Wanted person arrested following Dorchester thefts

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle is pictured in this file image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police | Photo credit: Bobb Barratt)

A wanted person has been arrested following a string of thefts in Dorchester.

On July 13 just before 5:30 a.m., Middlesex County OPP were called to a home on Catherine Street for a vehicle theft in Thames Centre.

Police said the suspect went onto the property overnight and allegedly took a black Ford Escape from the laneway.

A short time later, officers were receiving calls from residents in Dorchester, saying their vehicles were entered and stolen from overnight.

Just before 5:30 p.m. the same day, the stolen vehicle was found at a business on Highbury Avenue in London.

A 45-year-old London man was arrested and charged with:

• Two counts of theft of a motor vehicle
• Two counts of possession obtained by crime over $5,000
• Three counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Six counts of using a credit card
• Trespassing at night
• Six counts of failure to comply with a release order other than to attend court

“The accused has been identified as being involved in a pattern of multi-jurisdictional property crime offences, including thefts from motor vehicles, thefts of motor vehicles, and the fraudulent use of stolen credit cards, among other offences,” said Acting Det. Sgt. Mike Piunno.

“These offences have far reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate victims. Property-related crimes of this nature consume significant policing resources, contribute to rising insurance costs, undermine community safety, and result in increased financial burdens for members of the public. Strong police work that collaborates with neighbourhood policing services, as well as embraces participation and information from community members, leads to the arrest of those committing crime in our neighbourhoods.”