NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In January of 2025, 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Street Crime detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service began an investigation into break and enters that were occurring at dealerships and auto repair shops, in the City of St. Catharines.
Investigation revealed the suspect was breaking into the businesses, taking key fobs, then stealing the vehicle linked to the key.
As a result of the investigation, detectives were able to identify a male suspect responsible.
On Feb. 11, 2025, the suspect was arrested by detectives with 1 District Street Crime, in the area of Church Street and Niagara Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Austin Horner (25 years old) of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Break Enter and Commit Place Other than Dwelling
- Fail to comply with release order (3 Counts)
- Operation While Prohibited
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Attempt break and enter
- Fail to comply with probation order (2 Counts)
Horner was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111 option 3, ext. 1009009.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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