Credit cards stolen from unlocked vehicle used at convenience store: police

NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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The Timmins Police Service has charged a local man with theft related offences stemming from incidents that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 30 , firstly at a Way Street address, and then again at an Algonquin Blvd convenience store in Timmins.

The Timmins Police Service responded to a call for service where a male suspect had stolen assorted credit cards and other forms of identification from an unlocked vehicle parked at a Way Street address.

The suspect then proceeded to complete fraudulent purchases at an Algonquin Blvd convenience store later that same day.

It was determined that the suspect had illegally purchased approximately $95 worth of goods from the convenience store while his likeness was captured on the store’s video monitoring equipment.

As a result of the investigation into the incidents, Alex Leblanc, 30, of Timmins, has been charged with: 

• Theft under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada 
• Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
• Unauthorized possession of credit card contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada 
• Fraudulent use of credit card contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

Leblanc had a bail hearing where he was released on strict conditions including having to attend at Provincial Court in Timmins on March 2 to answer to the charges laid against him. In the course of the investigation, the stolen credit cards were recovered by the Timmins Police Service and returned to the rightful owner.

It is hoped that this incident can serve as an important reminder not to leave valuable items unattended in any unlocked vehicle as the outcomes can be distressing and problematic for property owners.

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