Project Wholesale Targets Organized Retail Theft in Aurora and Newmarket

The York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau is undertaking proactive enforcement throughout the summer to combat organized retail theft in towns of Aurora and Newmarket.

Project Wholesale launched on June 1, 2026, and will continue until September 1, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce financial losses for retailers, enhance safety and security and address the growing impact of organized retail crime in the community.

Using a data-driven approach, York Regional Police crime analysts and investigators are working together to identify and disrupt organized theft groups operating in not only Aurora and Newmarket, but across York Region. High-risk retail locations have been identified through a combination of historical trends, retailer intelligence, police data and active investigations.

Retail theft has evolved from isolated, low-level incidents into a sophisticated and organized criminal enterprise. These offences contribute to significant financial losses for businesses and affect the safety and sense of security of both retailers and consumers.

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.

Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.