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Residents upset over thefts and vandalism By Darrell Ziegler Those living in the lakeshore areas have had their fill of thefts and damage and ask that those who witness or fall victim to vandalism or theft to contact the police immediately, regardless of the dollar amounts. Lynda Hyman of Point Clark owns a small business called Nature’s Garden and has several signs erected in various places in the area. Hyman says that sometime over the Canada Day long weekend, not only did one of her signs go missing, but the post was totally destroyed. Along with that, beer bottles, caps, trash and spent fireworks were littered up and down Seneca Street in Point Clark. The trouble did not stop there. Residents say that the police were called after at least four cars were reported broken into and vandalized on Seneca Street, between Winnebago Road and Saulk Court. Constable Jeff Mercey of the South Bruce OPP detachment says that an officer responded to a call on July 5 concerning a theft from a vehicle. While there, he was informed of more thefts. The officer spoke with neighbours, finding out that a total of three vehicles had been broken into sometime overnight on July 4-5 and at least one on the long weekend. “We found a lot of the property strewn around the neighbourhood (CD,s, clothing, etc.), said the officer. “Suspects entered the vehicles and took mostly CD’s, although they also took stereo faceplates, prescription sunglasses, a bathing suit and towels. One vehicle was damaged, receiving a hole in driver's seat and two scratches on the hood.” “All of the vehicles were unlocked.” These are not isolated cases according to Hyman. “This has been an on-going problem.” Last year, a woman had solar lights stolen, not all at once, but a few at a time. “Sometimes it’s smaller things, other times it’s larger. It’s no small thing for us. People are throwing garbage, stealing and vandalizing our properties. It’s as though they are harassing us as full-time residents.” Although that particular area in Point Clark has seen its share of visits by police and the bylaw enforcement officer, mostly for loud parties, it is not the only area seeing trouble. It is also not only youths and visitors that are causing the problems. Not long ago, a 52-year-old Point Clark woman was caught red-handed loading patio furniture onto a pick-up truck from another Point Clark residence on Attawandaron Road. The homeowner came home near the noon hour to find the woman parked in her driveway, loading up the furniture. Police were called and the woman was charged. Hyman wonders why the woman’s name was not released by police so that residents could be aware of what’s happening. She also hopes that residents will not hesitate to call police if they see illegal activities happening in the area. Constable Mercey agrees that people should not hesitate to call police, adding that people should beware that thefts are occurring, especially at this time of year. "Lock your vehicles before you go to bed for the evening. We are now in holiday season with many visitors. The warmer weather makes it easier for them to be outside in the late hours.” |
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