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Police seek help finding blowtorch thieves By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Halton Regional Police are asking for the public's help identifying a man who may be connected to a group of thieves who have used a blowtorch to break into ATMs in numerous cities, including Oakville. Since July 15, 2011, the thieves have been linked to more than 50 thefts in Halton, Niagara, Hamilton, Waterloo, Peel, Toronto, Durham, Ottawa and Québec. Twelve such break-ins occurred in Oakville and Burlington, resulting in losses of more than $100,000. Police described the suspects as professional and organized stating they often succeed in breaking into the ATM, stealing money and making good their escape in less than 60 seconds. The thieves use a pry bar to open doorways and an oxy-acetylene torch to break into the ATMs. They then flee the area in a waiting vehicle. The thieves regularly use newermodel vehicles, leading police to believe they may be rentals. The culprits frequently target ATMs at bingo halls, flea markets, arenas, and retail and grocery stores. So far, police said, the thieves have made off with an estimated $700,000. According to police, the suspects might be casing their target locations and are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who was captured on video surveillance prior to ATM break-ins at a trio of different locations -- in Richmond Hill, Mississauga and Toronto. The man is described as white with a medium build, in his 40s or 50s with greying hair. He walks with a limp and appears to favour his left leg. He wears a watch on his left wrist and has worn a black baseball hat with white writing on the front and a black-collared jacket with a lightcoloured emblem on the left side of the chest. Surveillance footage of the man can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HWg6GcthZi8. The suspects in the ATM thefts are both described as white males -- one has a stocky build, approximately 6-foot and 225 pounds, while another has a slim build, is approximately 5-foot-10 and weighs 180 lbs. Halton police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects involved in this case. The reward would be payable in Canadian funds at the sole discretion of the Halton Regional Police Service Board and based on the recommendation of investigators to Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner. The reward expires Nov. 5, 2013. Information received anonymously does not qualify. Claims for the reward will only be recognized when made in writing prior to the expiry date. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Bob Lester of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747, ext. 2335 or e-mail Bob.Lester@ haltonpolice.ca. 21 · Wednesday, November 28, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com `Tis the Season! $24.99 Also available in the TERRA Tree Lot: Scotch Pine, Fraser Fir, Nordman Fir, and Noble Fir. Trees from 4' to 12' tall! 6'-7' Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Nordic Poinsettia & Evergreen Basket Makes a great hostess gift! $19.99 Reg. $29.99 ONLY Great Gifts! All CROCS, CUCINA , & Lug 30% off Indoor Evergreen Arrangement Reg. $29.99 $17.99 3 for $20 6"Poinsettia Reg. $8.99 (choose from red, pink, or white) Jubilee Outdoor Evergreen Arrangement Reg. $39.99 BUY 2 GET 1 FREE All Ornaments $29.99 Tri-colour Poinsettia (8") OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Sat. - Wed. 9am - 6pm, Thurs. & Fri. 9am - 8pm $99.99 ONLY $9.99 Reg. $14.99 Terra Nova 7.5' Tree Pre-lit white or multi-coloured LED lights Reg. $249.99 $150 SAVE All items while quantities last, subject to availability. Category offers exclude "TERRA Essentials" Sale period: Nov. 29th - Dec. 5th www.terragreenhouses.com Burlington Hwy #5 East of Brant St. (905) 332-3222 · Milton Britannia Rd.West ofTrafalgar (905) 876-4000 Waterdown Hwy #6 & 5th Concession E. (905) 689-1999 ·Vaughan Keele St. North of Kirby Sideroad (905) 832-6955