A traffic stop led to the arrest of a Newmarket man in connection with multiple break and enters in Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury

NEWS RELEASE

YORK REGIONAL POLICE

*************************

Investigators with the #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a 34-year-old man and are seeking an additional suspect following commercial break and enters in the Towns of Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury.

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 shortly after 4 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Yonge Street and Orchard Heights Boulevard in the Town of Aurora. As the vehicle and driver were being investigated, the officer noticed that there were two licence plates bolted together on the rear of the vehicle, causing the first plate to be obstructed. As the investigation continued, it was discovered that the licence plates were stolen and the driver was placed under arrest.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, investigators located tools commonly used in break and enters, as well as stolen property that linked the accused to 12 commercial break and enters that had recently occurred in the area.

Investigators are releasing pictures of the accused and the wanted suspect as they believe that the pair may be responsible for additional commercial break and enters. They are also appealing for any information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspect.

Charged:

Fraser Steele, 34, Town of Newmarket

Charges:

Break and enter x12

Possession of property obtained by crime x3

Possession of break-and-enter instruments

Wanted:

Jason Cooney, 36, Town of Newmarket

Charges:

Break and enter x12

Possession of property obtained by crime x3

Possession of break-and-enter instruments

Mr. Steele has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Jan. 23, 2019.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7141, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online.

*************************