Break-ins and thefts at golf courses, including in Durham, lead to four people being charged – durhamradionews.com

Nearly $500,000 worth of stolen property is in the hands of York police following thefts from a number of golf courses, including in Durham.

The investigation began in August after break-ins and thefts totaling $1 million at courses in Durham, York and Waterloo regions and Simcoe County. Police have identified four suspects in the incidents.

On Wednesday, seven search warrants were executed at homes and storage facilities in East Guillimbury and Georgina. A large amount of stolen property was recovered, including 18 golf carts valued at nearly $200,000, golf clubs valued at over $100,000, rare Pokemon and Magic the Gathering trading cards valued at approximately $100,000, and DeWalt construction tools at value of $20,000.

Police also seized more than two kilograms of sweat, 86 grams of psilocybin, 28 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and cash.

The four people listed below face the following charges:

Andrew Skibinski, 36, of Keswick
• Trafficking in property obtained from crime
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Theft over $5000 x5
• Possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking
• Mischief under $5000 x3
• Interrupt and login
• Concealment with intent
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin
• Possession with intent to distribute – cannabis
• Possession of a weapon contrary to the order

Damien Russell, 41, from Keswick:
• Trafficking in proceeds of crime x2
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Theft over $5000 x5
• Possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking
• Mischief under $5000 x3

Austin Parnell, 19, of Vaughan
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

William Johnston, 48, from Keswick
• Possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of property obtained from crime
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

At the time, Skibinski was bound by a lifetime gun ban related to a previous, unrelated charge.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7341 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Photos courtesy of York Police