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Female suspect in rash of neighbourhood thefts identified

Christina Balkenende, 30, faces multiple charges in wake of Nov. 16 thefts
2018-11-16-FourthStreetthefts-EE
Police have arrested a suspect in the wake of multiple thefts from vehicles along Fourth Street area last week. Erika Engel/CollingwoodToday

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Officers from the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a female party early Friday morning in relation to incidents of theft from motor vehicles in Collingwood. 

On Nov. 16, 2018 at approximately 3:30 a.m. a resident in the area of Fourth Street and Oak Street in Collingwood called police in regards to their vehicle being entered and items taken.

Upon arriving on scene, officers observed tracks in the snow leading to numerous other residences and vehicles. Police continued on foot following the tracks and shortly thereafter they located the suspect in the area of Hickory Street and Fifth Street who was arrested at scene.  

Charged is Christina Balkenende, 30 years-old from Collingwood, she is facing charges of Trespassing at Night, two counts of Theft from Motor Vehicle Under $5,000 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000. She was held for a bail hearing on Friday at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.

Officers also recovered some stolen property including tools, electronics and personal belongings.

This is serves as a good reminder to area residents of the Lock it or Lose it tips:

  • Roll up your vehicle windows
  • Keep your valuables out of sight, such as wallets/purses, gps navigation units, any currency or better yet, remove them entirely from the vehicle
  • Lock your doors; and
  • Pocket your keys.

Residents are reminded as well to call police if they observe a suspicious person in their neighbourhood, especially overnight which is when these types of incidents tend to take place.

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