NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a male for theft from a vehicle in the City of Orillia.
On Jan. 7, 2021, approximately 2 a.m., officers received a phone call from a homeowner who had observed a male stealing from his vehicle and was following the suspect on Coldwater Street, Orillia. Officers arrived quickly and located the complainant, who pointed out the suspect hiding nearby. The male suspect was subsequently arrested and stolen property was recovered in the area.
As a result, Sheldon Sooley, age 46, of Orillia, has been charged with:
- Theft under $5000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Trespassing at night
The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on March 16, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia.
Lock It or Lose It is a provincial crime prevention campaign which highlights the importance of locking your vehicle at all times to protect your property and prevent property crime. In order to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim, here are a few tips to follow:
- Lock your vehicle at all times, including in your driveway and garage
- Never leave valuables in plain view, secure items in the trunk or out of view
- Always park in well lit areas
- Always roll up your vehicle windows
- Never leave your spare key or GPS in the vehicle
- Take all electronics with you
- Don't leave your car running unattended
- Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet or purse, not in the glove box
An experienced thief can steal a car in as little as 30 seconds. Please do your part to help prevent crime in our community.
The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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