NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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May 19 update:
As a result of the ongoing police investigation into this matter by the Welland Street Crime Unit a suspect was identified.
The suspect was also linked to three break and enter attempts in Welland. Two at a church on Niagara Street near Locust Street on May 14 and 15 and one at an apartment building on Niagara Street near West Main Street on May 13, 2022.
On May 18, 2022, detectives arrested the suspect in Welland. At the time of his arrest property related to the break and enter to the hair salon and immigration business was found in his backpack.
Michael Lucas Rensen (28 years old) of Welland was arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:
• Break and enter non dwelling with intent, Sec. 348(1)(a) CC (five counts)
• Break and enter non dwelling commit, Sec. 348 (1)(b) CC (two counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime, Sec. 355 (b) CC (two counts)
• Fail to comply with probation, Sec. 733.1(1) CC (five counts)
Rensen was held in custody for a video bail hearing to be held May 19, 2022 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1023300.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Original May 18 news release:
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, 3 District Welland uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to a report of multiple break and enters at a mall/plaza at 17 East Main Street in Welland.
The initial investigation determined that a contractor working on site discovered that an exterior entrance door had been damaged and then once inside four businesses were targeted by thieves. Two businesses were entered by the thieves and two showed signs of attempted forced entry and damage. The break and enters are believed to have occurred between Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 9 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Suspects targeted a tattoo business, a marketing business, an immigration business, and a hair salon. Entry was gained to the immigration business and hair salon.
Cumulative damage to the businesses primary entrance doors and interiors is estimated at $4,000. Where suspects gained entry, they ransacked the interior.
Items stolen from the businesses include a laptop, Iphone, digital camera, and Xbox gaming system (eight games).
Officers investigating these incidents have reason to believe that two suspects were responsible.
Suspect No. 1:
- Grey hoodie
- Black backpack
- Hood up over the head
Suspect No. 2:
- Dark coloured hoodie
- Hood up over the head
This is an ongoing investigation by 3 District Welland Street Crime Unit detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-688-4111, extension 1023300.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click here for Crime Stoppers online.
Anyone (residents or businesses) in the area with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity for the period between 8 p.m. on May 14, 2022 and 1 a.m. on May 15, 2022.
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