York police have laid additional charges against an accused already charged with 29 counts of Breaking and Entering in Newmarket last month, bringing the total to 37.
Between July 6 and July 12, police responded to eight more commercial break-ins in Newmarket. James Hastings, 33, of no fixed address, was identified as the suspect. When arrested, Hastings was in possession of cocaine, Constable Maniva Armstrong said in a statement.
In June, York police received multiple reports of break-ins to businesses, mostly restaurants. Suspects would typically break into the businesses by smashing the glass, then entering and stealing various valuables. On June 20, Hastings was arrested in Newmarket. He was charged with 29 counts of Breaking and Entering linked to incidents in Newmarket and Richmond Hill.
Hastings has now been charged with an additional eight counts of Breaking and Entering, as well as Possession of Break and Enter Instruments, Possession of Cocaine and two counts of Failing to Comply with Court Order. At the time of these offences, he was before the courts on unrelated charges and bound by a court order.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Information can be provided by calling the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7142. Anyone wanting to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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