Two men wanted in four U-Haul thefts and a series of commercial break and enters across York Region have been charged after an officer spotted a suspicious van driving through Richmond Hill.
Investigators have now released photos of the accused and are urging other victims or witnesses to come forward.
On Dec. 21, 2023, four U-Haul vans were stolen from a business in Markham, York Regional Police said in a news release.
The vans were then used during a series of commercial break-ins in Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham, police allege.
In some incidents, the decals on the vans had been removed, police said.
On Jan. 3 at around 8 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Pearson Avenue and Roosevelt Drive observed a white van with the decals removed travelling in the opposite direction.
When the officer turned around to investigate, the van sped away and drove through several stop signs, police say.
The officer eventually located the van parked behind a convenience store and arrested two suspects a short distance away.
As officers searched the vehicle, they found various break and enter tools. Police say they were able to link the suspects to commercial break and enters across the region.
They further discovered the van was one of the four U-Haul vans stolen on Dec. 21.
John Kevin Saludares, 29, and John Adrian Gatal Fidelino, 23, both of Toronto, are charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 x2
- Possession of Break and Enter Instruments
- Theft of Motor Vehicle x4
- Fail To Comply with Release Order
Saludares faces additional charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance – crystal meth.
Anyone with information is asked to call York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Property Crime Unit at 1-866-894-5423, ext. 7244, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800tips.com.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.
