$10,000 Reward for Tire Slasher Investigation
The North Bay Police Service (NBPS), in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Northeast Region (OPP NER) and Near North Crime Stoppers, is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for a series of large-scale tire-slashing incidents affecting commercial fleets, industrial yards, and business properties in the City of North Bay and surrounding areas.
Since 2020, NBPS has been investigating incidents in which suspects enter parking lots or fenced compounds overnight to deliberately slash the tires of multiple vehicles. Investigators have confirmed a consistent pattern linking 24 separate incidents, which are believed to have been carried out by the same suspect(s), likely residing in the area. Individual occurrences have ranged from 8 tires damaged to over 700 tires in a single incident. Estimated total damage across all affected parties is just under $1 million, with an additional incident reported in the OPP NER jurisdiction in August of 2025. Some victims have been targeted multiple times.
“We know these tire-slashing incidents have caused real frustration, fear, and disruption for residents and businesses. No one should have to worry that they will be targeted, and we want the community to know we take this very seriously,” says Insp. McFarlane, NBPS. “Someone in our community knows who is responsible. If you have any information, no matter how small, please come forward. Your tip could be what helps us identify the person or people involved and bring this to an end.”
Public Safety and Prevention Tips:
- Police believe the suspect may strike again if given the opportunity.
- The frequency of incidents has increased significantly in the last six months, with 10 new occurrences in the second half of 2025 alone.
- Businesses and fleet operators are encouraged to enhance security measures:
- Install or upgrade CCTV/surveillance systems
- Use alarm systems
- Improve lighting in parking areas
- Consider on-site security capable of 24/7 monitoring
How to Report Tips:
Near North Crime Stoppers have dedicated a reward of $10,000, funded by the City of North Bay, for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for these tire-slashing incidents. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by phone.
