Charges laid after heavy excavation equipment stolen from Perth County business

Isaac Rapien is back in business after his excavation equipment was stolen, but has since been recovered. Feb. 26, 2026. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

A Perth County man is facing more than a dozen charges after allegedly stealing construction equipment from a local business last weekend.

As reported previously by CTV News, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, heavy machinery, including a skid steer, float trailer, dump truck and mini excavator, were all stolen from an excavation business in the Town of Staffa.

For business owner Issac Rapien, his full-time job following the theft was finding his stolen equipment to get his business back up and running.

“It was shock at first, and then I just didn’t know what to do. I got a real big headache over the last couple days. Hadn’t really slept,” he told CTV News London’s Scott Miller after the theft.

On Feb. 25 and 26, Perth County OPP, the Huron-Perth Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU), Perth County Auto Theft Unit, Grey-Bruce CSCU, and Huron County OPP executed search warrants at a property in North Perth.

As a result of the investigation, a 50-year-old man of North Perth was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (eight counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
• Altering, destroying, removing a vehicle identification number (three counts)

Police say that because of the executed search warrants, all property from the theft was recovered and returned to its owner, including a dump truck, which was recovered in London.

Multiple other stolen items from thefts that occurred in surrounding areas, reaching as far as the Greater Toronto Area, were also recovered, police add.

Rapien credits police and the community with helping recover his stolen equipment.

“They mean everything. The community is great. My grandpa started this business, and then dad had his own business for a long time, and now I’m on my own. So, they supported him, and his kids, and now me as an adult, and hopefully some more kids here soon,” said Rapien.

The accused was held in custody and released following a show cause hearing on Feb. 27. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on March 30, 2026.

This investigation remains ongoing.

With files from CTV News London’s Scott Miller