Man charged after series of break-ins in Sault Ste. Marie

An undated police image of a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service crest on the sleeve of an officer. (File photo/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)

A 51-year-old man is facing multiple charges following a series of commercial break-ins and a vehicle theft in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., between March and April.

First incident

911 operators received a report of a break and enter at a business in the 600 block of Second Line West at about 3:50 a.m. on March 11.

“An investigation revealed the accused broke into the business by damaging property with an object,” the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said in a news release.

Second break-in

Shortly before 6:30 a.m. on April 6 a 911 caller reported a break-in at a business in the 300 block of Great Northern Road.

“An investigation revealed the accused – while covering their face with a balaclava – broke into the business by damaging property with an object and stole the cash register and other merchandise,” said police.

Vehicle theft, attempted break-in

911 operators received a report of a vehicle stolen from a business in the 100 block of West Street at around 3:20 a.m. on April 8.

Police said their investigation identified the suspect as the accused.

A 911 call received shortly before 4 a.m. on April 9 reported of an attempted break and enter at a business in the 1000 block of Great Northern Road.

“An investigation revealed the accused drove the stolen vehicle into a garage door belonging to the business but did not gain entry,” said police.

Detectives located the accused and took them into custody on April 20.

Multiple charges laid

The man is charged with four counts of breaking and entering with intent to commit indictable offence, theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of possession of break-in instruments and disguise with intent.

Additionally, he is charged with four counts each of failing to comply with a probation order and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.