A joint investigation between Chatham-Kent police and OPP has led to several arrests involving drugs, guns and stolen vehicles.
Prompted by a rash of property crimes and break and enters in recent months, the C-K Police Service’s Intelligence Unit teamed up with Elgin-Middlesex OPP’s Community Street Crimes Unit to probe a rise in theft. On March 26, officers executed search warrants in both jurisdictions. As a result, six people were arrested, charged with stealing multiple vehicles, illegal firearms, illicit drugs and the possession of other items of stolen property.
A search warrant at a property in Glencoe led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man. He’s now facing charges of failing to comply with a release order, several firearm charges and possession of methamphetamine.
Three women aged 34, 47 and 58 were also charged in the incident. All were released with future court dates.
Later in the day, officers searched a property on Victoria Road in Thamesville. There police discovered a “chop shop” where a stolen pickup was in the process of having its vehicle identification number (VIN) replaced. Stolen truck parts related to thefts from around Southwestern Ontario were also uncovered.
A quantity of hydromorphone, cocaine and fentanyl was also seized by police.
As a result, a 62-year-old man and a 39-year-old man are charged with possession of stolen property obtained by crime over $5,000. Both were released from custody and face future court dates.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may result. Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at (519) 352-1234 or the Elgin County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
