Man arrested after allegedly stealing 80 fire extinguishers across Toronto
Police say extinguishers stolen from November 2023 to March 2025 and sold online
A Toronto man has been arrested after allegedly stealing more than 80 fire extinguishers from residential buildings across the city.
Toronto police said in a news release on Thursday that the fire extinguishers were stolen between November 2023 and March 2025 and sold on online platforms.
"By removing essential fire safety equipment, the accused is alleged to have endangered residents and the general public by leaving them without a critical means of protection in the event of a fire," police said.
A 41-year-old man has been charged with 14 counts of theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property, six counts of mischief, 15 counts of common nuisance, and 15 counts of a probation breach.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges could be laid.
Officials are reminding building supervisors to ensure their fire extinguishers are available and inspected regularly.
Anyone with more information is being asked to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers.