Three men and two teens face a total of nearly two dozen charges in connection with multiple home-invasion robberies in North York that police said were escalating in violence.

According to investigators, sex-trade workers in the Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue area were targeted between December and February.

Police said victims were assaulted as guns were pointed at them.

A number of replica weapons, a handgun and property have been recovered as a result of search warrants executed in connection with the case.

Police did not provide details on where the warrants were executed.

In a release issued Monday afternoon, police said five suspects – all from Toronto –had been charged in connection with the case.

Alcott Wiafe-Baaye, 19, is charged with armed robbery, disguise with intent and failure to comply with probation.

Eighteen-year-old Semaon Kidane faces charges including two counts of armed robbery, disguise with intent, and five counts of firearm possession.

Peter Chin, 18, is charged with robbery while armed with a knife.

Two males - one 17 and the other 15 - have also been charged. Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All suspects were scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).