Throughout the month of August, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have been investigating a series of related criminal incidents.
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) responded to reports of a vehicle theft and a break and enter in the City of St. Catharines.
The initial investigation determined that, between the evening of August 4, 2025, and the early morning of August 5, 2025, a vehicle was stolen from an auto body shop. The stolen vehicle was subsequently used in a break and enter at a St. Catharines business, where an ATM was stolen.
On Thursday, August 8, 2025, at approximately 12:00 a.m. uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) responded to an alarm call for service in the City of Thorold.
The initial investigation determined that, the same stolen vehicle had been utilized to commit a break and enter at the location, resulting in the theft of another ATM. The vehicle had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
The investigation was continued by detectives from the 1 District Street Crime Unit (SCU). On Monday, August 11, 2025, detectives located and recovered the stolen vehicle used in the series of incidents. The NRPS Forensic Services Unit (FSU) processed the vehicle, resulting in the collection of additional evidence.
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, detectives identified, located, and arrested two suspects in connection with the incidents:
Thomas HANN, a 53-year-old resident of Thorold, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal code offences:
Breach of Probation Break Enter and Commit Theft Over $5000 (2 counts) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (3 counts)
Christopher CLAUS, a 37-year-old resident of Thorold, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal code offences:
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Following the arrests, both stolen ATMs were recovered.
Additionally, On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, detectives obtained judicial authorization to execute a search warrant at a residence in Thorold. With the assistance of the NRPS Emergency Task Unit (ETU), Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, and uniform members, the warrant was executed and detectives recovered offence related property.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009787.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
#25-86987 / #25-86954 / #25-88397