Peterborough Police Utilize CCTV Cameras to Identify Suspect in Downtown Garbage Bin Fires

Peterborough police have successfully identified and arrested a suspect in connection with a series of garbage bin fires in the downtown area on Monday night. The police were alerted by the Peterborough Fire Department after multiple bins were set ablaze around 11:30 p.m. The fires occurred at various locations including Millennium Park, George Street North, King Street, Charlotte Street, Aylmer Street, and George Street North near Sherbrooke Street.

Thanks to the use of CCTV footage, the Peterborough Police Service was able to obtain a description of the suspect. Officers conducted a search in the area and apprehended a 32-year-old woman on a bike who matched the individual seen on camera near Reid and Simcoe streets. The woman was subsequently arrested and charged with five counts of arson – damage to property.

Police Chief Stuart Betts praised the effectiveness of the CCTV program, stating that it was instrumental in helping officers make a quick arrest. He emphasized the importance of the CCTV cameras in the downtown core as a valuable crime-fighting and crime-prevention tool, especially as more people are out on the streets with improving weather conditions.

The arrested woman was held in custody and was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. The swift action taken by the police highlights the importance of surveillance technology in solving crimes and maintaining public safety in the community.