NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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TOWN OF COBALT – On Jan. 6, 2021, shortly after 11 a.m. members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a number of calls for thefts and mischiefs to vehicles on Silver Street in the Town of Cobalt.
Further investigation revealed that the culprit(s) had attempted to steal the vehicles involved. On Jan. 11, 2021, shortly after 4 p.m. police attended Commission Street in Cobalt, and located the individual involved these incidents.
Brian Edwards, a 40-year-old resident of North Cobalt has been arrested and charged with:
- Mischief under $5,000, contrary to section 430(4) of the Criminal Code (CC) (two counts),
- Theft under $5,000 from a motor vehicle, contrary to section 334(b) of the CC (two counts),
- Theft of motor vehicle, contrary to section 333.1 of the CC (two counts),
- Unauthorized possession of weapon, contrary to section 91(2) of the CC,
- Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to section prohibition order, contrary to section 117.01(1) of the CC
The accused was released by way of an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Feb. 9, 2021, in the City of Temiskaming Shores.
Police would like to remind the public that a professional thief can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds - without the key. Same applies to your home; by leaving an unlocked door or an open window, it's an invitation to thieves. Thieves will often target easy to carry items so that it doesn't impede with their movement.
LOCK IT OR LOSE IT is a proactive crime prevention program to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions that will protect your vehicle and contents from theft:
- Keep valuables out of sight. If you have to leave them in the vehicle, put them in the trunk before you park at your final destination;
- Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area;
- Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running;
- Lock your doors at all times.
All suspicious activity needs to be reported to police. Try to obtain as much information as possible while assuring your safety, and do not interfere with the crime scene.
If you have any information involving these incidents or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at this toll free number, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The Crime Stoppers Civilian Board of Directors will pay up to $2000 for any information leading to an arrest in this case or any other serious case.
The Cochrane District Crime Stoppers website is cochranecrimestoppers.ca and tips can be submitted on the homepage.
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