A determination to focus on solving an explosion of break and enters in the city had had some dramatic results.
The initiative resulted in 58 Criminal Code charges being laid against 14 different people. It also seized various items of stolen property through the execution of a Criminal Code Search Warrant. The warrant was conducted on a house in the 300 block of Main Street in North Bay on June 8.
Property recovered included a $3,000 bicycle, chain saws and hand tools.
A month ago at a North Bay Police Service Board meeting, Chief Scott Tod highlighted an increase in property related crime over the last year, specifically an increase in the break and enters.
A break and enter initiative was created led by Detective Constable Dave Wilson. The initiative identified four front line officers, two members of the street crime unit, and members of the services’ newly formed Alternate Response Unit.
These officers compiled a review of property crimes over the last year and found links between occurrences. They were able to identify people and take investigative steps to find additional evidence.
The Alternate Response Unit identified a man they believe is responsible for multiple thefts from motor vehicles.
Tyler Straughan ,36, from North Bay, is been charged with a total of 43 criminal offences related to the thefts from vehicles and subsequent fraudulent use of stolen financial cards. He remains in custody.
Also arrested and charged:
Jonas Gagne,
- six counts of break and enter
David Deschesne,
- seven counts of break and enter
- breach of probation
Zachary Schmelefske:
- mischief
Mika Campsall:
- attempted break and enter
- three counts of breach of undertaking
Andrew Flood:
- assault with weapon
- two counts of breach of probation
- two Counts of breach of release order
- Breach Recognizance,
- Breach Undertaking
- Obstruct Police
Phil Lachance:
- Break and Enter
James Clinkard:
- Mischief
- Breach of Probation
Lenny Hollett:
- Break and Enter
- Breach probatiion
Adam Martin
- Break and Enter
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
Keaton Pren
- Two Counts of Break and Enter
- Mischief
- Four Counts of Theft Under
- Two Counts of Breaching a Recognizance
- Possession of Stolen Property
Robert Geck
- Three Counts of Possession of Stolen Property
- Break and Enter
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
Victoria Gervais
- Two Counts of Possession of Stolen Property
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
John Duhaime
- Breach of Recognizance
Johnathan Vukov:
- Breach Recognizance
- Breach Probation
The officers involved in this initiative also identified seven people who had outstanding arrest warrants. The warrants were executed and the people are before the courts.
Police still continue in their attempts to identify the owners of some of the property that was seized including various hand tools and power tools.
Detective Constable Wilson attributes the success of this initiative to help from the public who came forward with information.
“Video evidence was also extremely valuable in this initiative. We were able to secure quality images that helped identify suspects and that kind of evidence will assist tremendously in court proceedings.”
“This is a great example of the consistent and dedicated work by our officers," North Bay Police Chief ScottTod said. "Their efforts have resulted in these arrests.
“The North Bay Police Service appreciates the collaborative effort developed with community partners such as the Hock N Save and the Canadian Hock Exchange who remain diligent with locating, identifying, and returning the property to the rightful owners.”
Break and enters, like theft from cars, are often a crime of opportunity.
"The more difficult you make it for thieves the more likely it is that they will move along. Practice crime prevention and be aware of suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood and call police immediately if you’re concerned," said a news release.
Police also remind the public that as part of their ongoing efforts to work with our community to enhance public safety you can become involved in the security camera registration.
