OPP officials allege: A search warrant executed in Stirling has resulted in the seizure of several vehicles, including classic cars, and the arrest of two individuals.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Lambton County Crime Unit received a complaint in late 2023 regarding stolen vehicles, with a combined value of approximately $3 million.
As a result of the investigation, on May 14, 2024, a search warrant was executed in Stirling in collaboration with the OPP Fleet, Supply and Weapons Services Bureau, Central Hastings OPP Crime Unit and Emergency Response Team, and with assistance from the OPP-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) Team and the OPP-led Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (PAFU).
The investigative team located several of the stolen vehicles, including some classic cars.
Police also seized 16 vehicles from the accused as proceeds of crime.
Two people were arrested and charged with offences contrary to the Criminal Code.
A 54-year-old Stirling man has been charged with:
– Theft of motor vehicles over $5,000
– Fraud over $5,000
– Use forged documents
– Conspiracy to commit and indictable offence
A 55-year-old Stirling man has been charged with:
– Theft of motor vehicles over $5,000
– Fraud over $5,000
– Use forged documents
– Conspiracy to commit and indictable offence
– Uttering Threats
The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on a later date.
The investigation is ongoing.
By reporting illegal or suspicious activity to police, we can work together to reduce the number of vehicles stolen each year.
Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP’s non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
“As Lambton County Detachment Commander, I’m pleased that our Crime Unit members’ exemplary efforts played an important role in bringing this multi-unit investigation to a conclusion,” stated OPP Inspector Chris Avery, Lambton County Detachment Commander, in a media release.
“Crime does not respect borders. That’s why it’s essential that members of law enforcement work together to bring criminals to justice.”
OPP Detective Superintendent Paula Milne, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, added: “Collaboration across our organization and with our partner agencies is imperative to combat the prevalence of auto theft and related fraud within Ontario. The OPP-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Team are well-equipped to assist frontline members and other agencies with auto theft investigations and investigations related to financial crimes. This investigation is another testament to the surge we have seen in auto theft and financial crimes over the last few years and the need for subject matter expert involvement in these investigations.”
ABOUT THE PATT TEAM
While vehicle theft is not new, the levels of violence, intimidation and incidents involving firearms used to steal vehicles represents a new and evolving threat to public safety. With the support of the Government of Ontario and our partners, the PATT Team will lead proactive, intelligence-based organized crime investigations, bringing charges against those responsible for serious vehicle crimes.
ABOUT PAFU
PAFU assists with the identification, seizure, restraint and forfeiture of the offence-related property and proceeds of crime in relation to any property, benefit or advantage derived from the commission of designated offences found in the Criminal Code. The unit supports regional/municipal investigations by providing investigative expertise, training, case management, expert witnesses and external agency liaison. PAFU is a joint-forces operation in Ontario partnered with 23 municipal police services.
