York Regional Police (YRP) have charged 12 teenagers in connection with swarming-style robberies near Canada's Wonderland.
Police began an investigation in June in response to robberies in the area of Jane Street and Norwood Avenue in Vaughan, including Canada's Wonderland and nearby sidewalks and plazas. In each incident, victims reported being swarmed and robbed by a large group of young people, and that these incidents took place in the evening.
In a news release on Wednesday, police said they launched Operation Beehive over the Canada Day weekend, increasing patrols and police presence in areas where the robberies occurred. There have been no reported swarming's since the start of the project, which police plan to continue through the summer.
As a result of the investigation, suspects between the ages of 13 and 17 face multiple charges, including robbery, mischief and causing a disturbance. Police expect to make more arrests as the investigation continues.
Since many of the victims were teenagers, police are encouraging parents to speak with their children about their personal safety when unsupervised and the consequences, such as criminal charges, should they be involved in a swarming. York Regional Police is urging any additional victims of this type of robbery or swarming and any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police to please come forward.
Investigators continue to work with Canada’s Wonderland security, community members and business owners in the area to gather video surveillance, report incidents, and apprehend those responsible for these offences.
