Toronto Police say they have made four arrests in connection with a series of break-ins involving cannabis, electronics, and cellular phone stores in the Toronto area. 

The arrests were announced on September 10 in relation to a series of break-ins from Sunday, November 26, 2023, to Friday, August 23, 2024. During that time, the Toronto Police Service and Durham Regional Police Service responded to 27 calls for nighttime break-and-enters into retail establishments. Police have dubbed the investigation Project Nightcrawler.

Police alleged that a group of suspects targeted and forced entry into cannabis, electronics, and cellular phone stores while armed and wearing masks. Police also allege the suspects discharged a firearm while fleeing the scene of one break-in, and that the suspects stole over $50,000 worth of cannabis, cannabis-related products, cellular phones and accessories, electronics, and computers.

Police say they have arrested three adult males and one 16-year-old male. A 17-year-old male youth and a 41-year-old woman are also wanted in connection with these arrests. 

Break-ins of cannabis stores have been an ongoing issue in Canada. Some provinces, like British Columbia and Alberta, have removed their requirements for window coverings for cannabis stores in part in response to concerns about retailer safety. Retailers in Ontario have called on the province to make similar changes.