Despite efforts to prevent entry to the abandoned Sarnia General Hospital building, police say break-ins continue to occur on the property.
The Sarnia Police Service says on Thursday just after 5pm, an officer spotted a man climbing off the roof of the building on Mitton St. The man was seen hauling a backpack with copper pipe sticking out of it.
As a result, a 28-year-old Inwood man, who is known to police, was arrested and charged with break and enter to commit theft, possession of break and enter tools and breach of recognizance. About 23 lbs of copper pipe with a value of around $46 was also seized.
Also, on Friday around 6am, police say the same officer spotted another man exiting the hospital carrying a large duffle bag over his shoulder.
As a result, a 49-year-old Sarnia man, who is also known to police, was arrested and charged with break and enter to commit theft and two counts of breach of probation. This time, 48 lbs of copper pipe with a value of around $96 was seized by police.
Police say the City of Sarnia has repeatedly welded and screwed all of the doors on the main level, and boarded up windows on the top two levels. However, the doors have been repeatedly pried open.
Officers responded 48 calls to the abandoned building in 2016 and numerous citizen complaints have also been made about criminal activity in the same area.
Police are reminding the public that the building is unsafe and remains off-limits.
The City of Sarnia will be holding a community information meeting about the former hospital site on February 1 at Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre.