Toronto, ON – February 17, 2026 – Toronto police are investigating an incident at Rebel nightclub where two individuals were apprehended on Monday morning, accused of stealing multiple smartphones. The successful capture is thanks to a proactive security initiative implemented by the nightclub, utilizing Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Rebel nightclub announced the incident on their social media channels, detailing how their security personnel identified two suspects in possession of stolen phones concealed within an RFID-blocking pouch. The suspects were apprehended around 1:30 a.m. and subsequently turned over to the Toronto Police 51 Division.
“The pickpockets were turned over to Toronto Police 51 Division and arrested. The recovered phones are now with police as they work to return the devices to their rightful owners,” the club stated in their post. This incident highlights the growing concern of pickpocketing at large events and the innovative solutions being employed to combat it.
According to Rebel, this operation was part of a planned internal effort to “spot, track, bait and stop” thieves. The nightclub expressed its frustration with recent pickpocket incidents, emphasizing their commitment to guest safety. “Our team is trained to respond quickly to concerns, and we continuously review our procedures to help prevent incidents and protect our guests. This includes adding new systems designed to catch thieves, one of which proved effective last night,” they explained.
Rebel encourages all patrons to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. “We encourage all guests to stay aware of their surroundings, keep personal belongings secure, and report any suspicious activity to our staff or security team immediately.”
In a statement to CP24, Toronto police confirmed the ongoing investigation but declined to provide further details, including whether charges have been laid. The process for returning the recovered phones to their owners remains unclear at this time.
This incident underscores the importance of security measures at entertainment venues and the potential of RFID technology in deterring theft. As reported by CBC News, concerns about theft at large gatherings are increasing, prompting venues to invest in advanced security systems. The use of RFID-blocking pouches is also becoming increasingly popular among consumers seeking to protect their personal information and devices. You can learn more about RFID protection at The Federal Trade Commission’s website.
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