Suspect arrested, charged in smash-and-grab robberies that caused $100K in damage, theft loss: SPS

SURREY – A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged for his alleged role in a number of smash-and-grab robberies that happened in Surrey over a four-month period and resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damage and theft loss.

Surrey Police Service S/Sgt. Lindsey Houghton says Austin Hogan faces multiple charges in connection with the robberies that occurred at various Surrey electronics retailers between June and October 2026.

Police say the SPS Prolific Offender Unit launched an investigation in Sept. 2026 into a series of “smash and grab” robberies where electronics retailers and their staff were the targets of violent acts of theft; display cabinets were damaged, employees were assaulted, and thousands of dollars in goods were stolen.

The investigation paid dividends as Austin Thomas Romeo Hogan was arrested on Oct. 5, 2026. Crown prosecutors approved 17 charges against Hogan. At the time of his arrest, a loaded firearm was allegedly found in Hogan’s possession, S/Sgt. Houghton said. Firearms-related charges have also been approved by the BC Prosecution Service.

Police say Hogan has been charged with the following:

• 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.

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).