Arrest made as window smashing, break-ins continue in St. Lawrence area

May 11 2022, 4:11 pm

Residents have been complaining for weeks after a series of break-ins and smashed storefronts in The Esplanade and George Street South area. And police have announced that they’ve finally made an arrest.

In a May 11 press release, 51 Division – Toronto Police Service said that they’ve arrested Ian Cochran, 63, of no fixed address.

According to the release, on Thursday, May 5, at 5 am, a man in the in the Front Street East and Sherbourne Street area allegedly had a rock and was “attempting to smash the front window of a business but he was unsuccessful and left.”

However, a suspect seemingly returned to the same business a few days later on Sunday, May 8, at 4:20 am and a rock was apparently used as the front door was broken and alcohol was stolen.

On Monday, May 9, Cochran appeared in court virtually at College Park Courts and was charged with break and enter with intent, break and enter commit, and possession of property obtained by crime.

Police are currently asking to “speak to anyone who may have any further information pertaining to break and enters or suspicious incidents occurring in area.”

Residents and businesses raise concerns about crime and safety

Mansi Raturri, owner of Tacorrito on 263 King Street East, said that their store has has been broken into several times.

“My restaurant got its window smashed yesterday. About a couple weeks ago, a man stole money from our cash register,” Raturri stated in an email. “A few months ago, we had a break-in, too; a man stole our cash register, tablets and broke our door. ”

tacorrito

Mansi Raturri

“These issues have skyrocketed since the Novotel shelter was established,” continued Raturri.

Credit: Robbie Thompson/Facebook

People who live and work in the area have been posting photos of other businesses with doors or windows that are smashed or covered in cardboard.

Angry comments blame Mayor John Tory for not doing more to protect businesses and residents. They’re also blaming the controversial shelter that opened at 45 The Esplanade, stating that the neighbourhood has been going “downhill” since it opened in February 2021.

However, others are defending those who need safe places like the shelter.

However, Mathieu Gamache, who has lived in the area for nine years, blames the government for not providing more support for people in the shelter in order to maintain a “balance.”

“That openness has been abused by politicians,” he said. “I feel like that neighbourhood is being abused for their open mind and welcoming attitude.”

Even after the arrest, Gamache said that break-ins haven’t stopped. However, people are relieved to see the authorities taking action.

“The reaction is, ‘Finally, something is getting done,'” he said.

According to Toronto Police, patrols have increased in the area.

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