Detectives from the 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara on the Lake) Street Crime Unit are investigating a series of thefts of American licences plates from parked vehicles in hotel parking lots in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The thefts incidents began in July 2023.
On August 16, 2023, at 11:00pm detectives were in a hotel parking lot on Fallsview Boulevard near Robinson Street when they saw a youth male exit a car. The youth was seen to remove an American licence plate from a parked car. Detectives arrested the youth as he tried to leave the area.
At the time of his arrest multiple American licences plates were found in his possession. Further investigation by detectives following the arrest has led to the recovery of 75 American and Canadian licences plates and determining the suspect was also responsible for a gas drive off in Thorold on August 2, 2023.
A 16-year-old male from Welland has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (28 Counts) Attempt to Commit an Indictable Offence Theft Under $5000 (gasoline)
The youth was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on August 17, 2023.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibits the Niagara Region Police Service from releasing the identity of the accused.
The investigation remains ongoing and further charges are anticipated. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-0688-4111, option 3, extension 1008391.
23-91422