In August 2025, the Hamilton Police Service Break, Enter, Auto Theft and Robbery (B.E.A.R.) Unit launched an investigation into a group targeting and stealing high-end vehicles, primarily Lexus models, in Hamilton and surrounding areas. The investigation was dubbed Project Flintstone.
On October 8, 2025, members of the Hamilton Police executed two search warrants — one at a Hamilton residence and another at an apartment building in the city’s east end — along with several vehicle searches connected to this criminal operation.
During the searches, officers recovered evidence related to vehicle thefts, including sophisticated electronic devices used to bypass vehicle security systems.
As a result of the investigation:
Waleed Khan, 18, of Hamilton, was arrested and charged with over 30 offences related to the theft of motor vehicles.A 17-year-old male youth, also from Hamilton, was arrested and charged with over 40 offences, including 12 counts of failing to comply with previous release orders.A 22-year-old male from Hamilton was arrested and charged with 2 offences related to motor vehicle theft.
Both Waleed KHAN and the male youth were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The offences relate to nine vehicles stolen in Hamilton and St. Thomas. Investigators believe this group is responsible for many more thefts, and none of the vehicles have yet been recovered.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Detective Shaun Fennessy of the Hamilton Police Service B.E.A.R. Unit at 905-546-3849 or Detective Staff Sergeant David Brewster at 905-546-2991. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton’s Website..
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