4 PEOPLE CHARGED WITH STEALING 70 WATER JUGS TO TURN IN FOR CASH

GRAVENHURST — It would be easy to guess thirsty thieves stole 70 jugs of water.

But it appears they were doing it for the money — $700.

Police have charged four Gravenhurst residents after two thefts in town.

OPP are investigating the ongoing theft of large water jugs in the Gravenhurst area. They say approximately 20 jugs were stolen from the Rockhaven Inn in Kilworthy overnight on Aug. 16-17, and 50 more were lifted from Muskoka Springs on Bay Street between Aug. 24-25.

Police say the motivation behind stealing large water jugs is to cash in on the $10 bottle deposit refunded when they are turned in to a retailer.

Local retailers and community partners proved helpful and called police when people turned in multiple jugs.

As a result police have arrested and charged Shannan Green, 33, with Theft Under $5,000 CC 334(b).

And Joyce Werney, 58, Nathan Werney, 33, and Patrick Linck, 45, each with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime CC 354(1)(a).

The four are to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge Oct. 11, 2022.

Police are aware that more suspects are involved in the thefts and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 You may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or you can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.