Toronto Police have launched a website to help reunite theft victims with their stolen property taken during a series of break-ins from Dec. 2013 to Aug. 2014.
The investigation into the crimes, called Project Yellowbird, uncovered a large criminal organization arranging break-ins throughout Toronto’s high-end neighbourhoods. As a result of the investigation, nine people have been charged.
In a press conference, Det. David Zajak said the Project Yellowbird website was launched on Tuesday, following the cataloguing over 4,000 stolen items. The items include cars, laptops, a 150 year-old Bible and a watch estimated to be worth $400,000.
Police estimate the total value of the stolen goods to be at least $5 million.
“None of the owners have received their items back yet,” Zajak said. “We ask them to produce receipts, maintenance work on some of the higher end items and photos. We also have police reports, so we can match up with what they stated was stolen to what they’re claiming now.
“Our intent is to be as reasonable as possible, but to be dilligent to make sure the right people get their property back.”
A 150 year-old Bible is just one of over 4,000 stolen items that Toronto Police have recovered. Photo provided by Toronto Police Service.
In addition to the stolen property, 23 high-end cars were also stolen by the same theft ring. All of those cars have been returned to their rightful owners.
Victims are encouraged by police to register for Project Yellowbird and recover their stolen property here.