Police say break-and-enter suspects were in Canada for 'purpose of committing criminal offences'

Police released the images of five suspects who are allegedly responsible for six break and enters across the Greater Toronto Area. (York Regional Police)

Five Chilean nationals who police believe were in Canada for “the purpose of committing criminal offences” have been charged in connection with half a dozen break-and-enters across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

York Regional Police said they were conducting an investigation into a group of suspects allegedly responsible for a string of break and enters across York and Peel regions as well as Toronto.

At around 7:50 p.m. last Friday, Dec. 13, officers said the accused broke into a home in the area of Avenue Road and Wilson Avenue.

Police said the same group then tried to break into a second home in the area of Indian Road and Woodeden Drive, roughly a half-hour drive away in Mississauga.

According to police, the accused returned to a rental property in Oakville, located in the area of Burnhamthorpe Road and Eternity Way.

Officers followed one of the suspects to a gas station, where they arrested him.

"As investigators were getting ready to execute a search warrant, four additional suspects fled the residence and were taken into custody with the assistance of the Halton Regional Police Service," the release issued Friday reads.

After investigators conducted their search warrant, they said they recovered an undisclosed number of valuables and jewelry. However, investigators said they are still working to process all of the evidence due to the number of items recovered.

They added that they were able to connect the accused to six break and enters.

“Investigators believe the accused to be in the country for the purpose of committing criminal offences,” the news release notes. “Investigators are releasing their photos as they believe there may be additional victims.”

Five men between the ages of 27 and 39 are facing numerous charges, including break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime and disguise with intent.

Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.