Wheatley man charged with 18 ‘smash and grab’ break-ins

Ontario Provincial Police cruiser - File Image (OPP)

A 38-year-old Wheatley man has been charged after a lengthy break and enter investigation in Kingsville and Leamington.

Essex County OPP along with the Essex County Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) investigated 18 “smash and grab” break and enters that occurred at various businesses between Aug. 29, 2024, to Jan. 13, 2025.

As a result of the investigation, the man has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

Break, Enter a place - with intent to commit indictable offence (two counts)

Break & Enter commit Theft (sixteen counts)

Mischief Under $5,000 (sixteen counts)

Possession of Break-In Instruments (eight counts)

Disguise with Intent (fourteen counts)

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on June 27, 2025.

The Ontario Provincial Police can be contacted at anytime at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.