Project Magenta in Durham has led to more than 200 charges against four accused after police connected dozens of alleged property-crime incidents across Durham Region and Toronto.
Durham Regional Police said the investigation links the group to 36 incidents between June and September 2026. Those incidents include eight commercial break-ins and 15 vehicle-related offences involving stolen vehicles, attempted vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles and stolen licence plates.
Police estimate the known losses and damage at nearly $1 million. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Ajax break-ins started the investigation
Police said Project Magenta began after two smash-and-grab break-ins at trading-card retailers in Ajax on June 14. Approximately $148,000 in merchandise was reported stolen in those incidents.
Investigators later connected the same alleged group to other businesses, including jewellery stores, cannabis dispensaries, trading-card retailers and pawn shops. One incident involved an attempted break-in at Oliver Jewellery in Pickering, where stolen vehicles were allegedly used to try to force entry into the storefront.
According to police, stolen vehicles were frequently used to carry out the offences. The investigation also includes allegations of fraud, disguise with intent, mischief, robbery and possession of property obtained by crime.
Four accused arrested
Search warrants were executed at several homes across the Greater Toronto Area with help from West and East Division officers. Police said four suspects were arrested without incident and property believed to be connected to several offences was recovered.
The accused are an 18-year-old from Pickering, an 18-year-old from Toronto, a 16-year-old from Toronto and a 15-year-old from Pickering. The two youths cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The charges vary by accused and include multiple counts of possession of property obtained by crime, theft of a motor vehicle, attempted vehicle theft, theft from a vehicle, break and enter, possession of break-in tools, disguise with intent, mischief and robbery. All four were held for bail hearings.
Police say Project Magenta remains active
Durham police said investigators are still reviewing evidence seized during the searches and are examining other incidents that may be connected. Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Anyone with surveillance footage, dashcam video, cellphone recordings or other information about the incidents can contact the West Division Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1905. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
