On November 17, 2020, uniformed officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a reported theft at a new commercial build development in the Town of Caledon.
Information was received that a T20 Industrial Ride-On Floor Scrubber, seven lift controllers, a tandem utility trailer and other tools valued over $75,000 were stolen by unknown suspects.
As a result of the police investigation led by the Caledon OPP Community Street Crime Unit, the stolen property was recovered and two parties were arrested. During the arrest, an imitation firearm was recovered by the officers in the vehicle operated by the suspects.
Carlos PALACIO, 25, of Toronto, stands charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime; and
- Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on February 5, 2021, to answer to the charges.
Alejandro MARIN TABAREZ, 19, of Brampton, is charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime; and
- Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on February 5, 2021, to answer to the charges.
If you have any information in relation to this investigation, please contact Caledon Detachment Community Street Crime Unit at (905) 584-2241 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122.
You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 upon an arrest.
Theft of construction equipment has an immense impact on economy and small businesses. The recovery of the stolen equipment has allowed the complainant to resume work as an independent contractor.
Here are some crime prevention tips to make your construction site more secure:
- Install lights – a well-lit job site makes it less attractive for thieves to get into the site;
- Immobilize large equipment – prevent the theft of large equipment such as diggers and forklifts by installing immobilization or battery disconnect devices. Use locking devices such as boots, or surround equipment overnight with stacked materials;
- Install a GPS tracker – an inexpensive way to keep track of your costly construction equipment;
- Lock away tools and materials – make sure all materials and tools are securely locked away in a storage container, locked job site trailer or locking tool box, and be sure to invest in good locks.