Two Accused Charged in Widespread Theft, Break-Ins and Arson Investigation

Date: September 29, 2023

Police have laid a total of 68 criminal charges against two individuals following an investigation into 42 incidents involving stolen vehicles, boats, RVs, commercial break-ins, and arson across the region.

According to Prince Edward County OPP Acting Sergeant Aaron Miller, the incidents occurred between July 15 and July 25, and were investigated by the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit. Both suspects were arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outside the province and later returned to Ontario to face charges.

Miller said the thefts involved a wide range of vehicles, including personal watercraft, recreational vehicles, and trailers, with incidents reported throughout the OPP East Region. In several cases, police attempted to stop the suspects, but they fled from officers.

“The vehicle being used at the time was later found abandoned and deliberately set on fire,” Miller said, adding that multiple stolen vehicles had been spray-painted in an effort to conceal their identities.

Investigators also determined that bank cards left inside the stolen vehicles were used during the crime spree.

As part of the investigation, OPP are urging the public to take basic security precautions. “Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, especially keys, and ensure vehicles are locked at all times,” Miller emphasized. He noted that every reported stolen vehicle in this case had been left unlocked with the keys inside.

Those charged include a 25-year-old with no fixed address and a 38-year-old resident of Nectaux Falls, Nova Scotia.