Northern Ont. thieves are taking whatever they can easily get their hands on: police

Timmins police are warning local business that recent crimes in Timmins point to thieves going wherever they can get in easily to take what they want.

A look at recent crimes in Timmins, Ont., points to thieves focusing on properties they can get into easily in order to take what they want.

Timmins police are warning local businesses that locations with no security guards or alarm systems are becoming easy targets.

Lynezza Kelly owns a convenience store in the 101 Mall and the lottery booth in Timmins Square and both businesses were targeted by thieves earlier this week.

“Well, I came into my store here 8:15 Monday morning. My staff informed me that things kind of seemed off. I didn’t think much of it,” said Kelly.

“We started to investigate. I go to open up the cameras and I asked her to check everything and that’s when we realized the unfortunate event that somebody broke in and got away with all of our lottery tickets and a bunch of cigarettes, amongst other things.”

She told CTV News that the police officer serving them said there was a break in at the Timmins Square as well.

“Later on that day, we also figured out that our other location was hit,” said Kelly.

“My staff called me saying that items were broken, the locks were broken and stuff was missing. So, it was a very unfortunate first 12 hours of my Monday.”

The Timmins Police Service said that investigation into both of these break-ins is ongoing.

“Windows have been broken and they’re gaining entry that way. Sometimes the doors are just pried,” said Katherine Beatty, an acting detective sergeant with the local police service.

“Once inside the mall, the lottery booths are open. They have locked cabinets, but they are still open. So they’re more accessible.”

Kelly said she is frustrated with the justice system.

“Things need to be done. Unfortunately, ... lock it or lose it doesn’t matter anymore,” she said.

“You lock it, they’re still going to get it if they want and they’re going to get in. We’re the ones that are going to lose everything, not them. We need better in our system, they need to be locked up.”

READ MORE: Timmins police make arrest, lay 60 charges after recent crime spree

Also within the last week, the city has seen a rash of thefts from vehicles, with several having windows smashed and items taken.

“These incidents aren’t targeted toward people, they’re targeted towards items, said Beatty.

“The vehicles that are being broken into are the ones that have things in plain view. So, we suggest that you park in a well-lit area. You keep your doors locked and anything that would be enticing to someone be removed out of sight so that they’re not being targeted for that reason.”

Victims of the recent vehicle thefts told CTV News that they are discouraged and disappointed to be targeted.

One Timmins mother said she has been without a car this week waiting for it to be repaired and has to replace two car seats for her children.

Local police said they have arrested one person in connection with the recent ‘smash and grabs’ and he is facing several charges including breach of probation and being in possession of break-and-enter instruments.