String of 16 ‘brazen’ restaurant break-ins in Hamilton lead to arrest

A man is in custody following a string of “brazen” restaurant break-and-enter in Hamilton.

“In a persistent surge of commercial break-ins, Hamilton has experienced a concerning increase in incidents specifically targeting family restaurants, prompting heightened levels of concern and urgency for investigators,” Hamilton Police said.

They report a burglar used a rock to smash the front windows of 16 establishments and gain entry since the middle of December. Police did not say which businesses were hit. Following a “swift” and “comprehensive” investigation, they arrested a suspect they believe is involved.

“Our officers’ diligent efforts have successfully identified a suspect linked to at least 16 of these brazen break-ins, bringing a sense of relief to affected businesses and the community at large,” police said.

Investigators raided an Ancaster home on Jan. 24 and arrested Joey Robert Hudson, 44, on a collective 64 charges. He faces 165 counts each of break and enter, disguise with intent, disobeying a court order and breaking probation.

Despite the significance of the arrest, police stressed they are still investigating these and other incidents. “Detectives are dedicated to thoroughly investigating every aspect of these incidents and encourage the public to come forward with any additional information,” they wrote.

Anyone with information can call police at 905-540-6327 or 905-546-2991, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).