The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Community Response Team arrested two men responsible for serial shoplifting offences at various LCBO’s and other retailers in the city.
An investigation by a Thunder Bay Police Service Resource Officer was the result of ongoing online reports about multiple liquor store thefts. As a result of that investigation the officer was able to link multiple incidents of theft to two accused men.
One accused was responsible for the theft of more than $1,550 worth of product, the other suspect responsible for theft of more than $730 of product.
The continued investigation led CRT officers to located and arrest Steve APPEL, 39, of Thunder Bay, on June 15, 2019. He was charged with Breach of Probation x19, Breach of Recognizance x 4 and Theft Under $5,000 x 19.
On June 26, officers arrested Eric Andrew ATKINSON, 35, of Thunder Bay. he was charged with Assault, Theft Under $5,000 x 19, Breach of Recognizance x 14.
High quality video surveillance footage was used during the investigation to assist in identifying the suspects. Online crime reporting is a service the public can access though the TBPS website. Learn more here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/key-services/services/online-reporting