(LEAMINGTON, ON) – On Thursday October 6, 2022 at approximately 11:00 a.m. Members of the Leamington Detachment Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to Break and Enter complaint at the former Leamington District High School located on Talbot Street West, in the Municipality of Leamington.

The building was searched with the assistance of the members from the Essex County OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the OPP Canine Unit to clear the building.

As a result, OPP Police Service dog ‘Maximus’ located two males hiding within the interior of the closed facility. Both males were placed under arrest without incident. As a result of an investigation by police the two males were taken from the property.

Essex County OPP wants to remind you that not only is it against the law to trespass on abandoned property, but those who do may risk serious injury or death during the offence. Abandoned structures may pose numerous safety concerns including such things as structural issues, broken glass, mold or asbestos.

If you see anyone trespassing in abandoned or closed buildings or residences, contact the OPP immediately at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Photo by Mike Gosselin