SUSPICIOUS PLATE LEADS TO ARREST 26-67486

SUSPICIOUS PLATE LEADS TO ARREST
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 p.m., 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 p.m., 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 p.m.

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; and
• Possess electronic device for motor vehicle theft.

The accused is expected to appear in London court today in relation to the charges.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers. 

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