A 33-year-old Oshawa man is facing charges after a break-and-enter and theft investigation at a Whitby residence under construction, Durham Regional Police said.
Officers from the service's Central West Division were first called to the home in the area of Thornton Road North and Conlin Road West on Saturday, May 30, after a break-in was reported. According to police, a male suspect entered the house and stole several appliances, residential wiring and construction equipment.
Investigators say the same residence was targeted again. On Wednesday, June 10, officers responded to a second break-and-enter call at the home. When they searched the property, they found evidence suggesting the suspect had been staying inside the house while it was undergoing renovations.
Police say the investigation later turned up several of the stolen appliances listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
On Saturday, June 13, the suspect was found in Oshawa in possession of a stolen air conditioning unit and arrested without incident, according to police. Investigators later executed a search warrant at the man's home, where they say several more stolen appliances were recovered.
Jesse Kevin Potts, 33, of Oshawa is charged with two counts of break-and-enter and one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Police asking for footage from the area
Durham Regional Police are asking anyone with cell phone, dash cam or surveillance footage, or information about the incident, to contact Det. Eid of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1805.
Anonymous tips can also be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
