Over $250K jewelry heist at Airbnb in Bowmanville leads to 4 arrests

Four people are facing multiple charges related to drug possession and theft after allegedly stealing jewelry valued at over $250,000 from an Airbnb property in Bowmanville on Friday.

Durham Regional Police officers responded to a theft call around noon at a property near Cove Road and West Beach Road.

Investigators say three men and a woman had rented the residence on Thursday (Oct. 10) and vacated the following morning. When the owner returned, they discovered that jewellery worth more than $250,000 was missing.

Following a search in the area, police say four suspects were located. They were taken into custody without incident, and the missing jewelry was allegedly found in their possession.

Nicole Bobbi Herdsman, 35, of no fixed address, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of cocaine.

Marc Dominique Nicholas, 41, of Clarington, and Roderick Richard Ayre, 37, of Oshawa, each face charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.

John Weir, 38, of Clarington, is also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of cocaine.

Herdsman, Nicholas, and Weir were released on an undertaking, while Ayre was held for a bail hearing.

An Airbnb spokesperson said the company is aware of the alleged incident and has removed the accused individuals from its platform.

“The reported behaviour has no place on Airbnb, and these guests were removed from the platform. We are supporting our host with their AirCover request, and we stand ready to assist the Durham Regional Police in their investigation,” a spokesperson said in an email to INsauga.com

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Const. Torti or Const. Hoevenaars at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2982 or 2458.