Teen Charged in Hanover Cannabis Store Break-In After Investigation Spanning Months & Multiple Jurisdictions
A 16-year-old faces several serious charges including wearing a disguise with criminal intent and participation in a criminal organization in connection with a September break-and-enter in Hanover.
A 16-year-old from the Peel Region has been charged in connection with a brazen overnight break-in at a Hanover cannabis retail store, marking a significant development in an investigation that has unfolded over several months and involved coordination between police forces in different regions.
The original incident occurred in the early hours of September 20, 2025, when Hanover Police were called to a cannabis outlet on 10th Street around 3:20 a.m.
Officers arrived to find that three masked individuals had forced entry through the front door and made off with more than $10,000 worth of cannabis products.
The entire theft took place in under five minutes, with the suspects fleeing the scene in a Chevrolet Malibu whose licence plates had been obscured with duct tape.
What followed was a months-long investigation involving digital forensics, surveillance video, and inter-agency cooperation. Investigators utilized security footage registered with CamSafe.ca, a voluntary community camera registry, and executed production orders to gather additional evidence.
Collaboration with detectives from Peel Regional Police proved crucial, Hanover Police noted in their arrest announcement.
On January 27, 2026, Peel Police arrested a 16-year-old male suspect. Hanover investigators took custody of the teen, who now faces several serious charges, including:
Break, Enter & Theft
Mischief Under $5000
Wearing a Disguise with Intent
Participation in a Criminal Organization
Possession of Break-in Instruments
The accused has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court in Walkerton.
Hanover Police also confirmed that cannabis products recovered during the investigation may be linked to other commercial break-ins across Ontario. These additional cases remain under investigation, and further arrests are expected.
Hanover Police Chief Christopher Knoll emphasized the value of video evidence in the case, crediting community cooperation through CamSafe.ca for helping advance the investigation.
“We continue to realize the investigative benefits of quick access to video footage from property owners, businesses and residents that have registered their cameras,” Knoll said.
As of now, police have not disclosed the identities of the remaining two suspects. The investigation continues.
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