Two separate auto theft investigations have led to multiple arrests by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).
On Tuesday, May 30th, at 2:55 a.m., a uniformed officer observed a vehicle driving suspiciously in Milton and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Investigation during the traffic stop led to the arrest of three men. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of tools that are commonly used in organized auto thefts.
Facing charges are:
23-year-old Mohamed Ben Othmene of Quebec
- Possession of Break-in Instruments
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (baton)
- Possession of Device to Obtain Unauthorized Use of Computer System
18-year-old Chiheb Eddine Aissoub of Quebec
- Possession of Break-in Instruments
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (baton)
- Possession of Device to Obtain Unauthorized Use of Computer System
20-year-old William Aubin-Blackburn of Quebec
- Possession of Break-in Instruments
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (baton)
- Possession of Device to Obtain Unauthorized Use of Computer System
- Fail to Comply with Release Order
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order (2 counts)
Ben Othmene and Aissoub were released on Undertakings. Aubin-Blackburn was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Then, on Thursday, June 15th, the Auto Theft Task Force identified an organized vehicle theft ring operating in Halton and the Greater Toronto Area. On that date the suspects were observed stealing a 2022 Toyota Highlander and storing it at a safe location. The vehicle was later recovered by members of the Task Force.
On Friday, June 16th, the Task Force arrested four individuals for the theft of the Toyota Highlander. Arrested and charged are:
23-year-old Mohamed Ben Othmene of Quebec
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
18-year-old Yannick Bouchard of Quebec
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Possession of Break-in Instruments
- Possession of Device to Obtain Unauthorized Use of Computer System
He was released on an Undertaking.
18-year-old Chiheb Eddine Aissoub of Quebec
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The reported fourth accused was not listed by the HRPS in the charges.
The HRPS is applying significant resources to investigate auto theft occurrences; however, crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Please call 911 if you witness a crime in progress or if you see suspicious persons/vehicles in your neighbourhood.
There are some measures that residents can take to decrease the chance of the vehicle being stolen:
- Park your vehicle in a locked garage
- Block the exit of a potential target vehicle with a second vehicle parked behind it
- Install an on-board diagnostic blocker/protector
- Install a steering wheel lock device
- Install an aftermarket GPS tracking device
- Install home security cameras on the exterior of the residence
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Auto Theft Task Force at 905-825-4777 ext. 3407.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
