Annual Report-2009-Cover.indd - York Regional Police

his accomplices to bypass the truck’s security
system during the theft. In addition, he was
related to members of the Quebec group. That’s
when York Regional Police reached out to our
colleagues at the Sûreté du Québec and initiated
a joint-forces operation called Project Garda.
Officers discovered suspects were living
incredibly extravagant lifestyles following the
theft. They were enjoying lives now filled with
fine food and expensive liquor, exotic vacations,
high-end jewelry, vehicles and boats and nights
on the town that included bar tabs of $3,500.
The ongoing investigation revealed another
chilling fact – the suspects were planning a
second robbery with an escalated level of
violence. In the interest of public safety,
the Project Garda team moved to arrest the
suspects immediately.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2009, a series of predawn
raids were conducted simultaneously in
Toronto and Montreal.
Seized property included five high-end cars and
three boats worth more than $300,000, a variety
of other luxury items and $600,000 in cash,
including $300,000 hidden in a suitcase behind a
washing machine and $180,000 found in a gym
bag hanging on a closet door.
Two men arrested during the raids later pleaded
guilty before the Ontario Court of Justice
to charges including Theft Over $5,000 and
SEATBELT SAFETY
In support of the annual provincial Spring
Seatbelt Campaign in April 2009, #2 District
officers conducted spot checks along the
entrance and exit ramps of Highway 7 along the
southern border of Richmond Hill, Thornhill
and Markham.
To achieve the highest visibility, police officers
focused their efforts on peak commuting hours
and typical school drop-off times. On one day
alone, more than 1,000 vehicles passed through
the temporary safety lanes set up at the ramps
between 9th Line and Dufferin Street. Officers
were pleased to note 99 per cent of drivers and
passengers were in compliance with the seatbelt
laws.
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence. A
third man was also convicted of Conspiracy to
Commit an Indictable Offence in relation to the
planned robbery. The accused were sentenced to
prison terms ranging between seven months and
five-and-a-half years.
The efforts of the 19-person investigative
team and the excellent cooperation between
agencies exemplified the York Regional Police
value of teamwork. York Regional Police team
members were proud to accept the 2009 Police
Appreciation Night Excellence in Policing
Award for their work on Project Garda.
I am a senior Canadian and wish to express my thanks to Constable David Rallis for helping me fix my punctured tire.
I was totally exhausted at that moment. Words cannot describe how grateful and appreciative I am for such timely
help.
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