OPP Recovers $20,000 in Stolen Perfume, Arrests 5 in Pembroke

UPDATE: Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have recovered $20,000 worth of stolen perfume and arrested five suspects following a dramatic break-and-enter incident in Pembroke, Ontario, early Thursday morning.

Around 2 a.m., police responded to a reported break-in at a business located in the 800 block of Pembroke Street East. Upon arrival, officers discovered the thieves had already fled the scene. However, a swift pursuit led to a significant breakthrough when the suspects’ vehicle was spotted on Highway 417 shortly after the incident.

As police attempted to stop the vehicle, all five suspects exited and fled on foot. Thanks to the rapid deployment of the canine unit and the emergency response team, officers were able to track down and apprehend all five individuals.

The suspects, which include two 18-year-olds, one 19-year-old, one 21-year-old, and a youth suspect, face serious charges. They are jointly charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, disguise with intent, obstructing a peace officer, dangerous operation of a vehicle, breaking and entering, and mischief over $5,000.

Following their arrests, all five were remanded in custody after bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke. They are scheduled for further court appearances in the near future.

This incident underscores the increasing prevalence of retail theft and the swift actions of law enforcement to combat such crimes. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information related to this incident to reach out to the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit valleytips.ca.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.