News Media Release

Arrest made in George Street School bell theft

Aug 1, 2024 04:41 PM SA24018090 Media Release

On the 15th of July 2024, Sarnia Police was called to investigate the theft of an historic item, which was displayed in the downtown core. The George Street School Bell was on display on the grounds of the Lochiel-Kiwanis Center at 180 College Avenue, North and is an important part of Sarnia's history.  Original Release: https://www.sarniapolice.ca/news/236/sarnia-police-investigating-theft-of-historic-school-bell/  

On July 30^th, investigators were able to recover the bell from an Ontario Street residence in Sarnia.  It was safely returned to the Sarnia Kiwanis Club.   Media release: https://www.sarniapolice.ca/news/258/historic-george-street-school-bell-recovered/

ARREST MADE

The investigation revealed that the bell had been stolen for its metal salvage value.  An attempt to sell it to a local scrapyard was made but the scrapyard refused to take it.  On August 1^st, 2024, officers with the Major Case Action Team located and arrested the person who had attempted to sell it.    

Tommy Moore, 52 years of Sarnia has been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of Stolen Property
• Trafficking in Stolen Property

He was released from police custody with conditions.