A 23-year-old Leamington man is facing 16 charges in connection with thefts from vehicles and thefts of vehicles in Essex County over the last few weeks.
OPP say the investigation began on June 7 after items were taken from a number of vehicles and a vehicle was stolen in Lakeshore.
Then over the past three weeks police say there were several similar incidents in Tecumseh, Kingsville and Leamington.
Following an investigation, Jonathan Grosse was arrested in Windsor on Wednesday. Police say he was found in a stolen vehicle.
Grosse has been charged with:
- six counts of theft from a motor vehicle
- four counts of possession of property obtained by crime
- two counts of theft of a motor vehicle
- break and enter
- possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
- unauthorized use of a credit card
- resist arrest
- possession of a controlled substance
In a statement OPP Insp. Glenn Miller reiterated the need for people to secure their vehicles as they should their homes by keeping them locked.
“During the past several weeks Essex County OPP has investigated a series of motor vehicle thefts that have been occurring throughout the County. While this arrest is significant I encourage the public to remain extremely vigilant in not leaving your vehicle left unlocked. Observations as to any suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the police."
He added that it takes just a few seconds for someone to take possessions from a vehicle.
