Arrests Made in a Stolen Vehicle Dismantling Operation

Region of Peel - The Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, and 21 Division’s Criminal Investigation Bureau have arrested and charged four men in connection to a stolen vehicle-dismantling operation.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, a newer model Mercedez-Benz was stolen from a shopping plaza in Brampton. Investigators quickly tracked the vehicle down to the area of Netherhart Road in Mississauga, to an automotive shop with several other high end stolen vehicles which were in the process of being dismantled and destroyed.
Investigators located numerous stolen high end cars with their VIN numbers defaced, and large parts like engines throughout the auto shop and surrounding area. Stolen vehicles were being stripped of valuable parts, and the remainder of the vehicle’s body would be sent to a local metal recycling facility. The vehicle parts would then be sold for a profit.
A search warrant was executed on the auto shop the next day, leading to the discovery of more parts and equipment used to dismantle vehicles.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged;
• Raynor Bucknor, age 56 from Mississauga
• Washburn Ellott, age 54 from Brampton
• Kevin Thomas, age 53 from Milton
• And Steven Uka, age 60 from Etobicoke
All four men were charged with the following offences, for a total of 18 charges each.
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (X10)
• Tamper/Alter/Deface Vehicle Identification Number (X3)
• Mischief over $5000.00 (X4)
Investigators were able to identify 8 stolen vehicles as part of this investigation valued at $225,000.
Anyone with any information relating to this investigation is asked to the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau at 905-453-3311 extension 3313 or via email at [e-mail]
Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.
N/R: 24-113
Inc: PR240117819