A significant number of break-ins and automotive thefts at shops around southwestern Ontario has led provincial police to issue warnings to business owners.
The West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said it has recently received a wave of break-and-enter reports across Elgin and Middlesex counties. As a result, investigators are urging auto shop owners and auto dealers to consider beefing up their security.
Police say the string of break-ins and thefts started on August 8, with several vehicles stolen from dealerships and shops in Thames Centre, Central Elgin and Aylmer.
“Police are advising business owners that these incidents have followed a similar pattern: suspects arrive in stolen cars, break into a dealership or shop, steal several sets of keys and then return later to steal additional vehicles. The vehicles are being operated with unattached or stolen plates,” a release from the OPP read.
Investigators believe the suspects have used stolen vehicles in a series of commercial break-ins in Middlesex, Elgin and Perth counties, in addition to incidents in London, Aylmer and Waterloo Region.
Members of the Elgin County OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous reports can be sent to St. Thomas-Elgin Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
