'I was amazed': Wheatley business baffled how 800-pound ship propeller gets stolen
Hike Metal has added more security since a $20,000 ship propeller was stolen, while Crime Stoppers is still looking for tips on possible suspects.
The Leamington OPP Detachment received a report of a break and enter that occurred at the ship building facility on Milo Road on Sept. 9. Police determined that multiple individuals entered the fenced in property on Thursday Sept. 5, between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday Sept. 6.
Hike Metal president Steve Ingram said he was surprised such a heavy item could be taken.
“I was amazed actually. I mean, it's anything up to, or over 800 pounds,” said Ingram. “Unfortunately, we saw it on a pallet near the fence. They had to cut a hole in the fence to get to it.”
Police say the suspects then proceeded to remove a propeller from the property. A small sedan pulling a small trailer was observed in the area at the time that investigators believe to be involved.
“Suspects entered the area in a beige colored sedan pulling a small box trailer. The box trailer was, separated from the vehicle. The vehicle parked across the street. The suspects pushed the box trailer to the fenced area. They cut a hole in the fence, and they slid the large ship propeller onto the box trailer, push it back to the vehicle, hooked up, and, left the area,” said OPP Const. Troy Roberts with Crime Stoppers.
Roberts said it would likely be sold for scrap.
“It's a custom ship propeller that's being produced here. It was produced here for a shipyard in Toronto. It has absolutely no use to anyone outside of someone in the shipping industry,” said Roberts.
The propeller is described as bronze, approximately 50 inches in diameter with a Serial Number 1346 R 1064 and is valued at approximately $20,000.
Ingam said they have beefed up security since the incident.
“We've added two extra cameras in what we believe is the blind spots and we're looking at other areas to make sure that we have full coverage,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing by the Essex County OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU).
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, can call OPP at 1-888-310-1122.If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation