Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: The Chatham-Kent Police Service and the Elgin-Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crimes Unit (CSCU) have successfully concluded a joint investigation into a recent string of property crimes and stolen vehicle incidents affecting both regions.
Over the past several months, both jurisdictions experienced a noticeable increase in break-and-enters, thefts from properties, and stolen vehicles. Recognizing the cross-border nature of these crimes, the Chatham-Kent Police Service Intelligence Unit and Elgin-Middlesex County OPP CSCU joined forces to share intelligence, coordinate investigative efforts, and pool resources to identify those responsible.
Investigators from both services worked closely to gather evidence, execute search warrants, and ensure a comprehensive response to the criminal activity impacting both communities.
On March 26, 2025, search warrants were executed in both Chatham-Kent and Elgin-Middlesex County. As a result of this collaborative effort, several suspects have been arrested with multiple stolen vehicles, items of stolen property, illegal firearms, and illicit drugs having been recovered.
Members of Elgin-Middlesex OPP CSCU, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Tactics and Rescue Unit team, executed a search warrant at a residence in Glencoe. As a result of this search warrant, a quantity of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and a stolen pickup truck that had its vehicle identification number altered and replaced were seized. A 35-year-old male was arrested and charged by the OPP with the following charges:
Failure to comply with Release Order
Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
Careless Storage of a Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Possession of Methamphetamine
The male party was subsequently held for bail and remanded into custody. In addition, three females aged 58, 34, and 47 were also arrested and charged with numerous offences and released with future court dates.
Later that same day, members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search warrant at a residence on Victoria Road in Thamesville. A search of the property resulted in officers locating a “chop shop” located in an outbuilding on the property where police located a stolen pickup truck that was in the process of also having its vehicle identification number replaced, as well as truck parts from multiple other stolen vehicles reported stolen throughout Southwestern Ontario. Also located and seized was a quantity of hydromorphone, cocaine, and fentanyl.
As a result, on April 8, 2025, a 62-year-old and 38-year-old male were arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000. Both parties were released with future court dates.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are likely as evidence is reviewed. Anyone with further information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at (519) 352-1234 or the Elgin County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
