TORONTO

A large number of the toys stolen from the Salvation Army in the past two years have been recovered from a Brampton warehouse, Toronto Police said Saturday.

Thousands of donated items that were allegedly diverted to be sold for profit were located by officers from 33 Division’s major crime unit.

In total, 146 skids of items including toys, baby cribs, strollers and food were recovered — enough to fill three tractor trailers, said Det.-Sgt. Jim Gotell.

The items are now being held by police as evidence with the eventual goal of returning it all to the Salvation Army, he said. But no arrests have yet been made.

“Officers from 33 Division were able to complete the first part of the investigation which was the recovery of the stolen goods,” Det.-Sgt. Jim Gotell said. “Now, we will begin to look at persons of interest in this case.”

Police need to be commended for their work, said Maj. John Murray with the Salvation Army.

“Further, we very much appreciate the response of individuals and companies that have stepped forward with donations at our time of need,” Murray said. “The Salvation Army is under no illusions that the recovered toys can be returned to us soon, as it appears likely they will be required as evidence in any criminal court proceedings that arise.”

Murray and the Salvation Army went public with information about the multi-million dollar theft from their Railside Rd. warehouse last Wednesday.

David Rennie, executive director of the warehouse operation, was fired after an internal audit revealed the toys were missing.

Rennie had been on paid leave since a whistleblower reported problems.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 4126-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.

—Files from Brian Gray