An interagency police investigation into a rise in stolen vehicles in southwestern Ontario has resulted in multiple arrests in Chatham-Kent and Middlesex County.
Officers with the Chatham-Kent Police Service executed a search warrant at a home on Victoria Road in Thamesville on March 26, locating a “chop shop” in an outbuilding on the property. Several vehicles that had been reported stolen throughout southwestern Ontario were found inside. Officers also seized a quantity of hydromorphone, cocaine and fentanyl.
As a result, police arrested a 62-year-old man and a 38-year-old man on Tuesday. Both are now charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Also on March 26, officers with the Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant at a residence in Glencoe, which resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and a stolen pickup truck with an altered VIN.
A 35-year-old man and three women aged 58, 34 and 47 were all arrested and charged.
An investigation remains ongoing and police said additional charges are likely as evidence is reviewed.