It's being dubbed "Project High Class."
An investigation by Toronto Police into residential break-ins that began last Fall has resulted in eight arrests over the weekend and $500,000 worth of stolen items recovered.
"At approximately 5:30 p.m. officers were in the area of Eglinton and Royal York Road when they observed a vehicle matching the suspect auto description. There were four occupants inside. Officers also observed a second vehicle, an Acura, being operated suspiciously, also in the same area. These vehicles were stopped, investigated, and the occupants were arrested. Officers recovered numerous items inside these vehicles including two-way radios, burglar tools, cell phones, clothing, and bags," explains Acting Inspector Joanne Rudnick.
War medals, wedding rings, diamond and pearl jewellery, coin and stamp collections, designer handbags and electronics were all on display at police headquarters.
"Of the 25 break-and-enters, 21 of them occurred in 22 Division which is south Etobicoke; south of Eglinton to the lake, Humber River over to the Peel border," says Rudnick.
She says the break-ins would be carried out morning, noon and night. "These people are a ring, we are calling them a ring. They are highly organized. They are targeting certain areas and neighbourhoods. They are working together in order to commit these crimes."
The recovered items are being posted on the Toronto Police Services website with the hopes of them being returned to their rightful owners.