Hamilton police charge 2 after seizing LEGO and reported stolen rifle

Hamilton police have charged two men following an investigation into commercial break-ins. Police say they recovered suspected stolen property, including more than $13,000 in LEGO products, power tools and a rifle reported stolen, after arrests on November 4, 2026.

The BEAR Unit began investigating in September after a Waterdown hardware store was broken into. Police said the store was extensively damaged and DeWalt tools and other merchandise were stolen. The suspects wore disguises and used a stolen truck, police said.

Investigators linked the suspects to other break-ins across Hamilton, Niagara Region and Whitby. Police believe they used several stolen vehicles, switched licence plates and repainted some vehicles to avoid detection.

On November 4, investigators preparing to search a Dickenson Road property received information about another break-in nearby. Officers went to a vacant commercial property and arrested two men inside, police said.

Property recovered

Police said the search also turned up a large quantity of Pokémon cards and more than $10,000 in powersports equipment, including helmets. They recovered a Trek bicycle reported stolen from the Jerseyville Road area in January 2025 and a loaded Ruger bolt-action rifle reported stolen in Niagara in August 2026.

Charges and appeal

Jason McIntosh, 51, was charged in connection with the November 4 break-in and earlier incidents under investigation, as well as breaches of his release conditions. His charges include three counts of break and enter to commit theft, one of break and enter with intent, 11 of failing to comply with a release order, two of motor vehicle theft and three of operation while prohibited.

He also faces charges of possession of property obtained by crime over and under $5,000, theft over and under $5,000, two counts of disguise with intent and two of possession of burglary tools.

Police said McIntosh was previously charged in connection with the alleged theft of 38 bronze flower vases from a Hamilton cemetery in April 2026. He was released on bail with an ankle monitor at that time. The second man arrested on November 4 was charged with break and enter and released on an undertaking.

The investigation continues. Police believe others were involved and are examining links to additional break-ins. Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Pat Root of the BEAR Unit at 905-540-6327 or Detective Staff Sergeant David Brewster at 905-546-2991.