A London resident is facing fourteen charges after two vehicle thefts in Huron County earlier this week.
Police say a number of tips from the public helped in the investigation.
The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police was contacted just before 2:00 p.m. on July 19 after a vehicle was stolen from Belfast Road, in Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh Township, where it was parked near a field.
A witness had observed a white pickup truck, with a red trailer, drop a suspect off at the scene prior to both vehicles leaving the area.
Police received multiple calls from citizens reporting suspicious activity in the area, including a report of a suspicious person looking for fuel. The description of the vehicles and male was similar to the stolen vehicle and alleged accomplice vehicle.
Police were patrolling the area and were able to locate the vehicle which fled for Ramsay Line, where the driver got out and began to flee on foot, when they were arrested by officers.
William Lindsay, 27, of London, has been charged with: - Dangerous Operation - Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 - Fail to Comply with Probation Order (four counts) - Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code (six counts) - Driving While Under Suspension (two counts)
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The charges have yet to be proven in court.
Another report was received at 8:00 p.m. on the same day, July 19 2021, that a white pickup truck and red trailer had been stolen from Base Line, where it had been parked beside a field. This truck was later recovered on St. David Street, Mitchell in Perth County, and the trailer found on Donnybrook Line, Central Huron.
Unlocked farm vehicles were targeted in this occurrence.
Police say unlocked vehicles, especially with keys left inside, are easy targets.
"We encourage the public to employ measures that act as a criminal deterrent, including locking their vehicles, sheds and residences. Please report suspicious activity as soon as possible, by either calling 911 in an emergency, or the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122," said Inspector Jason Younan, Huron County OPP Detachment Commander.
Anyone with information regarding this or any incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.