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In a troubling series of thefts, London police reported that over the span from July to last week, a man brazenly targeted various retail stores, grocery outlets, and pharmacies throughout the city, taking merchandise off the shelves without any intention of payment.
Police conducted thorough investigations into 36 separate incidents during this period, all of which involved the same suspect. They confirmed this through compelling evidence, including video surveillance footage and photographs that repeatedly captured the individual in the act.
In total, the man is believed to have stolen more than $70,000 worth of items, a substantial loss for local businesses.
Following an exhaustive investigation, authorities successfully identified a suspect, but he evaded immediate capture, prompting the police to secure an arrest warrant. On Oct. 25, last Friday, police finally located and arrested a man in the east end of London.
The arrested individual, 35-year-old Shawn Joseph Delmage of London, is now facing numerous serious charges, including:
- 31 counts of theft under $5,000
- five counts of theft over $5,000
- 17 counts of failing to comply with a release order
Currently, Delmage remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in London court on Wednesday to address these charges.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding this investigation to contact the London police at (519) 661-5670 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Man, 23, charged after indecent act on school property
In a disturbing incident, a 23-year-old man is facing charges for reportedly committing an indecent act on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth II Elementary School in Chatham, according to police reports.
On Oct. 22, law enforcement responded to reports of inappropriate behavior, discovering that the man had engaged in indecent acts on the school property located at 79 Eugenie St. These acts allegedly occurred on multiple occasions while the school was closed, ensuring no children were present.
Following the incident, the accused was promptly arrested and is now being held in custody, pending a bail hearing.
bbaleeiro@postmedia.com
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**Interview with Detective Laura Smith, London Metropolitan Police**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Detective Smith. Can you walk us through the timeline of events regarding the recent thefts in London?
**Detective Smith:** Of course. The series of thefts began in July and continued until last week. We identified 36 separate incidents that all linked back to the same suspect. Our investigation was thorough—utilizing surveillance footage and photographs to confirm the individual’s identity during these thefts.
**Editor:** That sounds like a significant effort. Can you share more details about the suspect and the extent of the thefts?
**Detective Smith:** The suspect, Shawn Joseph Delmage, targeted various retail stores, grocery outlets, and pharmacies. We estimate that he stole over $70,000 worth of merchandise. This has been a considerable loss for the local businesses affected.
**Editor:** It’s alarming to hear such a high value in stolen goods. What challenges did the police face while trying to apprehend Delmage?
**Detective Smith:** Initially, the challenge was locating him due to his evasion of capture after we issued an arrest warrant. It took a comprehensive investigation, but last week, on October 25, we were able to apprehend him in the east end of London.
**Editor:** What charges is he currently facing?
**Detective Smith:** He faces several serious charges, including 31 counts of theft under $5,000, five counts of theft over $5,000, and 17 counts of failing to comply with a release order. He is currently in police custody as we continue our investigation.
**Editor:** What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, especially in retail environments?
**Detective Smith:** We always encourage businesses to invest in security measures such as cameras and alarm systems. Additionally, we will be working closely with store owners to heighten awareness of suspicious activities and improve reporting processes to minimize thefts moving forward.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Detective Smith. We appreciate the hard work the London Metropolitan Police is doing to keep the community safe.
**Detective Smith:** Thank you for having me. We will continue our efforts to combat theft in our city.
