SUSPICIOUS PLATE LEADS TO ARREST
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Auto theft device seized
LONDON, ON (July 9, 2026) – A routine licence plate query led to the arrest of a man and the seizure of equipment commonly used in vehicle thefts Tuesday night.
On July 8, 2026, at approximately 10 pm, London police officers observed a red Ford F-150 in the area of Gammage Street and Oxford Street East displaying a licence plate that, when queried, was determined not to be a valid licence plate.
The vehicle continued through east London and at approximately 10:20 pm, an officer attempted a traffic stop in the area of Gore Road and Clarke Road after activating emergency lights. The vehicle accelerated away from the area and police did not pursue the vehicle.
A short time later, a London Police Service Police Operations Investigative Section (POIS) detective located the suspect vehicle parked at a residence in the 2000-block of Hamilton Road.
The suspect male was arrested at approximately 10:45 pm
During the investigation, officers seized an electronic key-programming device from the vehicle. These types of devices are commonly used in the theft of motor vehicles.
As a result of the investigation, John Steven Porter, 26, of London, has been charged with the following offences:
- Fail to stop for police/pursuit
- Possess electronic device for motor vehicle theft
The accused is expected to appear in London court today in relation to the charges.