GUYSBOROUGH — Amid an increase in reported break and enters in Guysborough County this fall, local RCMP have arrested and charged a Summerside, N.S., man in connection with an October incident at the Hadleyville fire hall.
Police say the Seven Communities Volunteer Fire Department on Hwy. 344 was hit overnight on Oct. 12. Officers received the report at 10:30 a.m. that morning and found that backup fuel and donated items had been taken, with damage to the outside of the building.
Based on evidence collected at the scene and support from the force’s forensic identification services, police arrested Brent Chisholm, 27, on Nov. 20. He is charged with break and enter and was released on conditions pending an appearance in Antigonish provincial court on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
In an email to The Journal last week, Guysborough County District RCMP Commander Natasha Farrell said the charge in this case applies only to the Hadleyville incident, but that the number of break and enters in the county between Oct. 1 and Nov. 27 rose from two last year to 10 this year.
During that two-month period in 2024, she said, “RCMP responded to two break and enters at seasonal cottages in the County.”
During the same timeframe this year, she said, “We have responded to 10 break and enters, including the two fire halls and the Sherbrooke food bank.”
Farrell said police received a report of a break-in at the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department on Oct. 23, but noted that the investigation into that incident is still underway. “It is too early in our investigation for me to comment whether the two [fire hall cases] are related.”
She said the force’s forensic identification section routinely assists in serious cases like these.
“I can’t get into the exact forensic technique that was used,” she said. “However, I can tell you ... they are a highly trained group of police officers that are trained in evidence collection of very minute details left behind at a crime scene that may not be visible without their training.”
She confirmed that for the Hadleyville investigation, “We did have tips from the public,” and noted that “we are still continuing to investigate the other break and enters of fire halls in the county and are following up on every tip the public is providing.”
Fire department leaders had earlier confirmed that essential firefighting tools and equipment were not taken or damaged in any of the recent incidents.
Farrell also said the investigation into recent vandalism at the public washrooms and basketball court in Canso remains open. She added that police are working with the Municipality of the District of Guysborough on crime-prevention tips to “avoid future incidents.”
Anyone with information about these or other property crime investigations is encouraged to contact Guysborough County District RCMP at 902-522-2200. Anonymous tips can be made to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or through the P3 Tips app.
