OPP remind motorists to lock vehicles after theft, card fraud case

An undated image of generic credit cards. (File photo/CTV News)

Ontario Provincial Police say two local men face multiple charges after stolen credit cards were used at several businesses in Fort Frances.

At about 1 p.m. on May 21, OPP received a complaint that a wallet was stolen from a parked vehicle on Riverview Drive.

“The owner’s cards were used at several businesses,” police said in a news release.

OPP said officers obtained transaction times and identified suspects using store security footage.

As a result, a 46-year-old local man and a 22-year-old local man are each charged with two counts of fraud, using a credit card obtained by crime and possession of property obtained by crime.

The 46-year-old is also charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and failing to comply with a probation order. The 22-year-old also faces five additional fraud charges.

Both accused were held in police custody pending bail hearings on May 29.

Tips for vehicle owners

Provincial police used the incident to remind residents to take proactive steps to deter opportunistic thieves. The OPP advised all vehicle owners to:

• Always lock your vehicle, even if parked in your driveway.
• Never leave keys or key fobs inside the vehicle.
• Remove all valuables from plain sight.
• Park in well-lit areas when possible.
• Report any suspicious activity to police immediately.

Recent area patrols find unsecured vehicles

Members of the OPP Rainy River Detachment were proactively patrolling the region on May 28 and officers said they found several unsecured vehicles with valuables left in plain sight.

“Don’t make it easy for thieves - lock your doors, remove valuables, keep keys and fobs out of sight and never leave your vehicle running unattended,” OPP said in a social media post.

“It only takes seconds for a thief to act, but it also only takes seconds to prevent it.”