Peel Regional Police investigators from the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have released a suspect description following the theft of rare collectible coins and banknotes worth more than $1 million from the owner of Vancouver’s J&M Coin and Jewellery last month.
Peel police said the suspect is described as male with an olive complexion, heavy build, an age of 35 to 45 years and a balding hairline.
Joe Iorio, owner of J&M, flew into Toronto from Vancouver on Sept. 26 to attend a coin show later that week in downtown Toronto. After leaving Pearson International Airport, Iorio told Canadian Coin News he went to the Monte Carlo Inn Airport Suites at 7035 Edwards Blvd., near Derry Road, in Mississauga. He parked near the hotel lobby area to check-in.
In a press release, Peel police said Iorio parked his motor vehicle in the hotel parking lot. “At approximately 1 p.m., the suspect gained entry into the motor vehicle and stole two bags containing a quantity of collectible coins and bank notes from within it. The total value of items stolen is estimated at $1.3 million.”
VIDEO EVIDENCE
Surveillance video footage with clips of the suspect can be viewed below.
$200,000 REWARD
This 1882 $5 note issued by the Bank of Montreal is another missing item.
Iorio is offering a $200,000 reward for the return of “at least 75 per cent” of the stolen coins and banknotes. A complete list of the stolen items can be viewed here, at canadiancoinnews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/10/JMStolenListNEW.pdf.
“I just want my inventory back and I am willing to pay a good reward for its return,” Iorio recently told CCN.
Additional images of the stolen material can be seen here.
Investigators are appealing to the public for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, have dashboard video footage of the incident or who may have any other information regarding the incident or the suspect of this theft. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators with the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453-2121 (extension 1233).
Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477); by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca; or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word “PEEL” and then the tip.