stolen merchandise.

Through a coordinated, intelligence-led investigation, officers identified and located repeat offenders believed to be responsible for a substantial number of these incidents. As a result, Project Filcher led to 65 arrests and the laying of 545 charges related to retail theft offences.

Project Filcher was supported through the Community Safety and Policing Grant, provided by the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General.

The investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

Quick facts: 

• 65 arrests and 545 criminal charges, with more arrests and charges anticipated
• Over a quarter-million dollars in stolen merchandise
• More than 350 retail theft incidents between February and April
• Retail theft charges laid between January and March rose from 522 in 2024 and 1076 in 2025 to 1,300 in 2026, an increase of 149 per cent
• Retail arrests made between January and March rose from 223 in 2024 and 560 in 2025 to 752 in 2026, an increase of 237 per cent

“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," said Deputy Chief Marc Andrews, Peel Regional Police.