A Wallaceburg business has released some surveillance footage of a recent break-in in an effort to boost community policing and deter thieves.
A break-in at Great Canadian Oil Change on McNaughton Avenue was reported by Chatham-Kent police earlier this week. Police said someone forced their way into the business, which caused $500 in damages. A small amount of cash, diagnostic tools, and a battery jumper pack were reported stolen.
Manager Dell Chauvin said between the broken window, damaged equipment and stolen items, the total cost is more in the range of $2,500.
He said they have not been targeted by break-and-enters and thefts before at the Wallaceburg shop, but the Great Canadian Oil Change location in Leamington also experienced a break-in this week.
Chauvin said the business is active within the community in supporting various charitable events and sports teams -- such as the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks (previously the Wallaceburg Lakers) and the Wallaceburg Red Devils -- through sponsorships. He's hoping the community can help the business out by contacting police if they recognize the man in the video.
"It's small-town Wallaceburg and I have been noticing myself that more criminal activity has been going on," he said. "The police can only do so much."
Chauvin said moving forward, he also hopes that the video will prompt residents to report any suspicious activity to police.
"Hopefully we can try to nip this in the bud and make life a little easier on people in town and help the police out," he said.
Public Information Officer Constable Renee Cowell is also encouraging residents to call police if they see or hear anything suspicious.
"Everyone has a role in keeping our community safe," said Cowell in an emailed statement.
Despite the recent break-ins reported throughout Chatham-Kent, Cowell said the statistics are consistent with previous years.
"Having said that, what we have seen is an increase in unlocked commercial and residential properties when it comes to break and enters," she said.
Police are reminding residents that property crimes are usually crimes of opportunity, as per the crime triangle -- victim, crime, opportunity.
"So in an effort to reduce crime in our community, we need to start by trying to remove the opportunity," said Cowell. "This means closing and locking your windows and doors and turning outdoor lights on."
In regard to break-in investigations at oil change businesses, police have kept busy in recent weeks.
Police reported a break-in at the Jiffy Lube on Keil Drive in Chatham on September 30, where a small amount of cash was reported stolen.
Officers are also looking for a suspect in connection with a break-in on Wednesday at Valvoline Express on St. Clair Street in Chatham.
