Man accused of break-in, then garage sale

QMI Agency

Last Updated: August 5, 2010 12:57pm

SARNIA, Ont. — Police have identified a suspect who is alleged to have broken into a home in June and then held a garage sale on the front yard.

Greg Kemmis, 62, was out of town on June 17 when someone broke into the rental home and garage and sold thousands of dollars worth of woodworking machinery and tools in broad daylight.

"It's one thing to steal stuff in the middle of the night ... but to be selling the stolen property right on the premises," the woodworking enthusiast told QMI Agency in July. 

Witnesses told police the thief set up a wooden sign offering "tools for sale" and stayed in front of the home from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The suspect even placed price tags on the stolen merchandise.

"He took duct tape and my magic marker and stuck it to the machine or the items he was selling," Kemmis said, estimating the tools sold were worth $40,000.

One person who attended the yard sale returned the item he bought to police. The man told police he bought a $3,000 jointer for $110. 

Kail Russell Stokes, 26, who is currently in custody on other matters, was arrested and faces charges.