Image

Arrest made in change machine thefts in Petrolia

September 2, 2025

The Independent

A Petrolia man is facing charges after two change machines in the town were cracked open and robbed.

On July 17, the coin machine at the laundry mat on King Street was smashed and about $10,000 was taken. On July 24, the car wash on Robert Street was damaged and cash taken.

Aug. 28, Lambton OPP with officers from Elgin-Middlesex Community Street Crime Unit, the Emergency Response Team and the West Region OPP Canine Unit executed a search warrant on Derby Street. During the search, police say they found items they believed were used during the commission of the offences.

Craig LeGroulx, 48, of Petrolia has been charged with two counts of mischief, two counts of theft, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, possession of break in instruments and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

LeGroulx will appear in court Oct. 28.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Over 1,800 traffic charges laid on long weekend in southwestern Ontario

August 7, 2026

The Independent West Region OPP officers laid 1,815 charges following 2,107 traffic stops across the region during the Civic Holiday long weekend traffic campaign. The campaign focused on speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, distracted driving and impaired driving.  Police also enforced Ontario’s Move Over Law which gives emergency responders the space they need conduct other work on the roadside.

Read More

Image
Front Page

Toronto marathon swimmer crosses Lake Huron landing in Ipperwash

August 7, 2026

The Independent History was made in Lake Huron as a Toronto swimmer completed a trek across the Great Lake. Lev Goldberg aims to be the first trans athlete to swim across all of the Great Lakes. Last year, he made his way across Lake Ontario. Wednesday, he dove into the waters of Lake Huron off Port Sanilac, Michigan at 6:30

Read More

Image
Front Page

Construction on Camlachie golf course condos may begin in 2027

August 7, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent A long-dormant plan for condominium in Camlachie has new life. LANDx Development officials say they hope to begin construction on the 76-unit project by 2027. The company came to Plympton-Wyoming council July 27 looking for an extension to a planning agreement reached in 2022, which was about to expire. The concept plan at Sawmill Creek Golf Course

Read More

Image
Front Page

More traffic controls added in Watford during construction

August 7, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent Warwick Township council is taking more action to make sure detoured traffic isn’t causing problems. The intersection of Confederation Line and Nauvoo Road is being reconstructed. The work began five weeks ago and is expected to last until at least mid-August. As soon as the County of Lambton put up the detour signs, traffic began winding its

Read More