Sarnia Police Service officials allege: A traffic stop earlier this year has led to an extensive investigation and dozens of charges against eight people in Sarnia, Ont., police said Wednesday.
Sarnia Police Service said “Project Bobcat,” launched by the department’s Intelligence Unit, targeted a group alleged to be responsible for a series of property crimes in the city between January and late April.
Police allege the group was involved in thefts of tools, sporting equipment, construction and landscaping vehicles, as well as trafficking stolen property, weapons, and copper wire from hydro and communications lines.
A series of search warrants executed across Sarnia resulted in the recovery of about $150,000 worth of stolen goods, along with methamphetamine, police said.
In total, 55 criminal charges have been laid. The allegations include multiple counts of possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, break and enter, theft over $5,000, mischief over and under $5,000, and firearm trafficking-related offences.
Six individuals remain in custody while two were released on orders pending future court appearances.
Deputy Chief Ron Hansen praised the investigation, saying:
“This investigation was the culmination of tireless investigative efforts led by our SPS Intelligence Unit. I commend all the officers involved for their work on this case and am glad to see the victims of these crimes see their cases resolved. Again we see the connectivity between perceived individual ‘minor crimes’ and how they are often part of larger criminal activities.”
Police noted that in 2024 alone, Sarnia has seen 24 incidents of wire theft and related damage, valued at roughly $280,000, not including costs from service disruptions.
All of the charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
