NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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TOWNSHIP OF SEVERN - The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have made arrests in several break and enters that occurred recently in the Township of Severn.
Between the dates of Aug. 24 - 27, 2017 police responded to four break and enters in the Severn Township area. The Orillia OPP commenced an investigation which resulted in two males being charged and property being recovered.
The names of the accused are being withheld as one male is a young person under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
As a result of the investigation police charged one youth with four counts of break and enter, three counts of possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of unauthorized use of credit card and mischief.
Police also charged and adult male with three counts of break and enter, two counts of unauthorized use of credit card and possession of property obtained by crime.
Police would like to remind residents that property crime can happen anywhere and anytime. During this investigation, some victims expressed that they felt it was safe because they lived in the township; however, it has been proven that property crimes can happen anywhere especially crimes of opportunity.
The OPP has undertaken campaigns such as "Lock It or Lose It" and "Up For Grabs" to address property crimes in hopes of prevention. Both initiatives advise you to lock your car and secure your residence. Just simply locking your car, taking valuables out and locking your house can greatly deter the opportunistic criminal.
Some property crime prevention tips include but not limited to:
- Locking windows and doors even when you're home.
- Keeping a light on to make it look like someone is home.
- When away for extended periods of time have someone mow your lawn and check mail on a daily basis.
- Don't advertise on social media your times of arrival and departure.
- Recording serial numbers and making notes of special markings.
- Keep Jewelry and other valuables in a spot where they are not likely to be found.
- Be mindful of environmental factors such as outdoor lighting, trees, shrubs and other obstructions where criminals can hide from detection.
More crime prevention tips can be found on the internet or on the OPP website at www.opp.ca.
Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.
If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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