The mayor of Caledon, Ont., is speaking out after a local business was shot at for the second time in two weeks in what police say could be related to an ongoing series of extortions in the area.
“We have absolutely no tolerance and we will be working tirelessly to make sure that (these perpetrators) stay behind bars,” Annette Groves told CTV News Toronto during an interview.
The latest shooting at the business on Perdue Court, near Airport and Midfield roads, took place at around 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 6.
CTV News Toronto stopped by the transportation truck company and observed two of its front doors completely blown out, with bullet holes pocking the walls.
Police say they were also called to the address on Dec. 26 around 1 a.m. for a “targeted” shooting in front of the business. No injuries were reported.
No one was hurt in this latest incident, which investigators are also calling “targeted.”
“(We urge) community members to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to police,” Caledon OPP wrote in a post on X.
45+ extortion investigations in area since 2023
Ontario Provincial Police’s Caledon and Dufferin detachments say they’ve investigated more than 45 extortion cases since December 2023 in the region.
They say these crimes appear to follow a “pattern of extortion,” where victims in Caledon and Dufferin Courty receive phone calls or text messages threatening violence against them, unless a large quantity of money is handed over.
“The callers often demonstrate knowledge of the individual’s home or workplace and the offences appear targeted toward members of the South-Asian community,” the OPP said in a release.
Several properties damaged by gunfire
Police go on to say that throughout 2024 and 2025, they’ve investigated numerous weapons incidents where several properties in the Caledon and Dufferin County areas were damaged by gunfire.
“(We) believe these shootings are linked to threatening communications and extortion attempts,” they said.
Caledon’s mayor said these extortion attempts are scary and affect the whole community.
“(The victims of these crimes) are absolutely terrified. In fact, I spoke to someone this morning who is extremely terrified,” Groves said.
“They are concerned not just for their safety and their family’s safety, but they’re concerned for their employees as well.”
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre defines extortion as “unlawfully obtaining money, property or services from a person, entity or institution through coercion.”
Police are urging anyone who receives a threatening call or text message to report it immediately, adding that callers will use high-pressure intimidation tactics to solicit money from them.
“Do not reply to threatening messages or calls and block the originating number,” they said.
With files from CTV News Toronto’s Janice Golding
