Sudbury police catch ‘Grinch’ stealing outdoor Christmas decorations
Greater Sudbury Police caught a would-be Grinch in Azilda on Sunday evening after numerous outdoor displays were swiped from front lawns.
Police were called at 9 p.m. to respond to a theft-in-progress, with a caller reporting that a woman parked her vehicle on Poulin Street.
“(She) then proceeded to exit the vehicle, walk up the driveway and unplug two lit, decorative holiday vases located on the property,” police said in a news release Tuesday.
“The witness also observed numerous additional holiday decorations in the possession of the woman, including an inflatable Santa Claus on a motorcycle.”
When she was challenged by a neighbour, police said the suspect fled the area, leaving the items behind.
“As police were investigating this incident, the owner of the inflatable Santa Claus attended the area to report that their decoration had been stolen from their front yard on Aldege Street around 8:22 p.m.,” police said.
That incident was captured on video surveillance, giving police a description of the vehicle and the suspect. They soon determined where she lived and went to her home.
“At 10:20 p.m., the 44-year-old woman was arrested and charged without incident,” police said.
She is charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. She was released on an appearance notice with a scheduled court date of Feb. 1.
“Video surveillance is the single most important thing a homeowner or business can have to protect their property,” police said.
“A high-quality video system that is activated and in good working order will assist officers in identifying those responsible for Theft. Always ensure the lens is clean and the camera is pointing in the proper direction.”
Police also said if residents see anyone in the neighbourhood who appears to be engaging in suspicious or criminal activity, call police at 705-675-9171. In the case of an emergency, including a crime in progress, call 911.
To report a theft after the fact, use the online reporting system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.