Man already on probation charged with attempted auto theft

An undated image of Sault Ste. Marie Police Service vehicle. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

A 28-year-old man already on probation is facing multiple charges after Sault police say they observed him attempting to break into vehicles in the city’s downtown core early Thursday morning.

“Officers patrolling the 100 block of Bay Street saw the accused looking into the windows of multiple vehicles and pulling on door handles in attempts to enter them,” the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said in a news release.

The man was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Charges laid, accused released

A man has been charged with one count of attempted theft from a motor vehicle and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

The accused was released from custody on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 10.

Recent surge in vehicle thefts

In a separate news release on the date of the incident, Sault police reported a recent increase in vehicle thefts in the city, with five incidents happening on a single street on Wednesday evening alone.

Police are urging residents to park in well-lit areas and to never leave valuables in their vehicles. If valuable items must be left in a vehicle, police said to not leave them in a visible area or put them in the trunk.

To report vehicle thefts, mischief or damage caused to a vehicle and other crimes in Sault Ste. Marie individuals can submit an online report, call the non-emergency line at [phone] or walk in to either police location.