An east end community organization saw some damage reportedly done to, and items taken from its storage unit, which has resulted in break and enter charges laid against a Belleville man.
Last Thursday, city police were informed by employees of the business to find that locks on its storage unit had been cut, and approximately $20,000 worth of items were stolen.
Police reviewed surveillance footage and noticed a male entering the property after 2 a.m. that day, where he was seen inspecting storage units before leaving shortly afterward.
At approximately 4:10am, the same male returned with another male, carrying an empty wagon.
The video also shows one of the male’s cutting locks on storage units while both survey the area.
Shortly after, both men were observed leaving the property, carrying tools in the wagon. Officers were able to identify one suspect from the footage.
The next afternoon, members of the Belleville Police and its Emergency Response Unit executed a warrant in the city’s east end, arresting and charging Andrew Markell, 38, with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, break and enter a dwelling house to commit indictable offence, mischief under $5000, theft over $5000 and failing to comply with a probation order.
He was held for a bail hearing on April 11.
Recovered property is being returned to its rightful owners. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Belleville Police at 613-966-0882 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
