On Monday night around 11:30 p.m., Peterborough police were called to assist the fire department with multiple garbage bin fires in the downtown area. The fires occurred at Millennium Park, George Street North and King Street, Charlotte and Aylmer streets, and George Street North near Sherbrooke Street.
Police reviewed footage from the city’s CCTV cameras and were able to obtain a description of the suspect. Officers searched the area and located a woman on a bicycle matching the suspect’s description on Reid and Simcoe streets.
A 32-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with five counts of arson – damage to property. She was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Police Chief Stuart Betts stated that the CCTV footage was instrumental in making the arrest. He emphasized the importance of the CCTV program as a crime-fighting and prevention tool, especially with the increased foot traffic in the downtown area as the weather improves.
The use of CCTV cameras has been credited with numerous successful investigations and arrests in Peterborough. Earlier this month, CCTV footage helped police identify a suspect in an assault case in the downtown area.
The CCTV program is a valuable asset to the Peterborough Police Service and the community it serves. The cameras provide a powerful tool for deterring crime, gathering evidence, and bringing criminals to justice.
