**SOUTH PORCUPINE OPP NEWS RELEASE**

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) South Porcupine Detachment Crime Unit has charged five people with more than 200 offences in connection with a spree of residential break-ins.

 

Between mid-September and late December of 2018, the OPP and Timmins Police Service received numerous reports of property crimes that occurred within their respective jurisdictions at seasonal and rural residences.

 

At a news conference today, OPP Detective Inspector Todd Proulx, OPP Acting Detective Sergeant Mark Donnelly and Chief John Gauthier of the Timmins Police Service unveiled details of this extensive investigation. During the investigation, analytics and forensics specialists were able to link approximately 60 separate break-and-enter incidents. The estimated dollar value of the stolen property was more than $250,000. Damage to the properties during the heists topped $50,000.

 

The accused persons are expected to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins to answer the charges.

 

The OPP are still investigating a break and enter that occurred on November 28, 2018 in Foleyet, Ontario, where four firearms were among the stolen items. The items taken are described as:

  • A .303 British Enfield bolt action rifle;
  • A 12 gauge Winchester pump action shotgun;
  • A 12 gauge Russian made single shot break action;
  • A 20 gauge Russian single shot break action; and,
  • A 2010 Honda, 32 in snow blower, red in color with tracks.

 

Police have also recovered a set of keys with a black lanyard with “Northern Ontario Expo” written in white font. Police believe the owner of the keys may have information that can assist with the investigation.

 

If you have any information regarding the break and enters, call South Porcupine OPP at 1-888-310-1122.  If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.p3tips.com, or download the P3 app. 

Filed under: Local News