SHELLEY MACHINE & MARINE – CRIME OF THE WEEK
Lazy Lane Home Invasion – July 2020
The OPP in Lambton County are appealing to the public to help solve a terrifying home invasion from last July – 2020.
At about 1:00 am on July 8th two men entered a home on Lazy Lane in Lambton Shores. Once inside, the men committed a robbery and fled the scene shortly after.
Lazy Lane is a quiet, rural, cul de sac that runs along the Ausable River, not far from Thedford and Port Franks, ON
Like all residents of Lambton Shores, the people living on this quiet street are not accustomed to criminal activity in their neighbourhood and certainly not something as serious as a home invasion/robbery.
The OPP continue to actively investigate this crime and they have released descriptions of the two suspects.
The first suspect is described as a white man, about 6 foot 1, with a medium or average build. He had blonde hair with dyed lime green bangs to his eyebrow, green or hazel eyes, and he was wearing a black hoodie, and black shoes that could possibly be Sketchers.
The second suspect is a brown skinned man, between 5’6 and 5’7, and he spoke with an accent, possibly Middle Eastern or Portuguese. He has tattoos down his left arm, and was wearing a black hoodie, black shoes, and a cap style hat.
If you have any information that may assist the police in this investigation, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com
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February 19, 2021
The “Pest-Away Inc” Crime of the Week
The Rental Property Scam is alive and well in Sarnia Lambton. This scam has gained in popularity during the pandemic and is recently hitting us locally.
The scam is a simple one to pull off but if you are diligent, you can make sure that you will not be one of the next victims.
The scam goes like this… you’re looking for a place to live – locally or out of town so you check Kijiji and other places online for vacancies. You find a nice looking place, maybe a house or an apartment complete with professional pictures and detailed description.
When you contact the landlord or owner, you are assured that the place is available for your move in date. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the place can’t be shown to you in person, but you drive by anyway and the place looks nice.
You are asked to fill out an application and maybe send a copy of your driver’s licence to make sure YOU aren’t a scammer. Then you’re asked to send ‘first month’s rent’ or a security deposit to hold the place. You might be told that there are several others interested so you have to act fast.
So far, the scammer has all of your personal information from the application and maybe even a security deposit to hold the place.
That could be the end of it OR the scammer continues to scam other people in other cities in the same manner – except next time he or she is posing as YOU… with your personal information!
And the cycle repeats itself.
Don’t be a victim. Find out how to protect yourself by checking out all of the Fraud Scams and Schemes at Canadian Anti Fraud Center
Krown Rust Control Crime of the Week
February 11, 2021
The city of Sarnia has unfortunately been rocked by a number of violent and serious incidents. With that in mind, Crime Stoppers would like to remind people of the importance of road safety when approaching emergency vehicles and of keeping away from areas that are blocked or cordoned off for investigation purposes. The last thing needed at times like this are for police to have to investigate a separate incident because of someone’s ignorance of the law.
Police or any other emergency vehicles are easy to identify because of their red lights. When you see these lights, approach with caution. It is the law to immediately pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop until all emergency vehicles have passed. If the emergency vehicle is approaching you from the rear, the same rules apply. Do not leave the area until it is safe to do so.
When police are investigating serious incidents, often times the area will be blocked or cordoned off using barricades, emergency vehicles or yellow caution tape. Stay away. Avoid the area. These are often crime scenes and must not be interfered with. The barricades are also there for your safety. The location may be blocked for a few hours or sometime days. Keep out. The area does not need to be tampered with or congested due to curious onlookers.
Police and other emergency services will often post about certain situations or investigations on their social media sites including Twitter, Instagram and Face Book. Media releases are disseminated to various media outlets across the area to alert citizens about investigations and areas to avoid if necessary. Keep in touch with these sites and your local news for updates.
One of these tragic incidents is the murder of Sue-Elin Lumsden at her Essex Street home. Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers has taken a rare step and doubled the normal maximum reward in this matter to the amount of $4000 for any tips leading to the arrest of person or persons responsible for this horrendous crime. Some one out there knows something. Please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or go on line at www.p3tips.com.
A1 Security Crime of the Week
Sponsored by W. J. Barnes Limited
Lambton Ontario Provincial Police, along with the Anishinabek Police Service are still investigating the tragic homicide of 29 year old David Jordan Oliver of Kettle and Stony Point 1st Nation. Mr. Oliver was reported missing on the 31stth of July, 2020 and his body located August 2, 2020 near 9356 Army Camp Road. His red Dodge Ram truck was found at another location, a short distance away. David Oliver had been murdered.
David Oliver was a dearly loved husband, son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and cousin living in the tight-knit community of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, located along Lake Huron, between Sarnia and Grand Bend, Ontario. He was a funny, polite and a talented student who was well liked by the staff and students of his former school as well as being described as a gifted athlete who also loved to travel. David’s family, friends and the community were shocked, saddened and hurt after learning he had been murdered.
Both police agencies have been working diligently in trying to solve this senseless crime. The Ontario Government has offered a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and the conviction of the person or persons responsible for David’s death. To reach any of the OPP investigators, please call 1- 888-310-1122 or 1-888-882-1011. For more information on the Government reward, go to hc-cs.ca.
You could also be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers if you call 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or go on-line at www.p3tips.com to submit any information that you may have. Someone out there knows something. Please do the right thing for David’s family.
Sponsored by Shelley Machine & Marine
With heavy hearts and strong resolve, Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers presents two very tragic incidents as the Crimes of the Week.
On Saturday, January 23, 2021 the Sarnia Police launched a homicide investigation after 66 year old Sue Elin LUMSDEN was found dead at her home on Essex St in Sarnia. This was the third homicide in Sarnia since the first of the year.
Police continue to aggressively pursue all leads in this investigation in their attempts to identify the suspect(s) responsible for this homicide.
Tragedy struck again just a few days later when on January 26th, the Sarnia Police began yet another homicide investigation. In this incident, the body of 62 year old Allen SCHAIRER was found in a home on Devine St in Sarnia.
As a result of an intense investigation, Police have arrested BOTH suspects wanted for 1st degree murder in this case.
At Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers, we recognize that this type of violence is an anomaly for Sarnia. Crime Stoppers takes their role in these investigations very seriously. In the hopes of generating quality tips and leads for investigators to follow up, Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers is DOUBLING the maximum reward – to $4,000.00 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in Sue Elin LUMSDEN’s death on Essex St.
If you have any information about either one of these homicides call us a 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com
BOTH METHODS ARE ALWAYS ANONYMOUS and you may be eligible for a reward.
Sarnia Police are cautioning the public to be vigilant but not to panic in the wake of multiple murders this month. Residents have been reminded to lock their doors and windows and make sure outdoor lighting is working.
Gift Card Scams
Once again, Police continue their efforts in trying to investigate scams and frauds occurring over various social media buy and sell websites. These include Market Place and Varage Sale among others.
Recently, Sarnia Police Service investigated a “scam” where someone bought a $1500 gift card on one of these platforms. The gift card was for a big box store. The victim paid $1200 for the card. A pretty good deal! After purchase, the victim arrived at the business and very quickly, and shockingly learned, the gift card was worth only $10.
Cash transactions, no paper trail, arrangements made to purchase in “other locations” make these investigations very difficult to actually investigate. The gift Card being purchased by the victim may even be stolen and actually worthless. Often times these scams prey on the more vulnerable sector of society, especially the elderly. The holiday season is the most common time when people buy gift cards. It is an easy gift which can be quite useful to many.
Protect yourself from these types of crimes. Buy the card directly from the retailer. The scam generally offers a high price card at a much lower price making it very appealing to the purchaser. Common sense would indicate “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”.
If you have any information that would lead to the arrest of individuals responsible for these types of scams, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or on line at www.p3tips.com.
Kijiji Rental Frauds
Sarnia Police Service along with the other police agencies are frequently investigating frauds involving rental properties offered on the popular Kijiji website. These cases involve fraudsters who steal your identity along with your money. The ads will ask for proof of potential renter identification then a security deposit to hold the property. The identification is used to commit further crimes and the deposit money is lost forever.
Never submit any form of identification before you actually see the property. Does the property actually exist, is it actually available for rent or is it already occupied? Is it “for sale” on another website and the fraudster has just copied the photos on the rental ad?
Recently, the Sarnia Police together with the Ontario Provincial Police were involved in one of these investigations where the “would be” renter was scammed of approximately $500 and the piece of identity presented for the rental application was used to commit other frauds within the province. Often, people will lose a far greater amount of money in these scams. Investigators have learned that many of these crimes stem from far reaching, overseas countries and criminal charges are almost impossible to be processed.
Before applying to rent one of these properties, ask if you can see the property before you submit any identification or money. If it is not possible for you to view the place, you need to ask why? Is the landlord from out of town? Do the pictures look professional and realistic? Ask for address of the property. Do you have a friend in the area that can drive by. Google the address. This may lead to further information and history about the property.
Be very wary of ads asking for sensitive information about you. Be wary of landlords asking for deposits via wire transfers or pre-paid debit cards. Do not become a victim of these very popular SCAMS.
If you have information about people committing these types of crimes, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
December 28 of 2020 marks the 19th anniversary of the murder of then 22 year old Robert RAYMOND. He was fatally stabbed at about 2:25 a.m. on December 28, 2001 when a fight broke out in the parking area behind the Border Club which was at that time located at 494 N. Christina Street in Sarnia.
Robert RAYMOND was among a very large crowd of people who were just leaving the Border Club and the rear parking lot was crowded with patrons from the bar. He had just grabbed a bite to eat from a vendor in the parking lot and was going to get into a waiting car when he spotted the ongoing disturbance nearby and approached the fight scene. Minutes later, Robert RAYMOND was stabbed by an unknown assailant and he died almost instantly.
The Sarnia Police launched an intensive and far reaching investigation. Several hundred statements were taken from patrons of the bar that night. Many of them were 19 & 20 year olds who had returned home from school for the holiday break.
Police recovered the knife believed to be the weapon used in this homicide and they are still hopeful that there are witnesses who know more about the incident. It is widely believed that somebody actually knows who is responsible. Secrets like this are hard to keep.
If you have information or know of anyone who may have information about this incident, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS)
Crime of the Week – House Fire on Maria St in Sarnia
The Sarnia Police are asking for help from the public in identifying the person(s) responsible for the house fire on Maria St last Sunday morning (December 20th). The house and contents were completely destroyed and it appears that the fire was deliberately set.
If you have any information that may assist the Sarnia Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office in their investigation, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com
Remember… “Any Crime – Anytime” Call Crime Stoppers with your tip. You’ll remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Lock It Or Lose It
“Tis the season”. The best way to avoid being the victim of a crime is to take precautions by protecting yourself, your property and your valuables. The Annual Lock It or Lose It campaign has kicked off in communities across the province, Sarnia included. Whether is a busy shopping parking lot, your driveway or a workplace, leaving a vehicle unlocked or valuables in plain sight makes your car and easy target for those criminals seeking out a “crime of opportunity”. Do your job, don’t help them with theirs.
Valuables such as a GPS, mobile devices, laptops and wallets are common items taken from unlocked vehicles. However, shopping bags, especially at this time of year, are open invitations for thieves.
Here are some useful tips for ensuring your home and your vehicles are protected from being victimized by these criminals:
Never leave your vehicle running or unattended
Always lock your vehicle, keys in your pocket
Park in well-lit areas
Never leave valuables in plain sight. Place shopping bags in the trunk or rear area, covered up
Roll up windows and lock all doors
Keep registration and insurance certificates on your person
Don’t advertise what Santa brought. When putting garbage at curb, fold boxes inside out
Keep garage and shed doors closed and locked
Leave lights on when not at home
Report anything suspicious. Tell your neighbours if you are going to be away for a period of time
Report all thefts, big or small. Your report may be taken over the phone but that report will help officers on patrol to concentrate in areas where frequent thefts or suspicious activity is occurring. When documents are taken, criminals can assume identities, secure credit card accounts and participate in other fraudulent activities. Victims may not realize they have been victimized until it is too late, costing them time and money to rectify the damage.
Taking these extra initiatives may help you from being the victim of a crime.
Call Crime Stoppers if you know who may be responsible for any type of crime. You will remain anonymous and me be eligible to receive a cash reward. Call 1-800-222-8477 or go on line at www.p3tips.com (http://ww.pstips.com)
