The Toronto Police Service (TPS) is investigating an attempted break-and-enter after suspects used an excavator to smash the roof of a bank and badly damage a plaza in Scarborough overnight.
TPS confirmed with CityNews that officers were called to the Scotiabank at 305 Port Union Road in the Lawson Road and Fanfare Avenue area just before 3 a.m. on Monday.
The excavator was abandoned at the scene, and no one managed to get into the bank. Photos show the plaza’s roof, where the bank is located, significantly damaged, along with a convenience store.
A nearby business owner tells CityNews he received a phone call early on Monday morning regarding the incident.
“One of the suppliers came, and he called me and said, ‘What’s happening in your plaza? There are a lot of police there.’ I see the roof fell,” said Sridhar. “I don’t know what’s going to happen now.”
The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival, and authorities are treating the incident as an attempted break-in. Police said it’s unclear how the suspects got access to the excavator.
Graeme Sperber, the plaza’s owner, says structural engineers will remain at the scene until further notice.
“We have to make sure the scene is safe. We have temporarily closed it off. It’s going to be a week or so before we can access the store,” said Sperber. “It’s really devastating for the convenience store, for everyone, in fact. All of the stores are impacted by this.”
No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.