NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Since October 2022, detectives from the 1 District of St. Catharines and 2-District Niagara Falls, Street Crime Units (SCU) have been investigating a series of commercial break and enters.
The break and enters occurred in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. The businesses that were targeted include a gas station and 13 restaurants. In each of the incidents, the suspect used a large rock or brick to smash a glass window or door. The suspect would then enter the business and steal valuables and cash found within. During some of the incidents, the suspect fled to a waiting getaway car.
As a result of the investigation, detectives were able to identity two suspects. On Nov. 17, 2022, the suspects were both located and arrested in Niagara Falls. Property related to the investigation was located at the time of the arrest.
Matthew Scott Ryce, 44, of no fixed address has been charged with the following criminal offences:
- Break, enter commit - non-dwelling house – S. 348 1(b) CC (14 counts)
Hillary Mary-Lee Harris, 31, of Niagara Falls has been charged with the following criminal offences:
- Break, enter commit - non-dwelling house – S. 348 1(b) CC (two counts)
Harris was released from custody on a for 10 undertaking with a future St. Catharines court date of Feb. 3, 2023.
Ryce was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse on Nov. 18, 2022, in St. Catharines.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext.1024233.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
