Three men face charges after 13 Mississauga and Brampton places of worship robbed

Three men are facing dozens of charges in connection with a rash of robberies that targeted cash donation boxes at north Mississauga and Brampton places of worship dating back to November.

Peel Regional Police arrested the three men, all of Brampton, yesterday (March 3) and are seeking a fourth suspect. Investigators say the suspect is known to them, and they’re seeking an arrest warrant.

Police say the charges relate to more than a dozen break-and-enters at temples and other places of worship in the Malton area of Mississauga and Brampton between last November and this month.

Police earlier described the incidents as “crimes of opportunity” and say they have no reason to believe, at this point, that the incidents are hate-motivated.

According to investigators, those responsible for the thefts gained access into buildings, proceeded to remove cash from donation boxes and then fled the area.

Numerous officers were assigned to the investigation, police say, adding the probe is still ongoing.

“There is no indication that these crimes are hate-motivated. However, all possible motives will continue to be considered as this investigation progresses,” police said in a release.

Jagdish Pandher, 39, Gursharnjeet Dhindsa, 31, and Parminder Gill, 42, all of Brampton, are each charged with 13 counts of disguise with intent and 13 counts of break, enter and commit an indictable offence.

All were scheduled to appear in Brampton court today (March 4) for bail hearings.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police at 905-453–2121, ext. 2133 or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.