Hamilton police have arrested three and issued warrants for three others in connection with a masked mob that vandalized Locke Street in March.

Police announced the charges Friday at a news conference at police headquarters, where Chief Eric Girt called the update a "significant breakthrough."

Deputy Chief Dan Kinsella said all six identified are believed to be connected to the anarchist collective, The Tower, which organized a book fair the same weekend as the March 3 vandalism spree.

The rampage saw a masked mob of about 30 march down Locke throwing rocks at windows and setting off fireworks. They carried a sign that read, "We are the ungovernable."

Jack Duckworth, 23, from Hamilton, Tammy Kovich, 32, from Hamilton and Tyler Nadeau, 26, from Montreal are charged with unlawful assembly while masked and mischief over $5,000.

Kovich is also charged with conspiracy to commit mischief, conspiracy to commit unlawful assembly while masked, counsel unlawful assembly while masked and counsel mischief.

Nadeau is also charged with counsel mischief, three counts of mischief under $5,000 and an additional two counts of mischief over $5,000.

All were arrested over the last two days and were expected in court Friday.

Kinsella urged the three who had not yet been arrested to turn themselves in.

Alexander Balch, 34, from Hamilton is wanted for unlawful assembly while masked and mischief over $5,000. Balch is a local tenants' rights activist.

Matthew Lowell-Pelletier, 31, from Hamilton is wanted for unlawful assembly while masked and mischief over $5000. He's also wanted on a separate charges for mischief related to vandalism on Barton Street.

David Prychitka, 34, from Hamilton is wanted for unlawful assembly while masked, mischief over $5,000 and counsel unlawful assembly while masked. Prychitka has protested against oil pipelines in the past.

Duckworth was the first to appear in court Friday afternoon, bearded and wearing a Bruce Springsteen T-shirt.

He was released on $2,000 bail with his mom, who sat with other supporters in court, acting as surety. He hugged his mom deeply when released.

The family and Duckworth's lawyer at the bail hearing, Fiona McNestry, declined to comment. His case was put over to June 18.

His conditions include staying away from Locke Street and Durand Park, not taking part in protests and not possessing fireworks.

Next up was Nadeau, who faces the most serious of the charges. His bail is being contested and the court heard that hearing is expected to last half a day. He's back up by video Monday afternoon to set a date for the bail hearing.

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The Crown was agreeable to Kovich, also a tenants' rights activist, being released under similar conditions to Duckworth. However, in the middle of the hearing, Kovich suddenly asked for proceedings to stop and her matter was put over to Monday morning where her lawyer is expected to be available.

There was a small group of supporters in the courtroom.

Hamilton police brought in extra officers. However, there were no security issues.

Kinsella wouldn't say what role each party is alleged to have taken in the vandalism, but the charges reflect that the six are believed to have taken part in the masked mob.

Cedar Hopperton, 31, the supposed operator of The Tower, was previously charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Kinsella also revealed police are looking at other vandalism and mischief incidents across Hamilton, before and after the Locke Street spree, that may be connected or similarly motivated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Jamie Simpson at 905-546-3816.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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