Timmins police chief concerned about shoplifting, general 'lawlessness'
Timmins Police Chief Sydney Lecky is meeting with members of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce next month and one of the main topics will be the rise in shoplifting.
Lecky said in his six months of leading the service, one message that he has heard loud and clear is about the state of lawlessness in the city.
Timmins Police Chief Sydney Lecky said shoplifting increased by 50 per cent from 2022 to 2023. (Photo from video)
The chief said officers are also frustrated that the people they arrest are quickly released, only to offend again and again.
He shared a recent incident that happened at the Cram-A-Cruiser event in October.
"We are there with police lights flashing in front of a grocery store, we have a young fellow that walks inside and walks out the door with a 30-pack of beer," said Lecky.
"Pretty gutsy."
In a letter to local business organizations, the chief said shoplifting in Timmins increased by 50 per cent from 2022 to 2023.
"So my message here is that feeling of lawlessness. It is pervasive around the community and it's frustrating for the police officers that have to attend and to arrest the same individual repeatedly and so there's got to be a better way."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The chamber invited the chief to speak at a Leader's Breakfast on Dec. 3 at the McIntrye Community Centre.
Chamber president Tom Faught Jr. told CTV News that members want to know what the new chief’s priorities are relating to petty crime, theft and vandalism.
The chief said a plan is already in place and he will share details with the group at the breakfast session.
"An enforcement process and engagement process in the downtown with some of our clients and our vulnerable clients," Lecky said.
"But also our business community, making sure that they know and see and hear us the some of our, our grocery stores and retail stores to let them know our presence and to know that we're there. And it's already showing some great results."
Lecky said he’s also counting on organizations like the chamber to help him lobby for federal bail reform.
Three weeks ago, the province called on the Liberal government to immediately adopt measures to enhance public safety such as mandating a three-strike rule requiring pre-trial detention for repeat offenders.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada’s youth unemployment could cost economy billions: report
The unemployment rate for Canadians between 18 and 24 was 12.8 per cent in October, according to Statistics Canada, more than double the rate of those older than 25.
'Bomb cyclone' developing off B.C. coast, potentially bringing hurricane-force winds
An Environment Canada meteorologist says a so-called "bomb cyclone" is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.
Some Canada-U.S. border crossing times will change in 2025. Here's what you need to know
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it will adjust the opening hours of crossing points across the country early next year.
Men from Ontario, B.C. charged in 'mistaken identity' shooting, RCMP say
Two men from Ontario and British Columbia have been charged in connection with a 2022 shooting that left an innocent victim seriously wounded.
Parts of Canada will see up to 30 centimetres of snow. Here's where
Canadians are bracing for a chilly start to the week as snowfall and other wintry conditions are expected to make landfall across western and eastern provinces.
New York priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to shoot music video in church further stripped of duties
The leader of a New York City church where pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed provocative scenes for a music video was stripped of his duties Monday after church officials said an investigation revealed other instances of mismanagement.
Earth ring theory may shed light on an unexplained ancient climate event, scientists say
Famously known for its extensive ring system, Saturn is one of four planets in our solar system that have the distinctive feature. And now, scientists hypothesize that Earth may have sported its own ring some 466 million years ago.
Alleged assassination plot against Irwin Cotler by Iranian agents foiled by law enforcement
Iranian agents allegedly plotted to assassinate Canadian human rights advocate and former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler, a longtime vocal critic of Iran. Details of the foiled plot were first reported by The Globe and Mail citing unnamed sources on Monday and confirmed to CTV News by Cotler's office.
Halifax police say Walmart employee's death isn't suspicious, refuse to release details
Police in Halifax say the death of a Walmart employee who was found inside an oven in the store last month is not suspicious, but they are refusing to release any additional details.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Barrie
-
Military aircraft relocation hits turbulence
Local Air Force veterans helped move a decommissioned airframe out of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden to the former site of the RCAFA 441 Huronia Wing on Monday, but the trip did not go as smoothly as planned.
-
Collingwood’s tree lighting miss: Holiday blunder lights up social media
This year, Collingwood’s Christmas tree debuted Saturday with what some described as an underwhelming display, prompting both criticism and sympathy for the organizers.
-
Officers testify in Midland man's murder trial
Two veteran provincial police officers described the emotional moments they arrived at the scene of a stabbing along Galloway Boulevard in Midland on the night of December 16, 2021 when they found a man on the ground bleeding from a stab wound to his upper chest.
Toronto
-
Two people injured in crash near Scarborough Town Centre
Two people have been injured in a collision in central Scarborough, say paramedics.
-
Suspect charged in LCBO thefts totalling nearly $63,000: Peel police
A suspect is facing charges in connection with the theft of nearly $63,000 worth of items from various LCBO stores, Peel Regional Police say.
-
Ontario tables bill that bans supervised consumption sites near schools, daycares
Ontario has tabled a bill that aims to shutter 10 supervised consumption sites the government deems are too close to schools and daycares.
Ottawa
-
Synthetic skating rink to be built in ByWard Market this week
Winter sport enthusiasts will have a new place to go ice skating in Ottawa this winter.
-
Sutcliffe 'working on a solution' to address blowback to proposed seniors transit fare hike
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is acknowledging negative feedback from the community regarding possible increases to transit fares for seniors and hinting the city could back down from the proposal.
-
Inquest into the 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi in Ottawa begins today
An inquest begins today into the 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi, who died after an altercation with Ottawa police officers in 2016. The inquest is scheduled for 21 days, and will hear from approximately 25 witnesses.
Kitchener
-
Arrest made after phone and internet lines cut to at least 18 Guelph businesses
A Guelph man has been charged after phone and internet cables for at least 18 Guelph businesses were cut last week.
-
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks prepare for Vanier Cup showdown
Wilfrid Laurier University’s football team is headed the Vanier Cup after securing a major victory over the weekend.
-
'It's overkill': Dozens of councillors speak up against use of notwithstanding clause to deal with encampments
A group of municipal and regional councillors in Ontario have come together to speak out against the potential use of the Notwithstanding Clause to deal with encampments.
London
-
St. Thomas takes control of new apartment building to combat housing crisis
St. Thomas is touting another breakthrough in its approach to affordable housing.
-
'Landing place for young people': New Community Youth Hub unveiled at London Health Sciences Centre
Located at the London Health Sciences Centre Victoria Hospital, LHSC says the hub that is set to open Nov. 25, will offer vital support, resources and care to young Londoners living without housing.
-
Delays reported in London's yard waste collection
The City of London says its leaf and yard waste materials collection program is experiencing a delay due to an increase in the number of bags placed out.
Windsor
-
Defence argues Bertrand’s rights breached during terrorism interview
A defence lawyer is arguing his client’s charter rights were breached during a 90-minute interview with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
-
Walker Road closed near Wyandotte after 'very serious' crash
Windsor police have temporarily closed a section of Walker Road after a crash.
-
'It feels fantastic to go home': Several displaced residents return home, while others wait
A small group of Chatham residents that were displaced due to a large apartment fire on Aug. 25, have started moving back home.
Montreal
-
Eviction notices distributed in homeless encampment on Notre-Dame Street
Members of a homeless encampment on Notre-Dame Street in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve have been given eviction notices by the Quebec government.
-
Advocates highlight growing inequalities during Early Childhood Week
Early Childhood Week is underway, and advocates say governments need to do more to address the issue of inequality.
-
Quebec e-bus maker Lion Electric mulls sale of the company amid cash woes
Lion Electric Co. is opening the door to a possible sale of the company as the electric bus maker struggles to staunch an ongoing cash bleed.
Winnipeg
-
Multiple Manitoba communities under winter storm warning
A winter storm is heading to western Manitoba this week.
-
Winnipeg councillor wanting province to review, expand photo radar in the city
Winnipeg's police board chair thinks it might be time to expand the use of photo radar.
-
'Maybe we can regenerate our own teeth': Manitoba scientists exploring abilities in tropical fish
Tropical fish hold clues that two Manitoba scientists believe could help unlock regenerative abilities in humans—like the ability to regrow your own teeth or repair your own brain following an injury.
Atlantic
-
Halifax police say Walmart employee's death isn't suspicious, refuse to release details
Police in Halifax say the death of a Walmart employee who was found inside an oven in the store last month is not suspicious, but they are refusing to release any additional details.
-
Nova Scotia wells running dry as drought conditions persist in region
A drought that has created the need to limit water use in parts of Halifax is being felt elsewhere, where wells are running dry.
-
More than 80 goats, 2 sheep seized after being allowed to roam free in corn field: P.E.I. RCMP
Police and agriculture officials seized more than 80 goats and two sheep from a property in Sherbrooke, P.E.I., on Friday.
N.L.
-
Seniors face unique hurdles in finding love. These Canadians want to help.
The four women sipping tea around an antique wooden table in rural Newfoundland said they weren't looking for much in a mate: kindness, humour, a good sense of fun and, ideally, a full set of teeth.
-
English soccer game did not deliver such a big bounce for N.L. after all: province
Newfoundland and Labrador's return on investment for sponsoring a professional English soccer team was not quite as rosy as previously claimed.
-
Newfoundland man electrocuted by downed power line, two women injured
Police in Newfoundland say a man was electrocuted Saturday by a downed power wire about 10 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L.
Calgary
-
Snow-covered Calgary roads cause slow and slick Monday commute for drivers
Calgary drivers had a slow and slippery commute to and from work on Monday, thanks to a dump of snow.
-
High River couple can officially retire thanks to $2M win
A High River couple is celebrating a big lottery win that will help them retire.
-
Family donates $30M to campaign for pediatric patients at Calgary cancer centre
A fundraising campaign wrapped up Monday for the recently opened Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, thanks in large part to a “monumental” donation from a local family.
Edmonton
-
WestJet announces direct flights from Edmonton to Chicago, Salt Lake City
WestJet Airlines announced they are adding more planes to their fleet and new non-stop destinations to their summer schedule on Monday.
-
Tories call on Boissonnault to resign amid apology over Indigenous ancestry claims
Members of Parliament returned to Ottawa on Monday after a weeklong break with no sign of a resolution to the House stalemate, tempers ramped back up, and renewed calls for a Liberal cabinet minister to resign — or be fired.
-
New Alberta hospital agency to be up and running in the spring: minister
Alberta's health minister says the province's new hospital agency will be operational next spring, months later than expected.
Regina
-
'I knew that he crossed a boundary': Sixth witness testifies in Manz trial
Another alleged victim of Ruben Manz took the stand on Monday. The woman tearfully recalled feeling uncomfortable in the Regina chiropractor's office.
-
Regina Urgent Care Centre still lacking personnel necessary for 24/7 service
Regina Urgent Care Centre (UCC) continues to operate at a reduced schedule — leading to the Saskatchewan NDP claiming an election promise has already been broken.
-
Pats' GM says Vaughan twin requested trade after brother was suspended
The Regina Pats announced over the weekend that forward Jaxsin Vaughan had been traded to the Everett Silvertips for Caden Brown and a first-round pick. The trade came after Jaxsin's brother Corbin was suspended by the team indefinitely.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. father calls for justice for his son, killed by alleged drunk driver
A Saskatchewan father is calling for justice in the death of his son, who Saskatoon police say was killed by an impaired driver.
-
Sask. charities hope to minimize loss of mail-in donations amid postal strike
As the Canada Post strike carries on, and prime giving season gets underway, Saskatoon charities are concerned they’re losing out on vital mail-in donations.
-
Saskatoon library workers heading back to the picket lines
Saskatoon’s city library workers are heading back to the picket lines for a second one-day strike on Tuesday.
Vancouver
-
Here's a look at B.C. Premier David Eby's new cabinet
B.C. Premier David Eby introduced his new cabinet Monday, with some notable shuffles in high-profile ministries responsible for addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the province.
-
Men from Ontario, B.C. charged in 'mistaken identity' shooting, RCMP say
Two men from Ontario and British Columbia have been charged in connection with a 2022 shooting that left an innocent victim seriously wounded.
-
'Unnecessary fear': Squamish RCMP refute alarming social media claims
Mounties in B.C.'s Sea to Sky region say there is "no credible evidence" to support claims circulating on social media that a human trafficking ring is operating in Squamish or that there have been kidnappings in the community.
Vancouver Island
-
'Saving lives is not controversial': B.C. doctors set up 'unsanctioned' overdose prevention sites at hospitals
A group of physicians are setting up unofficial overdose prevention sites outside two Vancouver Island hospitals Monday, aiming to help people struggling with addiction – while also sending a message to the government.
-
Here's a look at B.C. Premier David Eby's new cabinet
B.C. Premier David Eby introduced his new cabinet Monday, with some notable shuffles in high-profile ministries responsible for addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the province.
-
B.C. teen volunteer creates 'games cart' to make hospital more fun
Since she was a little girl, Chizara Frank-Imoh has wanted to be an engineer. But she says building community is even better.
