Two men are facing dozens of charges after a string of break-ins at numerous businesses in Ajax and Whitby earlier this year.
According to Durham Regional Police, an investigation was launched after officers responded to an Ajax-area pawnshop for reports of property damage. When officers arrived, they discovered several windows at the business had been smashed.
Police then determined that 15 businesses in the area had sustained similar property damage, including a bank, cannabis dispensary and coffee shop.
Police also allege the same suspects are responsible for similar damage at businesses in Whitby.
On July 7, police executed a search warrant at a home in Oshawa and arrested one suspect. During the search, police seized two stolen motorcycles, a modified flare gun capable of firing ammunition, an extendable baton, several dealership keys and ammunition.
The following day, police arrested a second suspect wanted in connection with the break-ins.
Matthew Gerald Pidgeon-Wallace, 31, of Oshawa, and Kody David Burgess, 35, of Pickering, are facing numerous charges as a result.
Pidgeon-Wallace is facing 40 charges, including 17 counts of mischief under $5,000, six counts of possessing a firearm while prohibited, and three counts of break and enter, among other offences.
Burgess was charged with six counts of mischief under $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, break-and-enter, and theft of a motor vehicle.
The charges have not been tested in court.
