Huron OPP dealing with rash of thefts and break-ins

While the South Bruce OPP continue to investigate a large amount of break, enter and thefts in Chesley, Walkerton and area, Huron OPP are investigating a spree of thefts from Wroxeter and Gorrie to Brussels and Seaforth.

Constable Joanna Van Mierlo of the Huron OPP says multiple thefts occurred on Jan 16-17, including everything from business break-ins with losses adding up to the thousands, to stolen alcohol, to church break-ins, which netted the thieves with nothing but a couple boxes of chocolates and some ice cream.

Liquor taken during break in to community hall

Van Mierlo says that on January 17, 2008 Huron OPP officers attended the Wroxeter Community Hall to investigate a break in that occurred during the night of January 16 - 17, 2008.

Police found that an unsuccessful attempt had been made to pry open the rear door to the hall.

This did not stop the thief from making his or her way into the building however, as the front door was then pried open with a crowbar type instrument.

Footprints in the snow indicated one suspect. 

Liquor was stolen from inside the office.

Thieves steal chocolate from a priest

Another break, enter and theft occurred on the same night at St. James Catholic Church in Seaforth.

Van Mierlo says that Huron OPP officers were called to the church after the custodian discovered a break in that occurred sometime during the night of January 16-17, 2008.

The side door to the church was found open.

The door leads into the chambers of the priest where two boxes of chocolates were stolen.

There was no damage to the church or it's property.

Damage and theft at another church

Another case the same night shows just how low and hard up thieves can be.

”Culprits were busy during the night of January 16-17, 2008,” says Van Mierlo, when another church was broken into via the back door.

Suspects forced open the door to the Brussels United Church in Huron East causing $150 in damage.

They then stole a large tub of chocolate ice cream from the kitchen freezer.

Thieves just won’t give up

Van Mierlo says that two more unsuccessful attempts to break in happened in Gorrie.

”During the night of January 16-17, 2008 suspects also attempted to break in to the Gorrie Community Hall in Howick Township and the Gorrie United Church in Howick.”

This time however, the big time criminals did not make off with any ice cream or chocolate, as neither attempt to break in was successful.

Chainsaws missing in Central Huron

Thieves managed to make good on another break, enter and theft that night however, making off with chainsaws from a business in Central Huron.

Sometime between Thursday, January 17 shortly after midnight and 9:00 a.m. unknown suspects broke into Alpine Enterprises on Hardwood Line in Central Huron.

Van Mierlo says that investigation revealed that 13 chainsaws from the business were stolen during the break in.

The saws were all Stihl and Husqavarna.

The total loss is estimated at approximately $8,000. 

Police are looking for help from the public in solving the above crimes.

If you have any information that could help police in their investigation into any of the above crimes, Van Mierlo asks that you call the Huron County OPP locally at, (519) 524-8314, for long-distance, call 1-888-310-1122. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, (1-800-222-TIPS).

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