Video: Drones used in theft suspect arrests in Oshawa

Durham Regional Police have released video of their use of drones to take down the three theft suspects at the Oshawa Bell Cable Yard last weekend.

Investigators say three men broke into the yard at 1235 Boundary Rd. in the city’s south end. The trio was allegedly trying to steal copper wiring.

When police learned of the break-in, they launched their “Remote Piloted Aircraft System” drone. They said shortly after they monitored the heist through the drones.

The three suspects tried to escape the yard but were arrested before they could leave, investigators claim. Theses suspects include;

• Miklos Horvath, 30 of Toronto
• Sandor Kiss, 27 of Toronto
• Norbert Szeles, 23 of Etobicoke

All three have been charged with break-and-enter, theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and possession of break-in instruments. They remain in custody until a bail hearing.

Days after announcing the break-in, police released the drone footage. Through thermal imaging, the drone captured three men seemingly hiding behind the building and some parked vans. As police advanced to their positions with weapons drawn, the trio surrendered.

The DRPS Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Drone assists members of Central West Division to take down three suspects who broke into a commercial business. pic.twitter.com/TMm33ZQS6F

— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) March 14, 2024

Durham police have been using drones in this way for several years. They bought their first drone in 2016 primarily to track down missing person and for forensic identification.