A Mississauga man is facing 38 criminal charges after police linked him to dozens of alleged retail theft incidents across Ontario, including cases in Durham Region.
The Durham retail theft connection forms part of Project Bishop, a multi-jurisdictional investigation launched by Peel Regional Police in April.
Police say investigators linked the suspect to at least 38 theft-related incidents involving major retailers in Peel, Halton, Durham, Hamilton, York and Niagara.
The individual value of merchandise allegedly stolen during the incidents ranged from approximately $50 to more than $4,000.
Project Bishop includes Durham retail theft cases
Peel police launched Project Bishop after identifying what investigators described as a prolific offender believed to be involved in repeated thefts of clothing and accessories from major retailers.
The investigation continued for approximately two months.
Police have not disclosed how many of the 38 incidents occurred specifically in Durham Region or identified the Durham stores or municipalities involved.
That means it is not currently possible to determine whether the Durham incidents occurred in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington or another community.
However, Durham is specifically identified by investigators as one of the jurisdictions connected with the case.
Mississauga man faces 38 charges
Police arrested Anthony Orlando Monteith, 49, of Mississauga on June 19.
He was held for a bail hearing and charged with:
- 24 counts of theft under $5,000
- 14 counts of possession of property obtained by crime
The charges have not been proven in court.
Investigators have not said that every one of the 38 charges corresponds directly to one of the 38 incidents identified during Project Bishop.
Police also say investigators continue reviewing other offences in which Monteith may be a suspect and anticipate the possibility of additional charges.
More than $35,000 in merchandise recovered
Following the arrest, police executed search warrants at residences in Mississauga and Welland.
Investigators say they recovered more than $35,000 worth of merchandise during those searches.
The recovered items included clothing, cosmetics and personal accessories.
Police have not provided a breakdown identifying where each recovered item was allegedly stolen or what portion, if any, came from retailers in Durham Region.
The $35,000 figure therefore represents the total value of merchandise recovered during the broader investigation rather than a Durham-specific loss amount.
Police say retail theft crosses regional borders
Project Bishop highlights the challenges police face when alleged retail theft activity stretches across several jurisdictions.
Peel Regional Police said the investigation involved incidents across six different areas of Ontario.
The force also says it plans to host a Retail Organized Crime Conference in October involving police agencies, retailers and government partners.
The conference is intended to improve collaboration and develop strategies for disrupting organized retail crime affecting Ontario communities.
Peel police reported that they have made hundreds of retail-theft arrests and laid more than 1,000 related charges so far this year.
Investigation remains active
Police say Project Bishop remains under investigation.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is being asked to contact Peel Regional Police’s 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453-3311 ext. 1233.
Anonymous information can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
For Durham residents, the case has a direct regional connection because police say some of the alleged offences occurred at retailers within Durham.
Further information, including which Durham communities or businesses were affected, could be released as the investigation continues.
The allegations against Monteith have not been tested in court.
