The Windsor Police Service say they have arrested one man on January 16 and are still looking for three others following a series of commercial break-ins on January 12 involving the theft of cannabis-related products.
Suspects allegedly used a series of diversions in order to commit at least two break-ins where “cannabis items” were stolen.
In the early hours of January 12, 2025, officers responded to a series of break-and-enters at businesses across Windsor. The break-and-enters occurred at four properties: the 2600 block of Temple Drive, the 3400 block of Etienne Boulevard, the 3000 block of Walker Road, and the 800 block of Foster Avenue.
In each incident, suspects used a vehicle to ram into the businesses but made no attempts to enter the premises or steal items.
A short time later, the same vehicle was used for a break-in at a business in the 4100 block of Walker Road, where four suspects used a crowbar to gain entry and steal various cannabis products. The suspects then targeted another business a short drive away in the 300 block of Cabana Road, again using a crowbar to break in and steal cannabis items.
Members of the Windsor Police Target Base Unit launched an investigation and confirmed that the initial four break-and-enters were used as a diversion tactic to facilitate the subsequent crimes.
Through the investigation, officers identified 54-year-old Ilija Josic as one of the suspects.
On January 16, 2025, officers arrested Josic at a residence in the 1400 block of Pillette Ave. A subsequent search turned up $3,000 worth of cannabis-related products and a crowbar believed to be used in the crimes.
Josic has been charged with the following:
- Break-and-enter to a place other than a dwelling (x 2)
- Wearing a disguise to commit an offence (x 2)
- Mischief over $5,000
- Mischief under $5,000 (x 3)
- Possession of break-in tools (x 2)
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Breach of probation
