Police beat: Break-in, theft

Break-in, theft

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – On Aug. 23 at about 3:30pm Wellington County OPP received a report of a break-in at a residence on Highway 7 here.

“It was reported that sometime between [Aug. 18 and 22] unknown suspects entered an unlocked garage and stole a Camel cigarette smoking sign that lights up and a Texaco neon clock,” police stated in a press release.

The total value of the stolen items is estimated at $400.

Wellington County OPP would like to offer the following tips to help property owners protect their property:

– deter potential criminals by ensuring outside lights work and consider motion sensor lighting;

– prevent break and enters be keeping garage doors and entry doors secure at all times;

– lock doors and windows even if you’re going out for a short time and install quality locks and a deadbolt on each outside door;

– avoid access by intruders by locking vehicles at all times and removing or securing valuables out of sight, even when in the garage;

– store bicycles and other valuables in garages and sheds;

– trees, shrubs and fences can create hiding spots for criminals, so keep landscaping groomed and limit privacy fencing; and

– watch for suspicious people or activity in your neighbourhood. Your information may help to interrupt a potential crime, help to identify a crime trend, suspect, or prevent further crimes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP toll free at 1-888-310-1122 or on line at www.opp.ca/reporting.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

Further information and tips can be located at www.opp.ca under the “Crime prevention” section.

Three bikes stolen

FERGUS – On Aug. 21 at about 11am, Wellington County OPP received information regarding the theft of three bicycles from a residence located on Tobe Trail in Fergus.

Police say that sometime between Aug. 19 and 21 suspects entered the open garage and stole the bikes, which are worth about  $15,000 to $20,000 combined.

The bicycles are described as:

– 2020 Specialized Diverge Cyclocross Bike #WSBC602242205N, black with white lettering;

– 2018 Felt Decree Mountain Bike #WK6000100, grey with teal lettering; and

– Stump Jumper bike #WSBC60431621M, orange with black lettering.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.