York Regional Police investigate series of suspected break-ins in Markham, Richmond Hill – Toronto | The Canadian News

Several York Region business owners were left picking up the pieces after a series of recent break-ins.

Surveillance videos obtained by Global News showed the suspected perpetrators breaking glass door panels to gain entry.

“It’s tough. It’s not something we would ever want to see. It’s like someone comes to your house and takes your personal belongings,” said Derek Ng, area development manager for Chatime.

His bubble tea shop near Warden Road and Steeles Avenue East was broken into more than once.

Ng recalled his disbelief as he watched surveillance footage.

“The first time I saw it, I was like, ‘Oh, this is not good.’ And then two days later, three days later, I saw him again. And I’m like, ‘Come on, again? Really?’” Ng said.

“It just isn’t right.”

Both doors have since been boarded up. The owner of the location told Global News that they expect to pay between $700 and $800 to replace each one.

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Global News spoke to businesses in three plazas that were affected by recent raids.

York Regional Police told Global News that they recently received several reports of business break-ins. Many of them involved restaurants in the area.

On Jan. 8, two businesses were robbed on Gibson Drive in Markham, police said. Just a few days later, on January 12, they said they robbed six restaurants in Markham and four in Richmond Hill.

Police believe that these acts were committed by the same suspects.

York Regional Police are investigating and requesting information from the public.

In the meantime, they urge business owners to take proactive steps to stay safe.

Among his tips for doing so: Remove valuables from store displays, remove cash from the till and leave it open in plain sight at the counter, and consider installing a security system with audible alarm, video surveillance and monitoring. of alarm.