A wave of thefts has shaken recreation centres and gyms across Durham Region, leaving authorities searching for those responsible and urging the public for assistance.
Police are actively seeking Eduard-Andrei Sandu, 35, of Toronto, and Irina-Georgiana Didei, 29, of North York, in connection with a series of locker break-ins at the Courtice Community Complex and the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex last December.
The pair allegedly targeted unsuspecting gym-goers, stealing wallets and bank cards before embarking on a spending spree, making high-value fraudulent purchases at various retail locations.
Sandu faces a staggering 16 charges of fraud under $5,000, alongside numerous other offences including possessing stolen credit cards, conspiracy, disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Didei is wanted for three counts of theft under $5,000, three counts of conspiracy, and two counts related to disguising her identity during the alleged crimes.
Separately, a swift arrest occurred earlier this month at a Planet Fitness on Durham Regional Highway 2, where an off-duty officer apprehended a man rummaging through gym bags and lockers.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Ravneet Gandhi from Brampton, was already known to authorities, having been previously banned from multiple gyms for similar theft incidents.
Gandhi now faces a lengthy list of charges, including multiple counts of theft, possession of stolen property, credit card offences, possession of counterfeit currency, and even drug possession – specifically cocaine – along with possessing identification documents belonging to another person.
He was immediately taken into custody and held pending a bail hearing, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Detectives are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the apprehension of Sandu and Didei, or provide further insight into these troubling incidents.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Det.-Sgt. Cronin of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch. Confidential tips can also be submitted anonymously through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
