Update 8/3/21 – Despite police making an arrest last month in connection with break-ins at Valiant Mini Storage in Whitby, the thefts have continued. Officers believe 76 units have been breached thus far this year. In several instances, the unit lock was cut and replaced with another to cover up the burglary. The renters didn’t discover the theft until visiting the property.
Investigators are struggling to reach some tenants whose spaces were involved in the crime spree due to outdated contact information. They’re encouraging anyone who rents a unit at the property to contact them.
7/12/21 – A man was arrested last week when he was spotted breaking into self-storage units in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Ten spaces were breached on July 9 at Valiant Mini Storage, according to sources.
Durham Regional Police were called to 2001 Victoria St. E. at 12:30 a.m. Officers witnessed the suspect entering a unit and arrested him without incident, sources reported.
Andrew Lott, 37, faces 10 counts of breaking and entering, and one count of failing to comply with a probation order. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Valiant Mini Storage, managed by Garett Wood, is part of Valiant Rental Properties, which also operates Airport Self Storage in West Oshawa, Ontario. In addition to self-storage, the company oversees several apartment complexes and shopping centers, and offers swimming lessons, Aquafit classes, Euchre Nights and other social events at its community swimming pools.
Sources:
The Star, Man Busted After Storage Units in Whitby Broken Into
Durham Radio News, Man Facing Charges After Break-Ins at Whitby Storage Units
Durham Radio News, Police Searching for Storage Unit Owners After 76 Reported Break-Ins at Whitby Facility This Year
