Toronto police have arrested three young men, two of whom are only 16, in connection with a series of gunpoint robberies at TTC bus and subway stations.
Passengers had been swarmed and robbed of thousands of dollars of belongings in the crime spree that began last October, police said. Large revolvers were used in some robberies, but investigators said the weapons were fake.
"The victims were threatened and intimidated into surrendering various items of their personal property including clothing, cash, electronics, iPods and cellphones," Det. Sgt. Reuben Strobel said at a press conference on Thursday.
"In some cases they would actually be accosted and robbed right on a moving train. When the train stopped, (the victims) were told to stay on the train, and then the suspects would get off the train."
Some of the stolen property was sold on the street or on a variety of Internet web sites including eBay, police said.
Detectives have located 15 victims so far, but police say there are many more victims who haven't come forward because they feared reprisal from the attackers.
The investigation, dubbed Project Turnstile, also revealed the accused were behind a number of break-ins at homes and parked vehicles in the High Park area.
Officers recovered $20,000 worth of items in those thefts, including GPS units, satellite radios and car stereos.
Police also believe some victims there have not yet reported the crimes.
Victims are being asked to call 11 Division at 416-808-1106, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.222tips.com.
Officers arrested the three accused, a 20-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys, early Thursday morning at two houses in the west end.
The accused, who cannot be identified by law, face 50 charges of robbery, obstructing police, mischief, theft and possession of property obtained by crime. They were to appear in court on Friday.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Jim Junkin
