Author: Mohsin Abbas

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

As the Easter holiday weekend approaches, residents of Chatham-Kent are being reminded of the various closures and modified hours at municipal facilities and businesses for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.

The municipality has released an official list outlining which services and amenities will remain open or closed throughout the weekend, as well as any changes to transit schedules. Here’s what you need to know before heading out this long weekend.

Municipal Offices and Facilities

Most municipal offices and facilities in Chatham-Kent will be closed for the Easter holiday weekend, with exceptions for certain essential services. Here’s a rundown:

Chatham-Kent Municipal Centre: The main municipal offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21. Services will resume on Tuesday, April 22. For urgent inquiries or services, residents can contact the after-hours service by calling 519-360-1998.

Libraries: All Chatham-Kent Public Libraries will be closed on Friday, April 18, Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21. They will reopen on Saturday, April 19, with regular hours.

Recreation Centres: Most community recreation centres, including the Chatham-Kent Community Centre and Blenheim Community Centre, will be closed on Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21. However, some facilities will remain open on Saturday, April 19, for regular programming.

Parks and Cemeteries: Public parks will remain open for the duration of the holiday, and cemetery offices will be closed Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21. For urgent inquiries, please call 519-352-8300.

Public Transit: Chatham-Kent Transit will operate on a holiday schedule on Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, with adjusted hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular service will resume on Tuesday, April 22.

Retail and Grocery Stores

While many large retail stores and grocery stores will be open for the majority of the weekend, some will have reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday:

Walmart: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with regular hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Loblaws and Sobeys: Open on Good Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with reduced hours on Easter Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Both stores will be closed on Sunday, April 20, for Easter Sunday.

Shoppers Drug Mart: Most locations will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday with reduced hours, generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Sunday hours will be slightly adjusted, with stores opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m..

Restaurants and Food Services

Restaurants in Chatham-Kent will operate under their usual holiday hours but may close early on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Many local businesses, including those in downtown Chatham and Blenheim, will be serving Easter specials, with reservations recommended.

Tim Hortons: Locations will remain open for Good Friday and Easter Monday but with reduced hours, typically from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m..

McDonald’s: Most locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with Sunday hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m..

Chatham-Kent Tourism and Attractions

For those looking to enjoy a bit of sightseeing or outdoor activity over the holiday weekend, several popular tourist attractions in Chatham-Kent will be open, although some may have adjusted hours:

Rondeau Provincial Park: The park will remain open, with regular hours for visitors to explore its trails and enjoy the outdoors. The visitor centre will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but park entry is still permitted.

Chatham-Kent Museum: Closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, but open on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Emergency Services

As always, emergency services will continue to operate throughout the holiday weekend. Residents are reminded to dial 911 in case of an emergency. For non-urgent matters, the Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services will be operating under regular schedules.

Chatham-Kent residents and visitors are encouraged to check the specific operating hours of facilities, stores, and services ahead of the long Easter weekend. Whether you’re staying home to enjoy the holiday or taking advantage of local attractions, planning ahead will help ensure you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free weekend.

For more information on holiday hours and closures, visit the Town of Chatham-Kent’s official website or contact the municipal office directly.

 

 

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Chatham-Kent police have laid charges in several unrelated incidents across the region in recent weeks, including robbery, theft, harassment, traffic violations, and assault. Investigations led to arrests in cases involving stolen property recovered through social media, bear mace used in a confrontation, and a man allegedly reporting a break-in he committed himself.

MAN CHARGED AFTER THEFT OF WIRING FROM LIGHT POLES

A 25-year-old Chatham man has been charged following a February incident in which wiring was stolen from several light poles on a property along Gregory Drive East, police say.

The police were called to the scene after a 23-year-old Chatham man reported damage and theft. Investigators say a suspect tampered with a light pole on the north side of the property, removing a wiring box and cutting wires, disabling the lights. The suspect then allegedly targeted two additional poles on the southwest side, removing another 40 to 50 feet of wiring. Surveillance footage captured a white SUV arriving at the scene, with a man and woman seen entering and exiting the vehicle within 15 minutes. Police say an Ontario licence plate was visible in the video. The police arrested a 25-year-old Chatham man at police headquarters. He was charged in connection with the theft and mischief and later released with a court date scheduled for May 5.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HARASSMENT

A 50-year-old Chatham woman has been charged after allegedly violating her probation order and engaging in criminal harassment.

Police say the accused, who had been placed on probation on March 24 with conditions to stay at least 100 metres away from a 41-year-old victim’s residence, was heard yelling profanities near the victim’s home on Colborne Street around 6:18 p.m. The victim contacted the police, and video evidence confirmed the accused was within the restricted area. Officers arrested the woman for breaching her probation and engaging in criminal harassment. She was transported to the police headquarters and held for a bail hearing.

MAN CHARGED AS TRAFFIC STOP REVEALS SUSPENDED LICENCE

A 33-year-old Chatham man is facing multiple charges after a patrol officer pulled him over in the early morning and discovered he was driving with a suspended licence and unauthorized licence plates.

Police say the officer was travelling east on Wellington Street West when the cruiser’s Automatic Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) flagged the vehicle for an unattached plate.

A subsequent investigation determined the plates did not belong to the driver or the vehicle and that the man was under two licence suspensions — one for unpaid fines and another for medical reasons. The plates were seized and returned to the Ministry of Transportation. The has been charged with using a plate not authorized for the vehicle and two counts of driving while under suspension.

MAN CHARGED AFTER REPORTING BREAK-IN AT PROPERTY

A 48-year-old Chatham-Kent man has been charged with a break-and-enter after allegedly reporting a crime he was later believed to have committed.

The police say they were called about an insecure property on St. Clair Street, near Grand Avenue in Chatham. Officers arrived to find the door to a vacant apartment above a business had been kicked in. Following an investigation, police say evidence at the scene and comments made by the man who reported the incident led them to believe he was responsible for the damage. He was arrested, charged with break-and-enter, and released with conditions and a court date set for May 12.

MAN CHARGED AFTER VEHICLE ROBBERY IN DRESDEN

A 42-year-old Wallaceburg man is facing charges after a vehicle was stolen during a robbery at a gas station in Dresden and later found abandoned following a crash.

Chatham-Kent police say officers were called to a gas station in Dresden after a man entered the business, threatened a 29-year-old employee, and demanded the keys to his vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene in the stolen car. Police were able to identify the man quickly using video surveillance footage. A short time later, Ontario Provincial Police reported the vehicle had been involved in a single-vehicle crash north of Glencoe and was left abandoned.

The OPP officers located the suspect in Petrolia, where he was arrested and later transported to Chatham-Kent Police Service headquarters. The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner. The man has been charged in connection with the incident.

WATER HEATER RECOVERED AFTER SPOTTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

A stolen tankless water heater has been recovered by the police after it was listed for sale online. The police say the heater was taken during a break-and-enter. A 28-year-old Chatham man contacted police after spotting an item matching the stolen heater on a social media marketplace. Officers traced the listing to a local residence and confirmed the item matched the one reported stolen. A 34-year-old Chatham man was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was released with a court date scheduled for April 28. Police say the water heater was later returned to its rightful owner.

MAN CHARGED AFTER BEAR MACE INCIDENT

A 54-year-old Tilbury man is facing charges after allegedly spraying another man in the face with bear mace during a sidewalk confrontation.

The police were called to Young Street after reports of a disturbance. Investigators say the accused encountered a 38-year-old man with whom he had a prior disagreement earlier in the day. As the verbal argument escalated, the older man allegedly pulled out bear spray and discharged it at close range into the victim’s face.

The victim fled into his residence, while the accused was also affected by the airborne spray and fell to the ground. Both men were assessed by Chatham-Kent EMS and cleared at the scene. The 54-year-old was arrested and has been charged in connection with the incident.

By: Isabelle Bujold, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

 

Excitement is building as Cook Shack, Tilbury’s newest smokehouse, prepares to open its doors.

With a passion for barbecue and a commitment to quality, Cook Shack is set to become a local destination for smoked meats and comfort food. Owners Kyle and Leena say they are grateful for the community’s support throughout the process.

Cooking has been in Kyle’s blood since childhood, experimenting with new and unexpected flavour combinations. By age 16, he was already creating specials at a local bowling alley and working alongside his mother at Mrs. Jones Café & Cheesecake Company.

Those early experiences sparked a passion for the culinary arts, but it was his time in Alberta that truly fuelled his love for barbecue.

A turning point came in 2010, when he tried his hand at BBQ — almost burning down his house while cooking ribs.

“I dove headfirst into BBQ, creating my own rubs, cooking for friends and family, competing, and even judging BBQ competitions to understand what makes the best meats stand out,” Kyle said.

The name Cook Shack symbolizes a new beginning — rooted in the humble origins of cooking from a small shack, with Kyle, the “cook,” at the centre of it all.

At Cook Shack, guests can expect a selection of smoked meats and comfort foods — chicken, ribs, brisket, pulled pork and macaroni and cheese, to name a few.

With a passion for creativity, Kyle plans to offer limited-time specials, encouraging customers to act fast before they’re gone.

Kyle takes pride in slow-cooking the meats to perfection, ensuring every dish is tender and full of flavour.

The couple is also committed to supporting the local community, using locally sourced produce and fish, with plans for an on-site garden. They also worked with local businesses for their signage, equipment rentals and renovations.

Cook Shack is designed to feel like home, with seating indoors and plans for outdoor tables during the warmer months.

Kyle and Leena said they look forward to welcoming customers and watching the community come together over their food.

The restaurant’s grand opening is coming soon. Updates will be posted on Cook Shack’s Facebook page.

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Water levels along the Thames River are beginning to recede following a weekend of high flows that saw the river peak at several locations across southwestern Ontario.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said Monday that water levels on the river peaked in London last Thursday, near Dutton early Saturday afternoon, and near Thamesville early Sunday evening. In Chatham, the river crested early Monday morning.

Heavy rainfall across the watershed last week — ranging from 35 to 55 millimetres, with some areas receiving more due to thunderstorms — pushed the Thames River and its tributaries over their banks and into adjacent floodplain areas.

Although water levels are now falling along most of the river’s length, the LTVCA warned residents to remain cautious.

“Water levels are still quite high and will remain elevated for the next few days,” the agency said in a statement.

Residents are being urged to stay away from the river, streams and ditches, particularly in the Chatham area, where water levels will remain high despite the crest having passed.

“People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams,” the LTVCA said. “The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous.”

The authority also reminded residents that standing water can pose unseen hazards, and that children, pets and livestock should be kept away from waterways.

In Chatham, the 6th Street Dam was operated Sunday evening and overnight to reduce water levels on Indian and McGregor Creeks. Those levels will now slowly rise during the day as they match the gradually falling Thames River levels.

The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel remains full of water backed up from the river, though this too is expected to drop as conditions improve.

The LTVCA said no major rainfall is forecast in the coming days, which should aid in the slow return of water levels to normal.

However, officials will continue to monitor conditions and will update their advisory if necessary. The current Watershed Condition Statement – Safety Bulletin remains in effect until April 9.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is encouraging residents to sign up for its new emergency alert service, CKAlert. The system provides notifications in the event of a flooding emergency via text message, email or phone call.

Unlike the federal Alert Ready system, CKAlert requires residents to sign up in advance at www.CKAlert.ca.

“This Emergency Alert Service will only be used in the event of a flood-related emergency situation,” the LTVCA noted.

Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as water levels continue to drop over the next several days.

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Hindu community in Chatham-Kent came together today to celebrate Ugadi, marking the Telugu New Year with vibrant traditions, delicious food, and joyful festivities. This annual celebration, rich in cultural significance, brought a sense of unity and joy to the local Indian community as they gathered in the area to ring in the new year.

Ugadi, which marks the first day of the Chaitra month in the lunar calendar, is a major festival for Telugu-speaking people in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The occasion is seen as a time to celebrate new beginnings, offer prayers for prosperity, and look forward to the year ahead.

In Chatham-Kent, where a growing Indian community has flourished in recent years, the celebration of Ugadi has become a beloved tradition for local families. With several generations now living in the area, the community has embraced Ugadi as a way to connect with their roots while sharing their cultural heritage with the broader community.

Ratnam Kumar, a local business owner in Tilbury, spoke about the significance of Ugadi for his family and the community. Kumar, who owns a small store in Tilbury, has seen the celebration of Ugadi grow in recent years as more people join in the festivities.

“For many of us, Ugadi is not just a religious festival, it’s also a time to connect with family and community,” said Kumar.

“We gather to celebrate our culture, share food, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s beautiful to see how much our community has grown here in Chatham-Kent region, and it’s a joy to witness the younger generations participating in the traditions and learning about their heritage.”

The day began with prayers and religious rituals at the local Hindu temple, where families offered flowers and incense to deities. The temple was filled with the sound of chanting and the scent of incense as devotees celebrated the arrival of the new year. The rituals were followed by the customary offering of “Ugadi Pachadi,” a traditional dish made from a combination of six ingredients that symbolize different emotions — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tangy — representing the diversity of experiences one may face in the year ahead.

For the community in Chatham-Kent, Ugadi isn’t only about religious practices. The festival is also a time for socializing, eating, and enjoying traditional foods. Families and friends gathered at various homes and community halls to share a meal, dance, and enjoy the festivities together. The aroma of rich Indian dishes, such as biryani, samosas, and the famous Ugadi sweets, filled the air as people celebrated in traditional attire.

Shilpa Kurtiwali, a resident of Lighthouse Cove, also shared her experience of celebrating Ugadi in the Chatham-Kent area. For Kurtiwali, who moved to the region several years ago, Ugadi has become an important part of her family’s life.

“We love being able to celebrate Ugadi with our community here,” Kurtiwali said.

“We may be far from our hometowns in India, but it feels amazing to come together and celebrate as one community. The food, the rituals, the joy — it all brings us closer to our roots, and we get to share that with our children. It’s a beautiful way to start the new year.”

While the food and festivities take center stage, Ugadi also serves as a time for reflection. The Telugu community in Chatham-Kent gathers to celebrate their successes over the past year while making hopes and prayers for the future. The theme of renewal and hope is an integral part of the celebrations, where people reflect on challenges faced in the past year and look ahead to better opportunities.

As the celebration continued, the sounds of traditional Telugu music filled the air, and families shared stories and laughter. In the spirit of unity and goodwill, many also donated to local charities, embodying the spirit of giving that is central to the Hindu faith.

For the Indian community in Chatham-Kent, Ugadi is not just a celebration of the Telugu New Year; it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of their cultural heritage. As the community continues to grow and thrive, the celebration of Ugadi has become an important part of their collective identity.

The festivities marked a perfect way to ring in the Telugu New Year, offering both a connection to tradition and a glimpse into the future. It’s clear that Ugadi is more than just a festival — it’s a reflection of the vibrant and growing Indian community in Chatham-Kent, one that celebrates both its past and its future.

As the event concluded, families began making plans for the upcoming year, filled with hope and anticipation for what Ugadi’s teachings of renewal and prosperity will bring.

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Chatham-Kent Police Service is requesting the public’s help in locating a missing 14-year-old youth, Meka Dionne, who was last seen in Wallaceburg, Ontario.

Meka was reported missing on the evening of March 30, 2025, after she was seen heading on foot from Montgomery Drive toward McNaughton Avenue. She has not been heard from since.

Meka is described as a light/fair-skinned female, approximately 5’5” tall, weighing around 115 lbs. She has brown eyes and long light brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a black cropped t-shirt, and white and purple Nike shoes.

The Chatham-Kent Police are concerned for Meka’s well-being and are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward.

Anyone who has seen Meka or has any information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-436-6600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The police are actively working to locate Meka and appreciate any assistance from the community.

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

All westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Tilbury have reopened following a significant fuel spill earlier this week, after emergency crews worked for over 12 hours to clean up the incident.

The spill occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, when a fuel tanker truck overturned on the highway near Exit 56 (Essex County Road 42). The crash resulted in an estimated 20,000 litres of fuel spilling onto the westbound lanes and into a nearby ditch, forcing the closure of Highway 401 between Exit 56 and Exit 48 (Highway 77, Comber Side Road).

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and a significant cleanup effort was launched. According to OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, no injuries were reported, and the driver of the tanker was unharmed.

“The bad news is that thousands of litres of fuel spilled onto the roadways and into a nearby ditch,” Sanchuk said in a social media post. “This posed a major challenge for our teams, who worked around the clock to ensure public safety and reopen the highway as quickly as possible.”

Crews worked throughout the day, coordinating with the Ministry of the Environment and specialized cleanup teams to contain the spill and prevent further contamination.

The highway closure, initially expected to last eight to 10 hours, extended into the evening as cleanup operations continued. As a precaution, emergency responders closed both westbound lanes of the highway, diverting traffic onto nearby roads. Local drivers were urged to plan alternate routes during the closure.

“It was critical for us to get the spill cleaned up as safely and efficiently as possible,” said a representative from the Ministry of the Environment. “Our teams have been on the ground since the spill was reported, working with OPP and other agencies to minimize the impact.”

By Sunday evening, after more than 12 hours of intensive work, the cleanup was completed, and the westbound lanes were reopened to traffic, allowing the flow of vehicles to return to normal.

By March 31, all lanes of Highway 401 were fully open, and no further delays were expected. The OPP confirmed that the investigation into the cause of the rollover is ongoing, though no details have been released at this time.

The fuel spill serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with transporting hazardous materials, and authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant while traveling on major highways. The OPP also cautioned motorists to stay updated on any further developments through official channels.

Motorists affected by the closure were encouraged to follow traffic updates from the OPP’s social media accounts and local news outlets. No additional road closures were reported after the reopening of the westbound lanes.

While the investigation continues, authorities have assured the public that the highway is safe and that the incident did not result in lasting environmental harm.

Motorists are advised to monitor local traffic updates and follow any further instructions provided by the OPP or other emergency services in the event of future incidents.

 

By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Lakeshore Council has approved a new partnership with Windsor Law’s Centre for Cities (C4C) aimed at modernizing the municipality’s planning and development processes. The partnership will play a crucial role in supporting the goals outlined in Lakeshore’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Approved Action Plan.

At the March 25 council meeting, Mayor Tracey Bailey expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative.

“This is an incredible opportunity to innovate and modernize our planning and development processes to speed up approvals and incorporate the voices of residents in determining the future of our communities,” Bailey said.

“The partnership will give our staff, community members, and developers an opportunity to work with an integrated team of professionals who will lend their expertise to fundamentally change how we plan and develop.”

The partnership, which is set to bring together municipal staff and C4C experts, is designed to create effective systems and solutions for addressing the region’s housing challenges.

“We are working together to develop cutting-edge and needed systems solutions to address the housing crisis in our region and elsewhere, and to put development in the hands of the municipality,” said Dr. Anneke Smit, Director of the Centre for Cities.

The partnership comes after Lakeshore received a significant boost in funding. In February, the municipality was awarded a $7+ million grant from the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

The grant will support nine initiatives, including community design charettes, a review of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, and the exploration of municipal land use for housing projects.

Additionally, Lakeshore will develop an affordable housing strategy and Community Improvement Plan to offer financial incentives for new housing projects.

University of Windsor President, Dr. Robert Gordon, expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

“As a regionally focused institution, our goal is to build meaningful relationships with all municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. We are thrilled to be moving forward with our MOU with the Municipality of Lakeshore and to see this important C4C-Lakeshore partnership come to fruition as the first collaboration under this new framework,” Gordon said.

The partnership’s initiatives align with Lakeshore’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure and housing capacity. Earlier in March, Lakeshore announced the receipt of nearly $37 million from the Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), earmarked for improvements to the municipality’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

Residents of Lakeshore can expect significant opportunities for community involvement as the municipality plans for the future. Those interested in staying up to date on housing developments in Lakeshore are encouraged to sign up for updates at Lakeshore.ca/Housing.

 

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

A crude oil spill in the St. Clair River near the Suncor plant in Sarnia has raised concerns, but officials assure that there is no immediate threat to the water supply in Chatham-Kent.

The spill, which was detected at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, prompted a response from the Spill Action Centre (SAC). Two downstream refineries have deployed booms to capture contaminants from the river. Despite a public notice issued by St. Clair Township, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has stated that its water supply remains unaffected by the incident.

Eric Labadie, Manager of Corporate Communications for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, emphasized that there is no current concern for local water. “The Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant, which serves Chatham-Kent residents by processing water from the Chenal Ecarte, is not at risk from the spill at this time,” Labadie said.

To proactively address any potential risks, the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (CKPUC) announced that the Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant will temporarily shut down its water intake on Friday, March 28. The decision is based on the estimated 24-hour travel time for water from the spill site to the intake. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate any possible contamination.

Suncor, in a statement regarding the spill, emphasized that the safety of workers, the community, and the environment is their top priority. “We are making notifications to the appropriate parties to ensure this response has the necessary support. Community members may notice an odor near the Suncor dock, and further instructions will be issued by the municipality if necessary,” the company stated. They assured that additional information would be provided as the situation develops.

Chatham-Kent residents are encouraged to sign up for CKAlert, the municipality’s emergency notification system, to receive timely updates. To register for CKAlert, visit www.CKAlert.ca.

The Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates if needed.

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The Chatham-Kent Police have made several arrests in recent days for outstanding warrants, court violations, and criminal offences. Among those taken into custody are individuals charged with theft, mischief, and breach of bail conditions. Authorities also arrested suspects connected to break-ins, fraud, and trespassing. Police urge residents to report suspicious activity as investigations continue.

ARRESTS ON WARRANTS

The police have made multiple arrests in recent days for outstanding warrants, failure to appear in court, and various criminal offences.

Essex County Ontario Provincial Police located a 27-year-old Wheatley man who was wanted on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court. The charges against him include possession of property over $5,000, possession under $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer. He was returned to the police and released with a court date of April 28.

In an unrelated case, police arrested a 55-year-old Chatham man in connection with a break and enter investigation dating back to August 6, 2024. The incident involved the theft of approximately $67,000 worth of property. Through the investigation, police identified the suspect and determined he was involved in selling the stolen goods. The property was recovered and returned to its rightful owner. The accused was charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and trafficking in stolen goods under $5,000.

On March 19, a 29-year-old Blenheim woman was arrested on a witness warrant after failing to appear in court for an assault trial. She was released with a court date of March 28.

A 40-year-old Wallaceburg man was taken into custody for mischief. The same day, a 34-year-old Chatham man and a 41-year-old Chatham woman were arrested for trespassing at night and theft under $5,000. Both were released with a court date of April 14.

A 41-year-old Chatham man was arrested under a warrant for failing to attend court. He was released with a court date of March 28. That same day, a 37-year-old Chatham man was also arrested for failing to appear in court and was released with a court date of March 24.

A 49-year-old Florence woman was arrested during a traffic stop on March 17. She was found to have outstanding unendorsed warrants for failing to attend court, theft, and possession under $5,000. She remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Also on March 17, a 33-year-old Chatham man was taken into custody on mischief charges. He was remanded at South West Detention Centre until his next court appearance on March 19.

On March 14, police arrested a 35-year-old Moraviantown woman for failing to provide fingerprints. She was released with an April 7 court date. Later that day, a 31-year-old Chatham-Kent woman was arrested for failing to attend court and mischief. She was released with a March 17 court date.

MAN ARRESTED FOR BREACHING BAIL CONDITIONS

A 54-year-old Chatham man has been arrested after allegedly violating his bail conditions just hours after being released from custody. The man had attended a bail hearing on March 24, 2025, in connection with multiple charges from a prior incident where he allegedly assaulted two family members. Following the hearing, he was released from custody. Later, the police received another call reporting a possible breach of bail conditions. Officers were informed that the accused was on a property on Park Avenue West in Chatham and was attempting to access the rear door of the residence. Police arrived shortly after and located the man on the property. He was arrested without incident and found to be in violation of his release conditions. He was read his rights to counsel and charged accordingly.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH THEFT

A 32-year-old Chatham woman has been charged after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. Police say that on March 21, 2025, the woman entered a store on St. Clair Street in Chatham, selected items worth $181.88, and left without paying. She bypassed all checkout areas before exiting the store. The police located the woman a short distance away and recovered the stolen merchandise. She was arrested and charged with theft and possession of stolen property under $5,000. She was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on April 28, 2025.

WOMAN CHARGED IN PURSE THEFT

A 28-year-old Chatham woman has been charged after a purse was reported stolen on Riverview Drive. The police received the call on March 22 from a 72-year-old woman who reported the theft. An investigation revealed unauthorized credit card transactions, leading officers to identify and arrest the suspect. She was released with a court date set for March 26.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DISTURBANCE

A 30-year-old Chatham man was arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance at a local retail business. The police responded to the incident. The man was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters, where he remains pending a bail hearing. Police are reminding residents to report suspicious activity to help maintain public safety.

ATTEMPTED VEHICLE BREAK-INS

The police are investigating after a resident reported two individuals attempting to break into his parked vehicle. Police responded to the call. A 53-year-old Chatham man told officers he saw two suspects on his security camera footage trying door handles on his property. The footage showed the pair walking down the street, appearing to check for unlocked vehicles. The investigation is ongoing, and police urge residents to report suspicious activity.

POLICE MAKE 60 ARRESTS

The police made 60 arrests during the last one week as part of an enforcement effort targeting individuals wanted for outstanding warrants, failure to comply, and domestic-related offences. The arrests were carried out across multiple locations throughout the region.