Date: August 28, 2026
Reporter: Kim White
A 49-year-old man from Mississauga is facing nearly 40 criminal charges following a multi-jurisdictional investigation into the alleged theft of clothing, cosmetics and personal accessories from major retailers across several regions of Ontario.
Peel Regional Police say the investigation began in April and focused on a prolific offender believed to be connected to at least 38 theft-related incidents involving retail outlets across Peel, Halton, Durham, Hamilton, York and Niagara regions. Police identified the accused as Anthony Orlando Monteith, who was arrested on June 19.
Following his arrest, Monteith was charged with 24 counts of theft under $5,000 and 14 counts of possession of property obtained by crime, bringing the total number of charges to 38.
Police Investigate Retail Theft Across Multiple Regions
According to Peel police, investigators began examining a series of thefts involving clothing and accessories from major retail stores across the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions.
The investigation eventually identified Monteith as a person police believed was responsible for numerous incidents.
The alleged offences were not limited to one municipality. Investigators linked the suspected theft activity to retail locations in Peel, Halton, Durham, Hamilton, York and Niagara regions.
The multi-jurisdictional nature of the investigation highlights the challenges faced by retailers and law enforcement agencies dealing with organized retail theft that crosses municipal boundaries.
Search Warrants Recover $35,000 in Merchandise
After Monteith's arrest, investigators obtained and executed search warrants at residences in Mississauga and Welland.
Police say the searches resulted in the recovery of approximately $35,000 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise. The recovered items included clothing, cosmetics and personal accessories.
The seizure provides investigators with additional evidence as they continue examining the suspected thefts and determining whether the recovered merchandise can be connected to specific retail incidents.
Police Expect More Charges
Despite the 38 charges already laid, investigators say their work is not finished. Peel Regional Police stated that officers are continuing to investigate other offences in which Monteith may be a suspect.
Police also anticipate that additional charges could be laid as the investigation progresses. The ongoing investigation could potentially involve additional retail locations, incidents or stolen property that have not yet been fully connected to the accused.
Growing Concern Over Organized Retail Theft
The case comes amid continued concern among retailers and law enforcement agencies about organized retail theft.
Retail theft can impose significant financial costs on businesses, particularly when stolen merchandise is taken in repeated or coordinated incidents.
Clothing, cosmetics and personal accessories can also be attractive targets because they are relatively easy to transport and may be resold.
Investigations involving multiple jurisdictions can require police agencies to coordinate information, evidence and intelligence in order to establish connections between separate incidents.
Accused Faces Criminal Charges
Monteith is facing the charges as an accused person, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Under Canadian law, an accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Police say their investigation remains active, and officers are continuing to examine offences in which Monteith may have been involved.
The recovery of the merchandise and the extensive number of alleged theft incidents will form part of the evidence considered as the case proceeds through the justice system.
Investigation Remains Active
Peel Regional Police have not indicated that the investigation is complete. With officers continuing to examine additional offences and anticipating further charges, the case could expand beyond the 38 charges already laid.
For now, investigators are focused on determining the full scope of the alleged retail theft operation and identifying any additional incidents connected to the accused.
The recovery of $35,000 in merchandise from properties in Mississauga and Welland marks a significant development in the investigation, while the 38 charges demonstrate the scale of the alleged activity being examined by police.