Markham man charged after $400,000 in construction equipment stolen in Clarington

A man from Markham has been charged with numerous offences following the recovery of $400,000 worth of stolen construction equipment.

Durham Regional Police launched an investigation into the stolen equipment in December. In the course of the investigation officers with the East Division Community Response Team, which patrols Clarington, raided two properties.

During the search warrant-approved raids, the officers found eight stolen construction vehicles including excavators, skid steers and tractors. All pieces of equipment had fake vehicle identification numbers (VIN) applied.

Police believe the vehicles were in the midst of being trafficked when they were recovered.

Ramki Sasithasan, 33 of Markham, will remain in custody until a bail hearing on charges of;

• five counts of possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000,
• four counts of trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000,
• two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• three counts of possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000,
• two counts of alter/destroy/remove VIN,
• two counts of False Pretences, and
• failure to comply with a release order.

Anyone with information pertinent to the case can call Cst. Peddle at 905-579-1520 ext. 3734 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).