A 36-year-old Peterborough man is facing 22 charges following an investigation into 11 retail theft incidents involving more than $4,400 worth of merchandise.
Peterborough Police say the incidents occurred at three different retail businesses between August 9 and October 25.
Officers with the Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit reviewed calls for service and online police reports as part of the investigation, eventually identifying a suspect and requesting an arrest warrant.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday, officers located the man near Monaghan Road and Lansdowne Street West and took him into custody.
The accused was arrested on the strength of the warrant and charged with 11 counts of theft under $5,000 and 11 counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
Police say the accused was already subject to a probation order requiring him to stay away from two of the businesses involved in the investigation, as well as to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit continues targeting property crime
The investigation comes as Peterborough Police highlight the work of their Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit, which was established in January 2024 in response to concerns about increasing property crime.
The four-officer team responds to property-related calls, works with local businesses and residents, and conducts proactive patrols.
Since its creation, the unit has:
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Responded to 9,111 calls for service.
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Made 1,590 arrests.
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Executed 840 warrants.
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Recovered more than $123,000 worth of property.
Police say approximately 46.5 per cent of the unit’s calls have been in the downtown area, while nearly 78.5 per cent were initiated by members of the public.
Chief Stuart Betts provides quarterly updates on the program’s progress to the Peterborough Police Service Board.
