Key Takeaways
- Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with a thwarted robbery attempt at Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga
- The teens were armed with hammers and wore all-black clothing with their faces covered
- The suspects were linked to another suspected robbery attempt in York Region earlier that day
- The teens face four charges, including robbery, attempt to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime, and wearing a disguise with the intent to commit a crime
- The suspects are between the ages of 14 and 17 and cannot be identified due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act
Introduction to the Incident
Police in Peel Region have made a significant arrest in connection with a thwarted robbery attempt at Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga. The incident occurred on December 3, at approximately 2:50 p.m., when four teenagers entered the mall armed with hammers and dressed in all-black clothing with their faces covered. The suspects’ intentions were quickly discovered by mall security and an on-site paid-duty police officer, who spotted them and pursued them. This prompt action by the security and police officer prevented what could have been a serious robbery attempt.
The Pursuit and Arrest
The pursuit of the suspects was a coordinated effort between mall security and the police. Security apprehended one of the suspects, while the other three escaped in a stolen Honda CR-V. The vehicle, which was stolen from a residence in North York on December 2, was quickly spotted by officers in the area. To prevent a high-speed chase, the police blocked the car from all sides, and the remaining suspects exited the vehicle and continued to run on foot. However, they were soon caught up with by the officers and placed under arrest. The swift action by the police and mall security ensured that no injuries were reported, and no property was stolen from the mall.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation into the incident has revealed that the four teens are between the ages of 14 and 17. Due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the suspects cannot be released. The police have linked the group to another suspected robbery attempt in York Region that occurred earlier that day. The suspects had tried to walk into a jewellery store at a Vaughan strip mall at approximately 1:30 p.m. but could not gain entry and fled the scene. The teens have been charged with four counts, including robbery, attempt to commit an indictable offence, possession of property obtained by crime, and two counts of wearing a disguise with the intent to commit a crime. The suspects were held in custody for separate bail hearings.
The Importance of Quick Action
The quick action by the mall security and the police officer played a crucial role in preventing the robbery attempt. The fact that the suspects were spotted and pursued immediately after entering the mall highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt response in preventing crimes. The police and mall security worked together seamlessly to apprehend the suspects, and their efforts ensured that the incident was resolved without any injuries or property damage. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and private security agencies in maintaining public safety.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act
The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the release of the name of a young person who is charged with a crime. This act is designed to protect the identity of young offenders and to ensure that they are not stigmatized or prejudiced by the media or the public. While the act is intended to protect the rights of young offenders, it also raises questions about the balance between protecting the identity of young offenders and the public’s right to know. In this case, the fact that the suspects are between the ages of 14 and 17 highlights the need for a nuanced approach to dealing with young offenders, one that takes into account their age and the circumstances of the crime.
Conclusion
The thwarted robbery attempt at Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga is a significant incident that highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt response in preventing crimes. The quick action by the mall security and the police officer prevented what could have been a serious robbery attempt, and the suspects were apprehended and charged. The incident also raises questions about the balance between protecting the identity of young offenders and the public’s right to know. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider the circumstances of the crime and the age of the suspects to ensure that justice is served while also protecting the rights of the young offenders.
