Man arrested in $6,500 theft, merchandise recovered

Source: Sarnia Police Service.

A man has been arrested after a theft worth more than $6,500 in Sarnia.

On Saturday around 4:30 p.m., police were called to the incident at a Northgate store in the 500 block of Exmouth Street. Police were told the suspect was wearing a facemask and had stolen gift cards and medical supplies before driving away northbound on Colborne Road.

The vehicle was quickly found and stopped on Indian Road. The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was arrested.

A seizure resulted in a big quantity of razor blades, gift cards, gum, and other items. Police said electronic devices with the purpose of bypassing store security systems were also found.

As the investigation continued, police learn the suspect was on release from similar crimes in Halton and Toronto. The release said the man was prohibited from going to specific retail stores and that was violated in the Sarnia incident. It was also discovered that a similar theft took place earlier in the day in Brights Grove, but it wasn’t reported to police.

A 41-year-old Richmond Hill man is facing charges for theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, disguise with intent, and two counts of failure to comply with a release order.

“We are increasingly seeing organized retail theft targeting our local businesses,” said Chief Derek Davis of the Sarnia Police Service.

“These individuals often target specific items that are in turn re-sold through unscrupulous businesses or on the street. Immediate reporting, coupled with a quick and coordinated response by SPS patrol officers resulted in an arrest and the recovery of the stolen property.”