BEAR Unit Recovers Nearly $1 Million in Stolen Property in Retail Theft Investigation

Friday, July 03, 2026

Region of Peel – Investigators from the 11 Division Break and Enter Auto and Retail (BEAR) Organized Crime Unit have arrested a suspect and recovered nearly $1 million in stolen property in connection with a shopping mall break-in in Mississauga.

Shortly after midnight on April 30, a masked suspect used tools to gain entry to a store at Square One Shopping Centre and stole high-value jewelry and clothing from multiple displays. The suspect fled on foot before stealing an unoccupied vehicle that had been left running nearby. The vehicle was recovered by patrol officers the following day.

Through extensive video canvassing and investigative efforts, investigators identified the suspect and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, recovering a significant quantity of stolen property.

As a result, Amir Nikbakht, a 41‑year‑old man from Mississauga, was arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing. He has been charged with the following offences:

· Possession of Break-In Instruments

· Disguise with Intent

· Theft of Motor Vehicle

· Weapons Dangerous

· Fail to Comply

· Breach of Probation

This investigation remains active and ongoing as investigators continue to identify additional victims and related theft occurrences.

While retail theft has remained consistent over the last 12 months, arrests and charges have increased more than 30 per cent.

This reflects how Peel Regional Police tailors its approach to combat crime impacting communities through strategic, intelligence-led enforcement efforts, including the BEAR Organized Crime Unit – launched in September 2025 to disrupt and dismantle organized retail theft networks operating across the region.

Looking ahead, the service will host the Retail Organized Crime Conference in October, bringing together law enforcement agencies, retail sector partners, and government partners to advance collaboration and develop a unified approach to disrupting organized retail crime that impacts our communities.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators with the 11 Division BEAR Unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 1102.

QUICK FACTS

Nearly $1 million in stolen property recovered from Mississauga shopping mall break-in
Since launch, the BEAR Organized Crime Unit has made 93 arrests and laid 577 charges.
Retails theft has remained consistent over the last 12 months, but arrests and charges have increased more than 30 per cent.

QUOTES

“Retail theft has a direct and significant impact on local businesses and the broader community. Incidents like this not only result in financial loss but undermine the sense of safety for those who live and work in our region. Our 11 Division BEAR Unit is a strong example of how we listen and adapt our response to emerging crime trends. Through proactive, intelligence-led policing, we are taking decisive action to disrupt organized retail crime and hold offenders accountable.”

- Deputy Chief Marc Andrews, Peel Regional Police

“We’re proud to support Peel Regional Police’s BEAR program and to be home to an on-site Peel Regional Police Community Sub-station at Square One. This combination of dedicated police resources along with our advanced surveillance systems and security team strengthen coordination, help deter crime, and support investigations. Together, we’re reinforcing a shared commitment to the safety of our retailers, employees, and the millions who visit Square One each year, while sending a clear message that organized retail crime has no place in our community.”

- Stephen Gascoine, Director and General Manager, Square One Shopping Centre

"What Peel Police is doing here is exactly what we need more of across the country. When we treat Organized Retail Crime like any other serious organized crime, we see real results: great collaboration, ORC networks dismantled, goods recovered, and communities made safer."

- Rui Rodrigues, Executive Advisor, Retail Council of Canada