Who stole 1,500 lbs of fish from Thessalon Island?

OPP and Crime Stoppers seek information on a theft and mischief investigation near Thessalon.

Ontario Provincial Police and Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s assistance after vandals caused extensive damage to commercial fishing equipment and stole approximately 1,500 pounds of fish from a remote island in northern Ontario.

Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District released details of the incident on Friday, appealing for tips to help solve the case.

Authorities said that the investigation began after the vandalism was discovered on Thessalon Island, located about five kilometres from the Town of Thessalon on the north shore of Lake Huron. Police believe the incident occurred sometime between March 1 and March 4.

OPP said the suspects cut twelve 100-yard commercial fishing nets, removing them from the water before cutting them apart further on land. The net anchors are also missing and are believed to have been thrown into the lake.

In addition to the destruction of the gear, a substantial amount of fish, about 1,500 pounds of whitefish and lake trout, was stolen from the scene.

“The fishing nets and fish are both valued at $5,000, for a total loss of approximately $10,000.00,” Crime Stoppers said in a news release.

Authorities are now turning to the public for help in identifying those responsible.

“Do you know who damaged this property?” asked OPP Const. Ashley Nickle, a program coordinator for local Crime Stoppers, in a related online video.

Anyone with information about the mischief and theft is asked to contact OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

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