OPP release additional information on pair charged in multiple thefts across eastern Ontario

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have released more information regarding the pair of individuals who were charged in multiple thefts across eastern Ontario in August.

According to a release from the OPP, between July 15 and 25, 2023, members of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit investigated 42 incidents of vehicle theft, commercial break and enters, and arson, and charged two individuals as a result. Police said that the reported vehicle thefts include personal watercraft, RV’s and other trailers, and spanned across East Region.

Attempts were made to stop the pair and they fled from police, the OPP noted. According to the release, the vehicle being operated at the time was located abandoned and on fire. Several of the stolen vehicles had been spray-painted, police said.

“Throughout the investigation, bank cards located in the stolen vehicles were used. Both parties were arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and returned to Ontario,” the OPP said.

As previously reported, the RCMP in New Brunswick contacted the OPP, relaying information that they had located two people wanted on outstanding warrants in Ontario. Those two people – the same two behind the occurrences in the East Region, according to police – were transported back to Ontario with the assistance of the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit.

In the release, the OPP reminds everyone not to leave valuables in unlocked vehicles, especially the keys to the vehicle. All the reported stolen vehicles had been reportedly left unlocked with the keys in them.

Tylor McPherson, age 25, of no fixed address, and Lisa Laviolette, age 38, from Nectaux Falls, Nova Scotia were charged with a combined 68 criminal charges. Both parties were held for a bail hearing. McPherson was released on conditions including to reside outside of Ontario.

“The Ontario Provincial Police would like to thank the public, our municipal policing partners, and the RCMP for their assistance during this investigation,” the OPP said. “Investigators are reminding members of the public to contact police or Crime Stoppers if they see suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.”