File: 26-100695 (SP)

The Prolific Offender Unit (POU) of Surrey Police Service (SPS) has arrested a 28-year-old man in an extensive investigation into a series of “smash and grab” robberies at various Surrey electronics retailers between June and October 2026.

In September 2026, SPS Prolific Offender Unit launched an investigation into a series of “smash and grab” robberies where electronics retailers and their staff were the targets of violent acts of theft in which it is alleged that display cabinets were damaged, employees were assaulted, and thousands of dollars in goods were stolen. The culmination of this work resulted in the BC Prosecution Services approving 17 charges against Austin Thomas Romeo Hogan. Hogan was arrested by SPS Frontline officers on October 5, 2026, and at the time of his arrest a loaded firearm was allegedly found in his possession. Firearms-related charges have also been sworn. 

The Criminal Code charges related to the alleged robberies include:

• 7 Counts of robbery;
• 4 Counts of theft over $5000;
• 1 Count of theft under $5000;
• 2 Counts of assault with a weapon; and
• 3 Counts of mischief.

The Criminal Code charges related to the alleged possession of the firearm at the time of Hogan’s arrest on October 5, include:

• 1 count of possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm without a licence;
• 1 count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
• 1 count of unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• 1 count of carrying a concealed weapon; 
• 1 count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
• 1 count of possession of a firearm while prohibited.

The estimated cost in stolen goods and damaged property to the Surrey retailers is approximately $100,000.

Austin Hogan is currently remanded in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

The investigation by the Prolific Offender Unit is continuing. Anyone with information about Austin Hogan and these incidents is asked to contact SPS’s non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-100695 (SP).