Sarnia Police Service officials allege: A man is facing several charges after Sarnia Police responded to a shoplifting call on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and uncovered what they describe as a case of organized retail theft.
Around 4:30 p.m., officers were called to a retail store in the 500 block of Exmouth Street after reports that a masked male had stolen gift cards and medical supplies before fleeing northbound in a vehicle on Colborne Road. Responding officers located the vehicle a short time later and stopped it on Indian Road, just north of Exmouth Street. The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was arrested for theft.
A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of stolen merchandise, including razor blades, gift cards, gum, and other retail items, with an estimated value exceeding $6,500. Officers also discovered electronic devices believed to be used for bypassing store security systems.
Police say the suspect was already out on release orders related to similar charges from both Halton and Toronto police services. Those conditions included restrictions from attending specific retail stores, which were breached during this incident.
Further investigation linked the same individual to another theft earlier in the day at a store in the 2600 block of Lakeshore Road in Brights Grove, though that incident had not yet been reported by staff. Officers were able to identify and confirm the theft had occurred around 1:40 p.m.
The man has been held in custody for a bail hearing. He faces charges including theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of failing to comply with a release order, and disguise with intent.
“We are increasingly seeing organized retail theft targeting our local businesses,” said Chief Derek Davis of the Sarnia Police Service. “These individuals often target specific items that are in turn re-sold through unscrupulous businesses or on the street. Immediate reporting, coupled with a quick and coordinated response by SPS patrol officers, resulted in an arrest and the recovery of stolen property.”
Anyone with information related to this investigation or the trafficking of stolen goods is asked to contact the Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.p3tips.com.
