Police ramp up patrols in Hamilton to address car break-ins

Police say they continue to investigate car break-ins and thefts in the City of Hamilton and have arrested one man connected to several of these incidents.

An investigation began on Feb. 16 when crews received multiple 911 calls about cars being broken into in the downtown core.

Police say they were not immediately able to identify a suspect but later made an arrest when more calls came in about cars being broken into a couple blocks away.

When the suspect was arrested he was found to be in possession of items stolen from cars.

READ MORE: Man in hospital with serious injuries after Fort Erie ATV crash

Kenneth Whitman, 50, is charged with 30 separate offences including theft under $5,000, possession of article stolen from mail, and failure to comply with probation.

Police say they are increasing patrols in certain areas in the city as they identify an uptick in cars being stolen and broken into.

They say this crime trend is not isolated to Hamilton and is occurring in neighboring jurisdictions.

“We want to thank the members of our community who called to report these crimes,” police said. “A vehicle entry is a crime in progress and a 911 call is to be generated. See something, say something.”