On the evening of May 17, 2025, over 1,000 boxes of Crown Royal whiskey valued at approximately $100,000 were stolen from a semi-tractor trailer parked at a secured facility on Devon Drive in Windsor, Ontario. The trailer was later found abandoned and emptied on County Road 46 near Rochester Townline Road in Lakeshore. Windsor police have launched an active investigation and are seeking public assistance, requesting residents and businesses in the area to review surveillance footage to help identify the suspects and recover the missing whiskey.
Details of the Theft
According to Windsor Police Service, the theft occurred sometime during the evening hours on May 17, 2025. The semi-tractor trailer was parked within a secured facility on Devon Drive when the suspects gained access and removed more than 1,000 boxes of Crown Royal whiskey. The stolen merchandise is estimated to have a retail value close to $100,000.
Recovery of the Trailer
Later that night, authorities located the abandoned trailer on County Road 46 near Rochester Townline Road in the Lakeshore area. The trailer was found completely emptied, confirming the offloading of all the stolen goods. Police have not yet identified the suspects or the exact method used to facilitate the theft.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Appeal
The Windsor Police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Detectives are reviewing available security video footage and collecting any physical evidence from the crime scenes. They have appealed to local residents and businesses in Windsor and Lakeshore to check their surveillance cameras for suspicious activity around the times of the theft and trailer abandonment.
Anyone with relevant information or footage is urged to contact Windsor Police Service immediately. The department has emphasized the importance of community cooperation to assist in recovering the stolen whiskey and bringing those responsible to justice.
Impact and Precautions
The theft highlights ongoing concerns regarding cargo security, even within secured facilities. Authorities recommend that trucking companies and warehouse operators review their security protocols to prevent similar incidents. Enhanced surveillance measures and tighter access controls may be necessary to safeguard valuable shipments.
The theft of over 1,000 boxes of Crown Royal whiskey from a secured facility in Windsor represents a significant breach of cargo security with a retail loss near $100,000. While the abandoned and emptied trailer has been recovered, the investigation remains active as police work to identify the perpetrators. The Windsor Police Service continues to rely heavily on community engagement and surveillance footage to advance the case. This incident underscores the importance of robust security measures for cargo transport and storage to prevent future thefts. Authorities urge ongoing vigilance and cooperation from local residents and businesses to ensure the safety of valuable shipments moving forward.
