Fire victims in Timmins say thieves have stolen their personal belongings
A month after an accidental fire forced more than 100 people out of their apartments at the Empire Complex in Timmins, residents are now dealing with being victims of theft.
Last month, they were forced to flee their apartments due to a fire and grabbed whatever they could, but had to leave much behind.
Since the fire, they said they haven’t been permitted back inside their units and have only been allowed to sift through what’s been brought out to them.
Sadly, they said, thieves have been breaking into the building and helping themselves to their belongings.
“I had three rifles stolen I was leaving for my kids,” said Lanny Reeb, a tenant of the Empire Complex.
“In the barrel of one of the rifles I had about (a signficiant amount) of gold saved -- shoved down the barrel — necklace and chains and all kinds of stuff. Thieves got in and took that.”
Reeb’s daughter Lisa, is his caregiver and lives in a neighbouring apartment.
Residents of the Empire Complex in Timmins shared their sadness and frustration after their property was stolen from their apartments when they were forced to evacuate due to a fire on March 23, 2024. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)
“His life is in that apartment and people went in there and took stuff that belonged to him,” she said.
“How can people steal from other people when they're under duress and everything else like this has been killing him since that happened? … If I lose my dad over this, it's going to be hell to pay.”
Winmar Restoration officials from Oshawa said windows have been boarded up, security cameras have been installed and two security officers have been hired to patrol the area. Still, thieves have found their way inside and Timmins police have received numerous complaints.
“Around 11 thefts just in the last 14 days alone,” said Sgt. Jonathan Minard of the Timmins Police Service.
Everything valuable is gone
“So we have seen an increase in property crimes and thefts at that location.”
One theft victim is a breast cancer patient who underwent a double mastectomy days before the fire.
“Everything that was valuable is gone,” said Linda Hann.
“So all my jewelry is gone, my laptops are gone, my PlayStations are gone. Like, you know, my mom was here. She's 72 years old -- she was my caregiver. You know, they stole her tablet. They stole all my money.”
Lisa Reeb is wondering where they can go for help.
“Who do we talk to about this? Who's responsible for all this?” she asked.
Around 50 people continue to live at the Ramada Inn until they can find new dwellings. They said they are grateful for all the help they’ve received from Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, the City of Timmins, local businesses and residents.
o Download our app to get local alerts on your device
o Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
But they said they are in need of a resolution. And they want to be allowed back inside one last time.
“A lot of people (ran) out quickly and didn't get that” last look, said David Hopkins, another resident.
“It might help a lot of people with their emotional states.”
Winmar officials told CTV News that they are working hard to save the building.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Eurovision Song Contest final kicks off after protests, backstage chaos and a contestant's expulsion
The final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Haitians demand the resignation and arrest of the country's police chief after a new gang attack
A growing number of civilians and police officers are demanding the dismissal and arrest of Haiti's police chief as heavily armed gangs launched a new attack in the capital of Port-au-Prince, seizing control of yet another police station early Saturday.