Authorities in the Durham Region are calling on the public for help after three suspects distract store staff during a coordinated theft at a local Latin market. The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) West Division Criminal Investigations Branch is currently searching for four men who allegedly targeted a business on Kingston Road East in Ajax, escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The Tu Despensa Distraction Incident
The theft occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m. According to police reports, four males entered the Tu Despensa Latin Market at 85 Kingston Road East. Once inside, the group utilized a common but effective criminal tactic: three suspects distract store staff and two employees while the fourth member of the group made his move.
While the employees were occupied with the three men at the front of the store, the fourth suspect managed to slip behind the employee counter unnoticed. He quickly accessed the cash area and stole money before the group reunited and fled the premises. Police believe the group likely had a vehicle waiting nearby, though no vehicle description has been released at this time.
Suspect Descriptions and Profiles
Investigators have released detailed descriptions of the four individuals involved in the hope that residents in Ajax or Pickering may recognize them. All four suspects are described as White males:
| Suspect | Age (Approx.) | Build | Clothing Description |
| Suspect 1 | 30 years old | Large | Grey toque, black winter coat, black pants/shoes. |
| Suspect 2 | 35 years old | Large | Black winter coat, black shirt, blue jeans. |
| Suspect 3 | 25 years old | Thin | Black winter coat, grey shirt. |
| Suspect 4 | 30 years old | Medium | Red/dark baseball hat, black winter coat, black jeans. |
Police Appeal for Video Evidence
Detective Constable Eswaranathan is leading the investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Specifically, police are looking for:
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Surveillance Footage: Local business owners near 85 Kingston Road East are asked to check their cameras from the evening of January 15.
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Dash Cam Video: Commuters who were driving along Kingston Road East near the market around 6:30 p.m. may have captured the suspects’ escape.
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Witness Testimony: Anyone who was shopping at Tu Despensa at the time and saw three suspects distract store staff is encouraged to provide a statement.
If you can identify any of these males or have relevant footage, please contact the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2544. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
