Monday, June 3, 2013

OPP Investigations – A Key Part of Modern Policing

(ORILLIA, ON) Detachments throughout the Central Region of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) solve crimes each and every day. Some investigations may be simple, but others may require specialized services which include Forensic Identification, Emergency Response, Canine, and detachment resources such as Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO), uniform personnel and the Crime Unit. It is when there are a rash of similar occurrences that the true value of modern policing and the science associated with it comes to the forefront.

“Perpetrators of offences are opportunistic in nature and it their behaviours that provide police with the impetus to work towards solving crimes”, say Chief Superintendent Brad Blair, Regional Commander of the OPP Central Region.

In the late Fall of 2012 and the early winter of 2013, OPP officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment investigated a significant number of break and enters, thefts and related incidents. The officers through tenacity, determination and investigative excellence recently solved these occurrences. It is their efforts which resulted in the arrest of 3 men from Durham Region. Collectively they are now before the courts and facing 32-criminal charges.

Last month, Orillia OPP officers stopped a pick-up truck at the Orillia Square Mall and arrested the 3 occupants. The truck they were operating had been stolen from the Bracebridge area and contained other property that was determined to have also been stolen. As the investigation continued, Bracebridge OPP officers were made aware of a suspicious vehicle that was parked on a street in Bracebridge. This vehicle, as it later turned out had been stolen from the City of Barrie. Officers then skilfully put the pieces together. Accompanied by a number of reported thefts from vehicles from the surrounding neighbourhoods where the stolen car had been located, it was this reported stolen property that was the property that had been found in the pick-up truck. The best part of this story is that there were 3 persons in custody before a single theft from auto report had even been received by the OPP.

“The message is simple” says Chief Superintendent Blair. “If you plan on doing a crime in Central Region, our officers, our detectives and our specialized resources will find you. It may take a period of time or it can happen rather quickly, but we will find you and hold you accountable for your actions”.

At this time of year, the OPP in Central Region look forward to the return of seasonal property owners and their guests. “Let’s work together to reduce opportunities of crime and plan for a safe and enjoyable summer season that is filled with positive experiences that create great family memories” adds Blair.

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