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Broadcast time: 1:05 pm |
Date: October 6, 2016 |
Earlier this year the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch began investigations into break and enters which occurred in May. The first break and enter occurred on May 16, 2016 at a gas bar located on Plank Road in the City of Sarnia and the second break and enter occurred on May 21, 2016 at the previously named RBC Center in Sarnia. In both cases a lone male was caught on surveillance video wearing a balaclava and utilizing a pry bar and a grinder to break into the ATM’s. The individual had cut the phone lines prior to entering the establishments to circumvent the alarm systems. The suspect made off with large quantities of cash from the ATM’s.
With the assistance of other police services from the province of Ontario the Sarnia Police Service was able to determine who the suspect was. It is believed that the suspect was also involved with break and enters to ATM’s and safes in other cities such as London, Windsor, Kingston, etc. This individual is also believed to be involved with numerous other investigations across the province of Ontario.
Recently, Durham Regional Police East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau launched Project Echo to attempt to locate and arrest suspects for break and enters which occurred in Durham Region. On September 27, 2016 Durham Regional Police officers along with the assistance of the London Police Service arrested two suspects in London, Ontario, as part of their investigation. One of the suspects was also wanted for the 2 break and enters that occurred in Sarnia. The accused’s name is a Grant Charles Smith, 57 years old, of London.
The Sarnia Police Service has charged Smith with two counts of mischief under $5000.00, two counts of mischief over $5000.00 and two counts of break and enter to commit an indictable offence from the incidents in May of 2016. At this time the Sarnia Police Service holds a warrant for Smith’s arrest regarding the previously mentioned charges.
Constable Giovanni Sottosanti
Media Officer
Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168
Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca