Windsor Police Make Arrests Following Series of Downtown Commercial Break-Ins
Windsor Police Service has successfully apprehended and charged two individuals in connection with a string of commercial break-ins that targeted downtown businesses over a recent eight-day period. The arrests come following an investigation into multiple theft incidents that resulted in significant financial losses for local establishments.
Chronology of Downtown Break-Ins
The criminal activity began in the early morning hours of January 20th, when police report that a man and woman, both wearing face masks, attempted to force entry into a business located in the 90 block of Park Street. According to authorities, the suspects attempted to manipulate the door's locking mechanism using vice grips around 12:30 a.m. but were unsuccessful in gaining access during this initial attempt.
Police indicate that the determined suspects returned to the same Park Street location twice more that same morning. The first return occurred just before 3:30 a.m., and the second around 6 a.m. During these subsequent attempts, authorities allege the pair successfully entered the business and removed merchandise valued at over $4,000 before departing the scene.
Additional Incidents and Investigation
The criminal activity continued four days later on January 24th, when police allege the male suspect used a pry bar to force entry into a business in the 1300 block of Ouellette Avenue at approximately 6 a.m. During this incident, the suspect reportedly stole a cash box containing approximately $150 before fleeing the area.
The following day, on January 25th, authorities state the same male suspect allegedly broke into a business in the 300 block of Riverside Drive West just before 8 a.m. During this third commercial break-in, the suspect, who wore a face mask throughout all incidents, reportedly stole a cash box containing approximately $700 in cash.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Officers from the Windsor Police Service target base unit conducted a thorough investigation that led to the identification of both suspects involved in the downtown crime spree. The coordinated police work resulted in the arrest of a 54-year-old man on January 28th in the 300 block of Church Street.
The male suspect faces multiple criminal charges including:
- Four counts of break and enter
- Three counts of wearing a disguise to commit an offence
- Two counts of possession of a break-in instrument
A 39-year-old woman was arrested the following morning in the same general area and has been charged with two counts of break and enter and one count of wearing a disguise to commit an offence.
Community Assistance Requested
Windsor Police are continuing their investigation and have requested that anyone with additional information about these incidents or the suspects involved contact the target base unit directly at 519-255-6700, extension 4350. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or through their online reporting system.
The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by Windsor Police to address commercial crime in the downtown core and protect local businesses from criminal activity. The successful identification and apprehension of the suspects demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted police investigations in responding to patterns of criminal behavior affecting the business community.
