In February, OPP issued a release asking for information relating to a trend of stolen utility trailers being sold online. These trailers had a fake Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) put on them and the old one obscured or removed.

 

Today The Elgin Middlesex Community Street Crime Unit announced have made arrests and charged six people in the ongoing investigation.

 

As a result of the investigation to date the following people have been charged:

 

59-year-old James EDEN of Middlesex Center, Ontario with:

 

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 X2
  • Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number X2
  • Trafficking is stolen goods over $5,000 X2
  • Use, deals, acts on forged documents X4
  • Fraudulent concealment X4

 

30-year-old Brandi HARVEY of London, Ontario with:

 

  •   Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 X4
  • Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number X3
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 X3
  • Fraudulent concealment

 

52-year-old John IRELAND of Ingersoll, Ontario with:

 

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 X5
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 X3
  • Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number X5
  • Trafficking is stolen goods over $5,000 X2
  • Use, deals, acts on forged documents X2
  • Fraudulent concealment X3

 

44-year-old Jared JOHNSTON of Ingersoll, Ontario with:

 

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number
  • Fraudulent concealment

 

44-year-old Philip REID of Middlesex Centre, Ontario with:

 

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 X4
  • Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number X2
  • Trafficking is stolen goods over $5,000 X2
  • Use, deals, acts on forged documents X2
  • Fraudulent concealment X2

 

30-year-old Justin ZIEGLER of London, Ontario with:

 

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 X10
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 X3
  • Altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number X7
  • Trafficking is stolen goods over $5,000 X5
  • Use, deals, acts on forged documents X4
  • Fraudulent concealment X5

 

All of the accused parties will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice London at a later date.

 

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Elgin County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or submit an online tip. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

 

Below is an example of the fake trailre VIN