Two arrested and charged, stolen property recovered in catalytic converter thefts
Beginning in March 2022, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation dubbed “Project Maranta”. The investigation was in response to an increase in catalytic converter thefts in the Municipality of North Grenville and surrounding area. The CSCU was assisted by members of the Grenville County OPP Detachment to help identify a vehicle and persons of interest.
On March 30, 2022, the CSCU conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle as it entered a private parking lot, in the Town of Morrisburg, Ontario. Two accused were arrested without incident. A search incident to arrest led to the finding of three catalytic converters that had been recently cut from vehicles. The CSCU also located and seized reciprocating saws, other tools, items designed to disguise identity, multiple mobile phones, and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine. The vehicle was also seized by police.
A male, 35 years of age, of North Grenville, Ontario, has been charged with:
- Theft under $5,000 (two counts) – Contrary to Section 334(b) of the Criminal Code (CC);
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (three counts) – Contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the CC;
- Mischief under $5,000 (two counts) – Contrary to Section 430(4) of the CC;
- Possession of a Schedule I substance – Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
A female, 38 years of age, of Elizabethtown Township, has been charged with:
- Failure to comply with release order (four counts) – Contrary to Section 145(5)(a) of the CC;
- Theft under $5,000 (two counts) – Contrary to Section 334(b) of the (CC);
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (three counts) – Contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the CC;
- Mischief under $5,000 (two counts) – Contrary to Section 430(4) of the CC;
- Possession of a Schedule I substance – Contrary to Section 4(1) of the CDSA;
Both were held for a bail hearing and remain in custody at this time.
The investigation has also been linked to thefts in the County of Lennox & Addington area and is still ongoing at this time. It continues to be led by the CSCU.
If anyone has surveillance footage or information about this investigation or others like it, please notify the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You may also report incidents online.
Incidents such as this have been occurring in areas of Eastern Ontario for some time. The OPP is reminding store owners and employees to be vigilant if carrying these types of products, and employ security measures if possible.
For property owners, the SafeGuard Ontario Property Security Program contains information and videos on how to better protect your property.
To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don’t go to court, and you could earn a cash reward.
