The OPP needs the public’s help in identifying a suspect in the latest crime against a business in downtown Bancroft.
Police are looking for a man who broke into a business on Hastings Street North in Bancroft on May 22nd shortly after 5 AM. Police wish to speak with the individual caught by video surveillance, which has been circulating online.
The suspect is described as a male with a medium build wearing a burgundy top, baseball hat, and a bandana covering his face.
The theft is the latest of a string of incidents in downtown Bancroft over the last year. The Bancroft BIA (BBIA) says that incidents like this show that the area is in crisis. Executive Director Jody Yantha says the group is adamant that the Town of Bancroft address the issue, and that the Community Safety and Well-Being Committee take a hand in it.
In comments shared with the Committee, the BBIA says many incidents downtown are affecting not only the businesses, but the reputation and wellbeing of the community. These include reports of shoplifting, theft, vandalism, loitering, and littering. They say sometimes, threats, drug dealing, indecent acts, and even assault have become too common.