The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), in partnership with Dufferin CSCU and Grey Bruce OPP Crime Unit, have charged two individuals in connection with a property crime investigation that spanned Grey and Dufferin Counties.
In early July, the Grey Bruce CSCU initiated an investigation relating to several break-and-enter incidents and stolen property reports in the region. On July 15, a stolen Ford F650 U-Haul truck was located in the Melancthon Township area and linked to the ongoing investigation.
On July 16, at approximately 8:02 a.m., members of the Dufferin OPP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Southgate Road 4 in Southgate Township. Two individuals were arrested without incident at the scene. A search of the U-Haul truck led to the recovery of numerous tools and items reported stolen from a recent break and enter in Meaford, along with instruments used to commit break-ins.
Later that day, at 3:53 p.m., officers executed a search warrant at a property in the Melancthon Township area. A stolen 18-foot flatbed trailer was located and seized. The total estimated value of property recovered during the investigation is $106,000.
The following individuals have been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with the following:
David Johnston, 51, from Southgate:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (two counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (three counts)
- Possession of Break in Instruments
Mark Harlow, 44, from Shelburne:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 (two counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (three counts)
- Possession of Break in Instruments
Johnston and Harlow were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on August 21.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Grey Bruce OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
