3 Arrested, 150 Charges Laid Under Project Compass Police Release Online Images of Jewellery, Gold, Cash, Watches and Precious Metals
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
TORONTO: A major development has emerged in the Toronto Police Service investigation into alleged organized break-and-enters targeting high-end condominiums and residential units across the Greater Toronto Area.
Under Project Compass, police have recovered more than 2,500 suspected stolen items, with an estimated total value of approximately $1 million to $1.5 million CAD.
The recovered property includes gold, jewellery, luxury watches, cash, coins, precious metals and other valuable items. Police have arrested three people and laid a total of 150 charges. The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of identifying additional victims and laying further charges.
According to police, Project Compass began in September 2025, after the 14 Division Major Crime Unit identified a series of residential break-and-enter incidents allegedly targeting condominium units where large amounts of cash, gold, jewellery, coins and other valuables were believed to be stored.
During the investigation, police linked multiple incidents and expanded the investigation from Toronto to York Region and across the GTA. Media reports indicate that more than 30 residential locations were allegedly targeted, with total losses reported to be more than $1 million.
Police allege that the suspects posed as construction workers to gain access to residential buildings and target condominium units during daytime hours.
The charges announced by police include allegations of conspiracy, disguise with intent, break and enter, possession of proceeds of crime and possession of break-in instruments, among other offences.
As the matter is before the courts, the allegations against the accused have not been proven in court.
Police Launch Special Project Compass Property Portal
One of the most important aspects of the investigation for victims is that police have established a special Project Compass recovered-property portal to help return the recovered items to their rightful owners.
The online platform allows members of the public to view photographs of recovered property organized into different categories.
If someone believes they recognize an item as property that was stolen from them, they can submit an ownership claim. Investigators will then contact the claimant to verify ownership and obtain additional information.
More Than Just a Valuable Item — It Could Be a Family Memory
Police have also highlighted the human impact of residential break-ins.
A burglary does not only result in financial losses; it can also seriously affect a family’s sense of safety and security in their own home.
A family heirloom, a ring passed down through generations, a watch given by a parent or a collection of coins may have emotional value far beyond its monetary worth.
That is why Project Compass is not only focused on identifying those allegedly responsible, but also on returning recovered property to its rightful owners.
Was Your Toronto or GTA Home or Condo Broken Into?
If your home or condominium in Toronto or the GTA was broken into in recent years and gold, jewellery, watches, coins, cash or other valuables were stolen, police are urging victims to check the recovered-property images available through the Project Compass website.
If you recognize an item as yours, preserve any available proof of ownership, including:
- Purchase receipts
- Older photographs
- Serial numbers
- Insurance records
- Unique identifying marks or characteristics
- Other ownership documents
Simply recognizing an item in a photograph does not establish ownership. Police will review and verify submitted claims.
Investigation Continues
Toronto Police say the Project Compass investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be laid as more victims are identified.
Police have also acknowledged the assistance of the York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police in the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Toronto Police at:
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR GTA RESIDENTS
If you have experienced a condo or home break-in in Toronto or anywhere in the GTA, make sure to check the recovered-property images associated with Project Compass.
Your stolen property may now be in police custody — and something that has been missing for years could potentially be returned to you.
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