$150K in stolen property recovered, 55 charges laid against Sarnia organized crime group

An image of seized suspected stolen property including bicycles, power tools, and more (Source: Sarnia Police Service)

Eight people are facing 55 criminal charges in a lengthy investigation that Sarnia police say resulted in search warrants throughout the city.

According to police, following the search of a residence on Feb. 27 on Cobden Street, an investigation called ‘Project Bobcat’ saw a large crime group charged with a range of crimes.

Police say that the group stole tools and sports equipment from residents and retailers, as well as construction and landscaping equipment, and copper wire, and then trafficked the stolen property and weapons.

“This investigation was the culmination of tireless investigative efforts led by our SPS Intelligence Unit,” said Deputy Chief Ron Hansen, Sarnia Police “I commend all the officers involved for their work on this case and am glad to see the victims of these crimes see their cases resolved. Again we see the connectivity between perceived individual “minor crimes” and how they are often part of larger criminal activities.”

Police say that searches resulted the seizure of large caches of stolen tools, bikes, retail property and methamphetamine. Total value of the stolen property is estimated to be $150,000.

In 2024, police investigated wire theft and damage valued at approximately $280,000.