Two teens are facing 43 charges after several trucks were stolen in Wallaceburg.

 Chatham-Kent police say between August and November, 18 trucks were stolen.  Seventeen of them were recovered in various areas in and outside of Chatham-Kent. There were also seven attempt theft of trucks.

 “Earlier this year, the Chatham-Kent Police Service began seeing an increase in vehicle thefts from the Wallaceburg area,” says Chatham-Kent police Chief Gary Conn. “It quickly became apparent that Chev and GMC trucks were being targeted.”

He says as each truck was stolen, their concern for public safety escalated. 

Officers submitted detailed reports regarding each theft and canvassed the area for potential witnesses. 

As each truck was recovered, officers examined them for forensic evidence in an attempt to retrieve any information that would lead to identifying those responsible.

On Nov. 3, an 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth were arrested and charged after attempting to flee police.

The driver, an 18-year-old Munsee-Delaware First Nation man, was charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to comply.

The passenger, a 16-year-old Chippewas of the Thames First Nation youth, was charged with theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000 and two counts of failing to comply.

Police continued the investigation to see if there were any links or evidence to suggest that the individuals were responsible for previous thefts.

Through investigation, Chatham-Kent police and Middlesex OPP say they identified the teens as being responsible for numerous thefts, attempts and other criminal offences in Chatham-Kent.

As a result, the 18-year-old man has been additionally charged 20 offences and the young offender has been charged with additional 14 offences.  

In total, both accused are facing 43 criminal code charges.

Both remain in custody pending a bail hearing.  They are scheduled to make a court appearance Wednesday morning by video remand.