String of retail thefts lead to charges
A 38-year-old man has been charged after a string of thefts at retail stores in Windsor.
Windsor police received reports of thefts from multiple retail stores involving a male suspect with the same description between May 11 and Aug. 17, 2024.
In all eight incidents, police say the suspect entered a store, selected power tools, outdoor equipment, or other products, and left without paying for the items.
Police say the suspect was also captured on video surveillance using a stolen debit card and fleeing the scene in a vehicle that had been reported stolen.
The Windsor Police Target Base Unit launched an investigation and identified the suspect as Lester Markham. On Aug. 21, officers arrested the man following a vehicle stop in the 3600 block of Wyandotte Street East.
He is charged with the following:
- Theft under $5,000 (x 9)
- Operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited (x 2)
- Possession of property obtained by crime (x 2)
- Use of a credit card obtained by crime
- Failure to comply with conditions of probation
- Failure to comply with a release order
In August 2023, he was released from custody with a condition prohibiting him from possessing any debit or credit card not in his name. Following a separate conviction in May 2024, he was issued a court order not to have care or control of a motor vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Windsor Police Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.
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