September 16th Police Briefs

A lengthy undercover prostitution investigation, conducted by the Belleville Police Service, has resulted in charges against 14 men from Belleville and surrounding areas.

In a press release, police said the project concluded in a two-night period of arrests. The Belleville Police Service targeted men in the downtown area seeking prostitutes.

The suspects, ranging in age from 35 to 81, were released at the scene with special conditions and a court date.

And in other news:

The Belleville Police Service had their hands full this weekend investigating shoplifting, mischief and weapons-related service calls.

In a press release, police said they attended a store on Bell Boulevard  Sept. 15, at 12:50 p.m. in response to a call about a shoplifter. A 61-year-old Thomasburg man was charged with theft under $5,000. Police also responded to two separate incidents of shoplifting on Millenium Parkway that afternoon. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the youth was given alternative measures instead of a criminal charge, and a 64-year-old woman, who was in possession of stolen items from another store, was charged with theft under $5,000.

Earlier Saturday, police responded to a call from a resident of Ann Street who reported someone had “keyed” the side of her vehicle overnight. Also that morning, police attended the parking lot of the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre where a Chevy Venture reportedly sustained a cracked windshield and two punctured front tires. Anyone with information can contact the Belleville Police Service or Crimestoppers at 613-969-8477.

On Sept. 16, at 12:05 a.m., police say an unruly patron was escorted out of Little Texas night club. Staff removed bear spray, a miniature club and a kitchen knife from his possession before he left, which were later given to police. The suspect is described as white, 20-years-old, 5″4, 110 lbs, with a tattoo on his neck. No one was injured and no weapons were deployed, police said. Anyone with additional information can contact the Belleville Police Service or Crimestoppers at 613-969-8477.

By Greg Murphy