February 1, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Peel Regional Police have arrested a 20-year-old man accused of carrying out a sweeping series of vehicle break-ins across Mississauga in late 2025, a major local law-enforcement source confirmed Sunday.
The suspect, Basil Ass’ad, was taken into custody on January 26, 2026, after investigators linked him through surveillance footage to dozens of offences reported in December 2025. Residents in the Kimbermount Avenue, Aquitaine Avenue, and Regents Terrace neighbourhoods reported a sharp rise in vehicle break-ins late last year, triggering a multi-month police response.
According to police charges filed against Ass’ad, he faces 48 counts of mischief over $5,000, reflecting the alleged scale of the damage to victim vehicles, along with two counts of theft over $5,000, five counts of theft under $5,000, and possession of stolen property.
Peel authorities also disclosed that Ass’ad is facing an additional charge of fraud under $5,000 after allegedly attempting to make a purchase with a stolen credit card thought to be taken during one of the break-ins.
The alleged crimes have raised concerns among Mississauga residents about personal property safety and sparked calls for increased neighbourhood vigilance. Surveillance footage and investigative leads were instrumental in pinpointing Ass’ad, who at the time of arrest was listed as having no fixed address.
Peel Regional Police — the primary policing service for Mississauga and Brampton and one of Ontario’s largest municipal forces have not yet publicly named any additional suspects, though investigators indicated the inquiry is ongoing.
Ass’ad was held in custody as he awaits a bail hearing, where the court will decide whether he should remain detained pending trial.