A man and a woman have been charged with 47 theft and fraud offences related to thefts from vehicles in Capreol, Sudbury police announced Tuesday. The most recent incident took place between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Aug. 24 involving several vehicles in the community. “Stolen property included wallets, credit cards, Apple AirPods, Apple Watches and other personal belongings,” police said in an Aug. 25 news release. “In several instances, stolen credit cards were subsequently used at businesses throughout Greater Sudbury.” Suspects linked to multiple incidents Investigators identified the suspects and subsequently connected them to “multiple theft and fraud-related incidents,” police said. Charges include 16 counts of theft under $5,000, 10 counts of fraud under $5,000, 10 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and one count of violating a probation order. “This investigation highlights the importance of securing vehicles and removing valuables from sight,” police said. Police receive reports of theft from vehicles on a regular basis “with many incidents involving no signs of forced entry.” Thieves will pass through neighbourhoods and parking lots checking vehicles and searching ones they find that are not locked. “Leaving property in a vehicle can make it a target for theft,” police said. Wallets, purses, credit cards “Commonly stolen items include wallets, purses, credit cards, cash, electronics, identification documents, keys, and other valuables. In many cases, stolen credit cards and identification can then be used to facilitate additional criminal offences, including fraud.” Residents are urged to always lock vehicles, remove valuables or at least put them in the trunk. “Park in well-lit, highly visible areas whenever possible,” police added. “Avoid leaving keys, garage door openers, or identification documents inside vehicles.” Residents are urged to always report thefts from vehicles, since it helps police track theft patterns and target areas of concern.
