Sarnia Police Service officials allege: 26-year-old Sarnia man has been charged after police found him with parts from an air conditioning unit on Lougar Avenue.
Sarnia police responded on Monday, Oct. 26, to reports of vandalism and a theft in progress. Officers arrived quickly and found the man in the area with parts from a nearby unit.
He is charged with mischief over $5,000, theft over $5,000, breach of probation and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Police believe he is connected to a larger network of people targeting commercial air conditioning units in the city’s downtown core.
Police are encouraging business owners to keep the area around their units well lit, make sure security cameras are working, and post signs saying the area is under video surveillance. The service has officers trained in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design who can do assessments. Businesses can contact the community engagement officer at 519-344-8861 ext. 6214.
Anyone who notices damage to an air conditioning unit or enclosure can report it at 519-344-8861 or sarniapolice.ca. People who see a crime in progress should call 911.
