Sarnia police have made an arrest, and formed a lasting relationship with a local football club, following a year long investigation.
City police launched an investigation on May 8, 2024, after the Sarnia Imperials Football Clubhouse was broken into at Norm Perry Park.
A variety of football gear, including an expensive helmet and audio equipment, was stolen.
Through their investigation, officers determined a 40-year-old man had sold the helmet, valued at $500, to a local pawnshop for $80.
The man was arrested on May 6, 2025 and charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and trafficking property obtained by crime under $5,000.
He was released from custody and will appear in court in June.
The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) Intelligence Unit was able to recover the stolen helmet from the pawnshop.
It was returned to the Sarnia Imperials, still in new condition with the tags attached.
As a result of this investigation, SPS said three of its members -- Det. Josh Mitchell, Det. Cst. Karl Brown and Cst. Colin Sullivan -- started volunteering with the club.
Sarnia Imperials Football Club President and CEO Andrew Barnes said they are specifically helping with coaching.
"This means so much to our team, as we have always tried to strive for community involvement," Barnes said. "I'm thrilled to have the three SPS members on our team and hope, in turn, we can bring back the love of the sport to them and the entire community. We welcome any volunteers and are extremely grateful for the partnership with SPS and look forward to a lasting relationship."
SPS is asking anyone with information that can help identify others involved in this break and enter to contact them at (519) 344-8861 or submit the information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.p3tips.com.
