Police Briefs: Bullet holes at high school; youth sought in ‘cowardly robberies’ Police investigating ‘cowardly’ robberies in downtown Chatham

St. Thomas police are investigating two bullet holes in a high school portable that were discovered Thursday.

Staff at St. Joseph’s Catholic high school called police after spotting the holes in a portable, police said Friday.

They also located two nine millimeter shell casings close by, police said.

The damage is believed to have occurred during the summer break.

Video surveillance is being reviewed as part of the investigation, police said.

Police investigating ‘cowardly’ robberies in downtown Chatham

A group of youths has been harassing and in some cases robbing strangers in downtown Chatham, Chatham-Kent police say.

Police are investigating five incidents that occurred between Aug. 9 and Aug. 22. The incidents have escalated from harassment and threats to robbery, police said.

“Of particular concern is the discovery that the youths involved are actively recording the events in several incidents,” police said in a release Friday.

Investigators believe some youths watched the incidents but didn’t take part in them.

“We urge these individuals to speak with a parent or guardian and come forward to the police with any information they may have.

“The Chatham-Kent Police Service is committed to addressing these unprovoked and cowardly acts swiftly and effectively.”

All but one of the incidents took place in the early morning hours at different locations in downtown Chatham, police said, including two parking lots and Tecumseh Park.

Anyone with video or information about the incidents is asked to contact the investigating officer, Det. const. Dan Carroll, at [email protected], or 519-436-6600 ext. 280.