Licence plates stolen from a vehicle in Ajax have surfaced in a York Regional Police investigation into three suspected arsons targeting the same Richmond Hill business.
Police say the Ajax stolen licence plates were displayed on a black SUV used during the latest incident on Aug. 26.
Investigators are now appealing for witnesses and information as they search for at least three suspects connected with the vehicles seen during the three incidents. No arrests have been announced.
Three fires targeted same Richmond Hill business
The incidents happened at a commercial plaza near Leslie Street and East Wilmot Street in Richmond Hill.
The first occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
York Regional Police say two suspects arrived in a black Honda Accord. The passenger allegedly smashed the front door of a business and entered while carrying a red jerry can.
Police say the person was then seen running from the business shortly before an explosion and visible flames.
Both suspects fled in the sedan, which investigators later determined had been stolen in Toronto.
A second incident was reported at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.
Two suspects arrived at the same plaza in a dark-coloured SUV. Police allege the passenger approached the business with a red jerry can, poured gasoline near the front entrance and set it on fire.
That SUV was also later determined to have been stolen in Toronto, according to investigators.
Ajax stolen licence plates found on third suspect vehicle
The Durham Region connection emerged during a third incident early Wednesday, Aug. 26.
At approximately 3:15 a.m., police say a black SUV carrying three suspects arrived at the same plaza.
Investigators allege two passengers smashed a front window of the business before entering with jerry cans and starting another fire.
The suspects then returned to the SUV and fled.
York Regional Police subsequently determined that the SUV was displaying licence plates stolen from a vehicle in Ajax.
Police have not said when or where in Ajax the plates were stolen, and there is currently no indication that the suspects themselves are Ajax residents.
The investigation therefore should not be described as an Ajax arson case. The fires occurred in Richmond Hill, with Ajax connected through the stolen licence plates.
No injuries reported in three incidents
The targeted business was unoccupied during each of the three incidents.
Police say no one was injured and the fires burned out on their own.
Investigators are seeking at least three suspects believed to be associated with the vehicles used during the incidents.
No suspect descriptions or identities have been publicly released in connection with the three fires.
Police appeal for witnesses
York Regional Police’s #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau is asking anyone with information, surveillance footage or other evidence connected with the incidents to contact investigators.
Information can be provided to police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241. Anonymous information can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Police have released video connected with the third incident as investigators continue trying to identify those involved.
For Durham residents, the local element of the investigation centres on the Ajax stolen licence plates found on the suspect SUV. Police have not announced whether the theft of those plates is being investigated separately or whether investigators have determined how they came into the suspects’ possession.
