Police make arrest in brazen theft of Stoney Creek motorhome

Hamilton police have arrested a 36-year-old Hamilton man for the July 18 theft of a motorhome from a lower Stoney Creek business whose security-camera images of the suspects drew widespread social media attention and led to the vehicle's recovery.

Const. Krista-Lee Ernst said the suspect is known to police and faces charges of theft over $5000, mischief under $5,000 and possession over $5,000.

Shortly after learning of the Sunday-night theft from his Garden Avenue business, Surf and Turf Instant Shelters owner Mark Lunt posted images of three suspects on Facebook and Instagram, attracting more than 40,000 views on Facebook and Instagram.

By 5 p.m. the next day, he received a Facebook message that someone in a U-Haul pickup truck was dropping off the motorhome in a parking lot at the corner of Mud Street and Second Road East.

An hour later, with police on hand, Lunt retrieved his motorhome. The culprits had cut off part of the RV's hitch, jimmied a door lock to get inside and cracked a board at the bottom of the bed.

They had also stolen rubber boots, shoes and a raincoat, but left behind a TV, microwave and fridge. The motorhome was otherwise in good shape.

Lunt said he's obviously pleased police made an arrest.

I would like to thank all our social media followers for helping locate the stolen RV," he said, also praising his insurance company for speedy service in arranging repairs to the motorhome.

We are looking forward to having it back as it is much needed for our business."