OTTAWA – No petty criminal has ever been convicted of intelligence.

On a busy Saturday (March 21), nine such people were charged with break and enter during a time when most Canadians are in their homes taking part in physical distancing as a way of combatting the spread of COVID-19.

“Frontline officers continue to patrol and respond to calls for service,” the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) released in a statement. “Their presence and quick response to four break and enters this weekend led to several arrests and charges.”

On March 21, at 1:05 a.m., officers responded to a commercial break and enter in the 1-100 block of Rideau Street. Frontline officers located and arrested a male suspect.

Ricardo Jean, 27, was charged with break and enter with intent, mischief to property and fail to comply with probation. He was released on a Release Order.

Later that day at 10:44 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Bank Street for a commercial break and enter. Frontline officers located and arrested both suspects.

Jason Graham, 41 and Mary Ann Birmingham, 33, have been charged with break and enter with intent, possession of break and enter tools, and other charges are pending. They were held in custody.

Just before lunch at 11:30 p.m., officers were called to the 200 block of Besserer Street for a commercial Break and enter. Frontline officers located and arrested a male suspect.

Eric Blace, 34, was charged with break and enter with intent, mischief to property and three charges of failure to comply with probation. He was released on a Promise to Appear.

On Monday morning (March 23), at 3:11 a.m., officers responded to a break and enter at a school located in the 1600 block of Bearbrook Road. Frontline officers with the assistance of K9 located and arrested five male youths. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

“If you see something say something, call 911 if it is a crime in progress or if it is a life-threatening situation,” the OPS said. “For all other incidents call 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.”