A rash of thefts in Wallaceburg has left truck owners frustrated, and the Chatham-Kent Police Service searching for answers and for suspects.
Chatham-Kent police officials say since August a total of 17 trucks have been stolen in the Wallaceburg area, with the most recent incident occurring early in the morning on October 23.
Wallaceburg’s Jay Lozon, whose Chevy was one of 12 stolen trucks recovered by authorities, had it stolen on October 21st.
Lozon told the Sydenham Current he locked his truck the night before, after returning home late from hunting.
“I got a call [that] morning at 5 a.m. from Constable Cornish and asked me if I had a black Chevy and I said ‘yeah’ and he said ‘well they found it at the boat ramp in Wallaceburg.'”
Lozon said the driver’s side door handle was broken and the door couldn’t be opened. The ignition had also been removed.
“The officer told me that there was another truck stolen [that] night… I think it was down near the boat ramp area.”
Dale Powers of Wallaceburg, also a hunter, whose 2000 GMC was stolen October 5th, said his neighbour’s truck was stolen the same night.
“I bet is was within the same 25 minutes,” he said.
Powers and Lozon each said they had roughly $1,000 of hunting gear stored in their vehicles, including crossbows, range finders, binoculars etc.
Both use the vehicles for more than just recreation.
“That’s somebody’s way of life, their living you know what I mean? If I can’t get to work I’m not making money, supporting my family,” Powers said.
Lozon said he was able to borrow his father’s van to open his small business that morning.
“You hate to use someone else’s vehicle when you have one yourself,” he said. “My daughter, she’s got a bunch of things coming up. She’s a singer so (not having a vehicle) kind of put a kibosh on our plans.”
Lozon added that insurance rates will go up for those who have to make a claim, adding to the burden.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service say they want to assure the public they are working hard to get answers.
“Please call us whenever you see or hear anything suspicious,” said Const. Renee Cowell, public information officer. “Please don’t think that you are bothering us. We would rather investigate a suspicious person or vehicle than take a report of stolen vehicle or break and enter.”
Cowell said it appears Chevy and GMC trucks are being targeted.
“We are taking these thefts very seriously,” Cowell said. “Our Crime Analyst is collating the data to see there are any possible links. We’re also sharing this information with neighbouring police services in the hopes of identifying a suspect (or suspects.)”
Cowell added: “In some instances, the trucks have been left unlocked, we’re reminding all owners to please lock your vehicles, even when parked in your own driveway or garage… and please don’t leave the keys under the driver’s seat.”
Cowell said any bits of information can help with the investigation.
“There have been times when our officers are canvassing neighbours the next morning to find out that they heard a suspicious noise through the night,” she said. “We’d like to remind everyone to please call us whenever you see or hear anything suspicious. The sooner we can respond, the greater the chance we have a gaining valuable information that may help us solve a crime.”
Inspector Brian Biskey of the Chatham-Kent Police Service said in a statement released to the media last week that he understands the frustration from the public.
“As a police service, sworn to preserve and protect, we are feeling the same frustration as our community members in Wallaceburg,” he said. “I can assure everyone today, that our front-line officers and support staff are working very hard to identity the person (or persons) responsible. We do, however need the public’s assistance as teamwork is key to an overall safe community. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call us immediately.”
Unhappy with the progress so far, Powers said something more needs to be done.
“They need to shine some light on this… because soon the citizens are going to be protecting their own,” he said.
When asked about possible vigilante action, Cowell said “those actions are generally sensualized by watching American TV.
“Thankfully we live in Canada, although anything is possible. We do not encourage vigilante violence,” she said.
Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) with any information, they may be eligible for a cash reward.
– Story by Wesley McDonald
