In a bizarre series of thefts that has shocked Peel Region, police have charged six individuals in connection with the theft of nearly $60,000 worth of butter and ghee from local grocery stores. This alarming rise in dairy product theft has led authorities to take swift action, launching a dedicated investigation to curb what appears to be a growing criminal trend in the area.
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A Sharp Increase in Butter Theft
Peel Regional Police (PRP) were first alerted to the situation in December 2024 after noticing a significant spike in butter thefts across local grocery stores. According to police, the thefts have surged by nearly 135% in just one year, with a staggering 180 similar incidents reported in 2024 alone. This drastic uptick prompted the creation of “Project Flaherty,” an initiative aimed at tackling the rise in butter and ghee thefts across the region.
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Six Suspects Charged in the Dairy Heists
On Wednesday, PRP announced the arrests of six individuals allegedly involved in the butter thefts. Three of the suspects—22-year-old Vishavjeet Singh, 23-year-old Sukmander Singh, and 28-year-old Dalwal Sidhu—have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime. The remaining three individuals—22-year-old Navdeep Chaudhary, 38-year-old Kamaldeep Singh, and 25-year-old Harkerat Singh—have been charged with theft under $5,000.
Police say that their investigation into the thefts is far from over. They are continuing to probe the businesses that may have been involved in receiving or selling the stolen dairy products.
A Growing Trend Across Ontario
This surge in butter thefts is not confined to Peel Region. Authorities have reported similar incidents across Ontario, with notable examples including a theft in Brantford where suspects made off with $1,200 worth of butter. The widespread nature of these crimes has raised concerns among law enforcement about an organized effort behind the thefts.
According to Scott Tracey, a spokesperson for the Guelph Police Service, there is growing evidence that stolen butter is being sold on an online black market. This illicit trade has only added complexity to the issue, as it makes it harder for authorities to trace and recover the stolen goods.
High Food Prices Fueling the Surge
Experts suggest that the rise in butter thefts may be tied to broader economic factors, particularly the ongoing increase in the cost of living and food prices. With many everyday items becoming more expensive, some individuals may be turning to theft as a means of coping with financial pressures. The high price of butter, in particular, has made it an attractive target for criminals.
As long as food prices remain elevated, experts warn that thefts of dairy products like butter and ghee are likely to continue, potentially escalating in the coming months.
Investigation Ongoing
Peel Regional Police are continuing to investigate the thefts, and authorities across Ontario are now on alert for similar incidents. With more arrests expected and efforts to dismantle any potential black market for stolen butter, the authorities are determined to bring an end to this increasingly strange and widespread criminal activity. As the investigation unfolds, the full extent of the butter heists in the region may become clearer, offering insight into the scope of this troubling trend.
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