Despite repeated efforts to prevent entry into the former Bluewater Health Building at 220 N. Mitton Street, criminals continue to find a way in.
Sarnia Police Service officials say on January 5, shortly after 5 p.m., a Sarnia Police Officer observed a male known to him climb off the roof of the old hospital while holding a backpack with copper pipe sticking out of it.
The 28-year-old Inwood man, was arrested and charged with Break and Enter – Commit Theft, Possession of Break and Enter Tools and also Breach of Recognizance. The accused had 23 pounds of copper pipe in his possession with a recycled value of approximately $46.
On January 6, at approximately 6 a.m., the same officer observed another male, whom he was also familiar with, exiting the old hospital while carrying a large duffle bag over his shoulder.
This suspect, a 49-year-old Sarnia man, was also arrested and subsequently charged with Break and Enter – Commit Theft and Breach of Probation X2. The accused in this case had 48 pounds of copper pipe in his possession with a recycled value of approximately $96.00
These are the first two incidents of 2017 at the former Bluewater Health Building.
The Sarnia Police Service responded to 48 calls for service last year at the old hospital site.
The City of Sarnia has repeatedly welded and screwed all of the doors on the main level and boarded up windows on the top two levels; however, repeat offenders continue to pry open doors and gain entry. Residents in the area have also complained about the constant criminal activity they observe around the building.
The Sarnia Police Service would like to remind these offenders that this property is off-limits and that the vacant building is unsafe.
Please, for your own safety and injury prevention, do not re-enter this building under any circumstance.
The Sarnia Police Service will continue to protect and enforce all applicable laws surrounding this property.
– Photo credit: Sarnia Police
