Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding the public that beach property is not free for the taking after a man was caught stealing sand in Elgin County.

OPP was in the area of Main Beach, Port Stanley when the officer noticed a blue car pull up behind the police cruiser. The driver got out of the vehicle and started to fill a five-gallon bucket with sand.

When questioned, the man told police he needed sand to level stones at his home in London, Ont.

Police warned him that he could be charged with theft under $5,000 and suggested he legally buy sand from a store in London.

Police are reminding residents that beach property belongs to someone and should be treated with respect.