The OPP are reminding residents to lock their cars and roll up windows when leaving cars after three recent auto thefts. Valuables should never be left in plain view.
In the early morning hours of August 4, 2011, the police chased a stolen Ford Explorer which had been taken from a residence on Emily Street in Carleton Place. The vehicle travelled eastbound on Townline Road and along Country Road #29 at high speeds before landing in a ditch. The driver attempted to drive out of the ditch but was blocked by a police car.
The driver and the one passenger were arrested. No one was injured. Through further investigation, police learned the same individuals were involved in another motor vehicle theft from Emily Street on August 3, 2011.
The driver, a 17 year old male from Carleton Place, is charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Flight From Police Officers.
The passenger, a 16 year old male from Carleton Place, is charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 and Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.
In a related incident, police also learned of another vehicle stolen from Bell Street in Carleton Place in the early morning hours on August 4, 2011. The vehicle was located the same morning on Martin Street North in Almonte at approximately 5:00 am. A 17 year old male from Rideau Lakes Township and a 14 year old female from Carleton Place are each charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.
All four accused were released on a Promise to Appear for Youth Court in Smiths Falls on September 21, 2011.
Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to police.