Shortly after midnight Sunday, police say a Picton resident spotted two young run across his front yard.

He immediately exited his home to investigate, but by the time he got outside, the people had already run away. The man checked his unlocked vehicle, which he discovered had been entered. He called police.

A short time later two young people matching the description he shared were located and identified as the ones who had entered the vehicle.
The suspects told police that when they saw the keys left in the vehicle they considered stealing it, but instead took some of the items they found inside. The items were returned to the car’s owner.

The OPP reports the youth were dealt with according to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act and returned to their home.

Police spokesperson Const. Kim Guthrie reminds residents that thefts of cars and valuable inside them are among the most common thefts that occur. She said by removing valuables and keys and locking the doors, the chances of property crime are instantly reduced.

In other police news…

– This week has been designated Crime Prevention Week across Ontario. Under the theme “Building Safer Communities Together,” the OPP will be encouraging community safety and well-being.

A new venture being launched today in Orillia is the OPP Community Bear Program. The police force is partnering with TD Canada Trust in a program that promises to “provide reassurance and comfort to our youngest victims, which begins the process of rebuilding their sense of safety and security.”

The program will focus on how proactive measures can support crime prevention and it will feature interaction between officers and children, with partnership from community agencies.

Throughout the week, the OPP is also sharing crime prevention tips on its social media accounts.

– The Napanee OPP detachment is seeking the public’s assistance in its investigation to ongoing fire investigations in that area.

Like Prince Edward County, the Napanee area has experienced a rash of structure fires, some taking place in abandoned or seldom-used barns.
On Tuesday, police were investigating another suspicious fire at a home on Somerset Drive in Bath. The police were working with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Loyalist Township firefighters in the wake of that incident, which reportedly took place at about 4:10 a.m. that morning.

– Again this winter, the OPP will be continuing its partnership with Mac’s Convenience Stores to provide positive tickets for youth doing good deeds, participating in community activities, deterring crime or observing rules. The tickets are good for a free beverage.

-Staff