Hamilton Police have arrested five individuals after a series of break and enters at jewellery store in Hamilton and across Ontario.
On November 17, 2025, Ancaster Jewellers was the victim of a break and enter in which more than $60,000 in merchandise was stolen.
Investigators determined that the group would pose as customers to scout jewellery stores in advance. The break and enters typically occurred overnight, with suspects using a crowbar to pry open doors and gain entry. While one suspect waited in a minivan used as the getaway vehicle, four to five others would enter the store and steal high-end watches, jewellery, and repair tools. Police believe the group targeted the same businesses multiple times, sometimes months apart.
Hamilton Police investigators identified an organized criminal group believed to be responsible for a series of jewellery store break and enters as part of an investigation dubbed Project Crowbar.
On December 12, 2025, members of the Hamilton Police Service Break Enter Auto Theft and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, with assistance from the Major Drugs and Major Gangs Units, executed two search warrants at Hamilton residences and searched multiple vehicles, including the minivan used in the offences. A large quantity of suspected stolen property was recovered, including a stolen BMW. Due to the volume of items seized, a full inventory is expected to take several days or weeks to complete.
Police believe this group is responsible for similar jewelry store break and enters in Brantford, Guelph, Niagara Region, Peel Region, Quebec, and other jurisdictions. The investigation remains ongoing.
As a result of these actions, five individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to the November Ancaster Jewellers break and enter:
- Silviu Moraru, 36-years-old, from Stoney Creek, who is also charged in connection with a second break and enter at H&Z Diamonds in Ancaster on December 11, 2025.
- Ion-Ciprian Constantin, 30-years-old, of no-fixed-address.
- Mircea Drezaliu, 36-years-old, of no-fixed-address.
- Ionut Stroe, 25-years-old, from Hamilton.
- Vasile Vasile, 36-years-old, from Brampton.
Hamilton Police will be opposing bail for all five accused.
The Hamilton Police Service BEAR Unit continues to work closely with the Peel Regional Police BEAR Unit, Brantford Police Service, Guelph Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Sûreté du Québec.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Carolyn Crnac at 905-540-6329 or Detective Staff Sergeant David Brewster at 905-546-2991.
To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
