OPP Investigators Seeking Assistance with Theft Investigation at Midland Motel
(MIDLAND,ON)- Investigators from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment are seeking assistance from the public after the OPP Communication Centre received a complaint of a theft of motel property that occurred on October 19, 2024, at approximately 1:43 a.m.
A staff member was distracted when an unknown individual removed a large set of keys belonging to the Quality Inn on King Street, Midland. Investigators are being assisted video surveillance at the inn and the community is asked to have a look at the attached photographs (3) to see if the suspect can be identified and hopefully lead to the return of the stolen property.
Vehicle Theft Leads to Numerous Investigations By Huronia West and Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachments
(MIDLAND,ON) – The theft of an unlocked vehicle from a Fuller Avenue, Penetanguishene business was the start of a series of criminal investigations by officers from Huronia West and Southern Georgian Bay Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) between October 11- 13, 2024.
A Honda Odyssey was removed by an unknown person at approximately 5:37 p.m. from the parking lot of a Penetanguishene address October 11, 2024 which was investigated by members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment. Further investigation of the parking lot surveillance footage identified the suspect.
Later on October 11, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. an unlocked Sierra pick up truck was stolen from a residence in Clearview Township and later on October 11, 2024 was involved in a fail to remain two vehicle crash on Simcoe County 91 in Clearview Township.
On October 12, 2024 at approximately 11:13 a.m. the suspect returned to the Fuller Avenue, Penetanguishene in the stolen Sierra pick up and upon being identified, fled the scene diving in a dangerous manner through the parking lot and onto Fuller Avenue, Penetanguishene.
The accused Christopher James TRICCO 33 years of no fixed address was later arrested at a residence in Wasaga Beach and held for bail and will be appearing at a future date before the Ontario Court of Justice on the following criminal charges.
- Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada (two counts)
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order ( two counts)
- Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Dangerous operation
- Flight from peace officer
- Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Mischief Under $ 5,000
- Resist Peace Officer
Anyone having knowledge of drug or property related investigations is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, opp.southern.georgian.bay@opp.ca or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
POLICE SEEK PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE WITH MISSING PERSON
(M’CHIGEENG, ON) – The United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police (UCCM Police) and the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Juanita MIGWANS.
On October 7, 2024, UCCM Police received a report of a missing person identified as 30-year-old Juanita MIGWANS of M’Chigeeng, who was last seen walking on Highway 551 and Oakhill Drive in M’Chigeeng, on October 2, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m. She was wearing a light-coloured jacket and dark-coloured pants.
Juanita MIGWANS is described as an Indigenous female, with a slim build, approximately 5’6” (168 cm) and 110 pounds (50 kgs) with brown hair and brown eyes.
The investigation is being conducted by the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit in conjunction with the UCCM Police and under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
OPP Make Arrests in Midland Retail Shoplifting Investigations
(MIDLAND,ON) – A number of shoplifting complaints were fielded by the OPP Communication Centre recently as retail store security observed and apprehended three persons in separate incidents in Midland.
Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment responded at approximately 8:56 p.m. October 16, 2024 to the Penetanguishene Foodland and after a brief investigation into the theft of store merchandise arrested Trevor Wade KING 33 years of Christian Island.
The accused was charged criminally with the following offence
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
- Theft Under $5000- SHOPLIFTING
Earlier on October 16, 2024 at 2:36 p.m., officers attended the Midland No Frills store and and after a brief investigation into the theft of store merchandise arrested Tyler COPEGOG 22 years of no fixed address Midland.
The accused was charged criminally with the following offence
- Theft Under $5000- SHOPLIFTING
On October 15, 2024 at approximately 1:44 p.m. officers attended the Midland LCBO store and after a brief investigation into the theft of store merchandise arrested Sarah WHITEHEAD 24 years of Barrie.
The accused was charged criminally with the following offence.
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
- Theft Under $5000- SHOPLIFTING
The accused persons were all released to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 28, 2024.
OPP and CAFC Urge Businesses to Verify Who Your Dealing With While Conducting Online Sales
(MIDLAND,ON)- Officers urge businesses to verify who you’re dealing with before conducting remote or online sales especially with the change of seasons prompting increased inventory of winter retail/wholesale products.
Detachment members have investigated numerous incidents of area businesses, including automotive and recreational vehicle dealerships, who have fallen victim to a Card-Not-Present (CNP) Fraud at this time of year.
The M/O – Need to Know!
The fraudsters contact a business to place an order for a product by way of phone, email or website, with plans to make the payment using a stolen payment card and counterfeit driver’s licences.
The business, believing it to be a legitimate purchase, requests a driver’s licence, then processes the payment on stolen payment card(s). The business provides the product(s) through a shipping company or to an individual picking up the product using a rented van or trailer (also rented with a stolen payment card).
Eventually the real cardholder identifies and disputes the unauthorized charge. As a result, the business receives a chargeback and is responsible for paying back the amount charged on the stolen card.
Tips to protect your business:
- Watch for orders made using different names, addresses and card numbers but are from a single IP (Internet Protocol) address;
- Prior to shipping merchandise, take steps to verify the information provided by the customer (telephone number, email address, shipping address etc.);
- Be sensitive to priority shipments for fraud‐prone merchandise, which may indicate a fraudulent transaction;
- Be aware of orders that occur with a request for urgent shipment, especially if the shipping address does not match the billing address on the credit card provided;
- Be aware of orders from repeat customers that differ from regular spending patterns; and
- ·Contact your processor and ensure security measures are established to prevent victimization and reduce unwanted chargebacks.
Businesses who accept CNP orders can better avoid fraud by using the automated verification tools supported by their acquirer and the payment associations.
Intoxicated Person Investigation Leads to a Slew of Charges for Midland Resident
(MIDLAND,ON) – A number of calls to the OPP Communication Centre by community members reporting an intoxicated person causing problems during an ongoing Yonge Street, Midland church service has resulted in an arrest and a slew of charges for a Midland resident.
Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment responded at approximately 9:52 a.m. October 13, 2024 and located the individual and made an arrest under the Liquor Licence and Control Act. An investigation by the officers lead to offences relating to a minor theft from a nearby convenience store and further to probation offences in three other service areas and wanted for further investigation by another Southern Ontario Police Service.
The accused was being transported by the investigating officers to the Niagara Falls area when the OPP in car camera system was damaged.
The accused Lloyd THRASHER, 32 years of no fixed address, Midland has been charged criminally with the following offences.
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Theft Under $5000- SHOPLIFTING
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order (three counts)
- Mischief – destroys or damages property
And Further
- Being intoxicated in public place contrary to the Liquor Licence and Control Act
- Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place contrary to the Liquor Licence and Control Act
- Abandoning material that is likely to become litter contrary to the (Environmental Protection Act)
The accused was released to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 28, 2024..
Anyone having knowledge of drug or property related investigations is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, opp.southern.georgian.bay@opp.ca or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/