Suspect held in campus thefts

Windsor Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a break-in of the Education Building on May 22.

Campus Community Police officers responding to an alarm in the building confronted a suspect in the building. After a brief altercation, the suspect fled, leaving behind burglary tools and physical evidence at the scene, said director Mike MacKinnon.

“With the assistance of the Windsor Police forensic identification branch, an individual was identified and arrested,” he said.

Police have charged Dale Wesley Simmons with break and enter, assaulting a peace officer, and resisting a peace officer.

MacKinnon said that the investigation continues: “We feel this person is responsible for other thefts that have occurred.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor Police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS).

The case shows the importance of community co-operation in preventing crimes on campus, MacKinnon said.

“Our officers do good work, but we can’t be everywhere,” he said. “We need the help of students, faculty and staff to keep the campus safe.”

He points to basic security strategies, including always locking up offices, valuables and bicycles; marking computers and other electronics to deter thieves; and reporting all suspicious activity to Campus Police at ext. 911 from any campus phone.

The service produces an online guide with tips on theft prevention, installs STOP security plates that provide identification for stolen property, and offers the free Bicycle Registration System to store serial numbers and detailed descriptions of bikes.