Simcoe store owner fights off burglars: OPP

Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police are on the hunt for two suspects after a Sunday morning break-in at a downtown Simcoe pawnshop.

Const. Ed Sanchuk said the suspects broke a front window of the Robinson Street store around 5:45 a.m. and began smashing display cases inside.

The commotion woke the store owner, who lives nearby.

The business owner confronted the suspects, leading to a physical confrontation," OPP said.

After the scuffle, the suspects fled the scene, with the store owner giving chase.

Sanchuk said the store owner was able to recover most of the stolen items after the suspects ran west down Robinson.

The cleanup continues for this business owner. Obviously, it's an upsetting time for everyone at this business," Sanchuk said.

Officers from the OPP canine unit and the emergency response team responded to the call but were unable to find the suspects.

The investigation continues and police are asking the public's help in identifying the alleged thieves. One is described as wearing a red hoodie with red shorts and red shoes, while the other wore dark clothing. Anyone with information can call the detachment at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Sanchuk said anyone who comes upon a crime in progress should call 911 immediately.

In this case, it was very fortunate there were no serious injuries sustained by the business owner," he said.

J.P. Antonacci's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows him to report on stories about the regions of Haldimand and Norfolk.