Five men have been arrested after breaking into the former St. Catharines General Hospital on Saturday.

Police say officers were on patrol in the area of Queenston St. when they learned of a break-and-enter that had just occurred at a nearby business. Investigation revealed the suspects were reported to have fled into to the premise of the former St. Catharines General Hospital.

Officers established a perimeter around the property and searched the building with the help of a K-9 unit.

‘Investigation showed that these parties had broken into the premise of the former hospital and were attempting to steal items from inside the property,” said a police release.

Police said investigation could not determine the suspects were responsible for the original break-and-enter reported.

Kyle Rice, 32, of Niagara Falls, is charged with breaking and entering with intent, possession of tools for breaking and entering and failure to comply with a recognizance of bail.

Jameson Cooper, 36, of no specified address, is charged with breaking and entering with intent and breach of probation.

Paul Ecker, 54, of Niagara Falls, is charged with breaking and entering with intent, breach of probation, and two counts of failure to comply with recognizance of bail.

Shawn Mayhew, 39, of Niagara Falls, is charged with Bbreaking and entering with intent and disobeying a court rder.

Mark Freeman, 55, Niagara Falls is charged with breaking and entering with intent.