The provincial government is concerned about a recent crime-spree in Strathroy-Caradoc.
Over the past few weeks, there's been four robberies -- two variety stores, the Strathroy Wal-Mart and Poags Jewellery were all hit.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton said the province is committed to reducing crime in the community and across Ontario."I'm always concerned when people break the law, and our government is focused on keeping our communities safe," said McNaughton. "We support more than any government, I would argue in a recent memory, our men and women who serve in uniform, and Premier Ford's been crystal clear in that we are going to continue to support our men and women in uniform to keep our families safe."
Deputy Chief Paul Landers said they've held those accountable for the two variety store robberies and the armed robbery at the Wal-Mart. He said they're still investigating the Poag's Jewellery robbery.
Landers said police are asking the public to remain vigilant.
"The police can't be everywhere all the time-- we need to use you as our eyes and ears. If you see something that you feel is hinky in any way, we want you to reach out to us so that we can act and investigate," said Landers. "If it turns out to be nothing, we're happy to do that. But if it turns out that your senses are correct, we appreciate the help."
McNaughton was in Strathroy Thursday morning to announce $$49,458 in provincial funding to combat human trafficking and make the streets safer with the purchase of a licence plate reader for one of the town's cruiser. It's now the second police vehicle in the community that's equipped with the new technology-- the first was installed last spring.
Cst. Mark Thuss said the device has already helped them in a number of cases, from vehicle thefts to suspended license plates.
"So normally we'd drive and be looking for plates, then we'd run the plate whether it be through dispatch or on our computer. Now this device runs it automatically and it's instantaneous," said Thuss. "There's a list of plates associated that may have suspended drivers or criminal activity associated to them, so then it will "ding" basically and let us know whether or not that plate is on that list. If it is, we'll go stop it."
Cst. Thuss said the device is able to pick up the front and back license plates on cars while officers are driving. He said the device also allows them to scan every car in a given parking lot.
Last December, the Sarnia Police Service also received provincial funding for the purchase of a license plate reader.
https://twitter.com/MonteMcNaughton/status/1086283434778152966
