February 3, 2026
RED FM News Desk
Peel Regional Police say a month-long crackdown on retail crime across major shopping malls in Mississauga and Brampton led to 95 arrests and the recovery of more than $82,000 in stolen merchandise.
The December enforcement blitz focused on high-traffic locations including Square One Shopping Centre, Erin Mills Town Centre and Creekside Crossing in Mississauga, as well as Bramalea City Centre and Orion Business Park in Brampton.
Police said 77 of those arrested were repeat offenders, with investigators laying a total of 248 charges during the Dec. 1–31 campaign. Nine of the individuals taken into custody were classified as violent offenders.
Retail theft particularly at jewelry stores has increasingly involved violence, prompting heightened concern among police and mall operators. Square One was among several malls that boosted security last year following a spike in smash-and-grab robberies across the GTA.
In one high-profile incident in January 2024, masked suspects armed with hammers stormed a jewelry store at Square One, smashing display cases before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of merchandise. No injuries were reported.
Police say the latest enforcement effort produced “significant results” and reflects continued collaboration with mall operators to curb organized retail crime.
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