A routine traffic stop by Orangeville police on Monday night has resulted in the arrest of three people suspected of involvement in a theft ring operating in several southern Ontario communities.

When a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was stopped for speeding on Broadway at about 10 p.m., police discovered a veritable variety store of consumer goods, for which the truck’s three occupants were unable to provide receipts.

According to police, the items had an estimated value in excess of $6,700 and ranged from chewing gum, bottles of Tylenol and baby formula to pneumatic nail guns.

All three were arrested for possession of stolen property and the vehicle and contents were seized.

While each of the recovered items, in itself, may not be worth much, Police Chief Joe Tomei pointed out that theft rings dealing in such things fuel a huge underground market of stolen goods.

“This ring has been chased all over the GTA,” said Chief Tomei.

James Daryl McCaa, 56, of Toronto faces several charges including four counts of theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of cocaine, obstructing police and eight counts of breach of probation.

He was also charged in connection to an incident on April 7 when 14 bottles of vodka were stolen from an Orangeville LCBO store.

Karlene Alexander, 41, of Toronto faces four counts of possession of property obtained by crime and two of breach of probation.

Claudeth Hope Smith, 37, of Downsview, also faces four counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

At press time, the three accused were being held in custody pending bail hearings.

Anyone having further information concerning this incident is encouraged to call the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Orangeville Police Service at 519-941-2522 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) or online at www. sdmcrimestoppers. com. Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the crime may qualify the caller to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000