Peel Regional Police Expand the B.E.A.R. Unit to Combat Crime and Enhance Community Safety Across More Areas in the Region.
October 6, 2026, Hyatt Place, Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario – At a well-attended press conference called by the Peel Police (PRP) in Mississauga today, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown offered a clear assessment of the current law-and-order situation in the Peel region.
‘We are witnessing a rise in retail crime in Peel. It’s extremely disturbing to learn about these incidents involving brazen thefts at Shoppers Drug Mart, smash-and-grab incidents at LCBO, organized thefts at major shopping plazas, or packages being stolen from porches,’ said Brown, who also serves on the Peel Police Service Board in addition to his role as mayor.
In response, Peel Regional Police announced the expansion of the Break, Auto and Retail Unit (B.E.A.R.).
Since its inception in the spring, the unit has made 53 arrests, laid 263 charges, and recovered over $1 million in stolen property related to retail theft, all under the B.E.A.R. initiative.
“What we are witnessing in Peel is something much more coordinated and sophisticated,” said Marc Andrews, Deputy Chief of Peel Regional Police. “It involves organized networks behind the stolen merchandise, exploiting loopholes, operating across jurisdictions, and generating significant profits at the expense of businesses, workers, consumers, and communities.”
The expanded B.E.A.R. Unit will encompass all divisions across Mississauga and Brampton.
“This is a true testament to Ontario as a community coming together to tackle a real and serious issue,” said Rui Rodrigues, Executive Advisor of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC). “The RCC represents the second largest workforce in Canada. The individuals working in retail—our brothers, sisters, spouses, and children—are facing unprecedented challenges, including violence, aggressive behavior, and theft, which also impacts government tax revenues. It’s truly a pressing problem.”
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner stated that the government remains committed to providing communities with additional police officers. Since he assumed his position in June 2022, Peel Regional has hired 850 officers.
“We are determined to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to combat crime, specifically organized retail crime,” Kerzner affirmed.
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