Several charges after business entered
A Guelph woman faces several charges after someone broke into a downtown business Saturday evening.
Just before 8 p.m., a security guard at Old Quebec Street Shoppes discovered a business had been entered. Video surveillance showed a woman with her face covered forcing her way into the business a short time before and making off with approximately $1,400 in product.
She was located a short distance away and arrested.
A 37-year-old Guelph woman is charged with break and enter, possessing stolen property, wearing a disguise while committing an offence and breach of probation. She will appear in court February 23.
Theft, weapons and drug charges
A Guelph couple face theft, drug and weapons charges following a shoplifting incident Friday evening.
Approximately 6:45 p.m. police were dispatched to a business on Woodlawn Road West. Staff had tried to stop a male and female seen concealing property, but the woman brandished what was believed to be bear spray and the pair fled.
They were stopped and arrested a short distance away and found to be in possession of approximately $200 worth of trading cards. During a search incident to arrest officers recovered a cannister of dog spray, approximately $840 worth of suspected crystal methamphetamine and stolen property including identification.
A 34-year-old Guelph woman and 32-year-old Guelph man are each charged with theft under $5,000, possessing stolen property under $5,000 and possessing an identity document. The woman is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon, assault with a weapon and possessing a controlled substance. Both were released with February court dates.
Fraud victim hit again
A Guelph man who earlier lost more than $750,000 in a cryptocurrency fraud has lost another $12,000.
On Friday the man in his 60s reported the new fraud. He advised he was recently contacted by someone who claimed he could help the victim recoup some of the losses from the earlier fraud. The victim created an account at an online financial institution and downloaded an app which gave the scammer access to his cellphone.
During a series of transactions over a two-week period, almost $12,000 was transferred out of the victim’s account. Residents are strongly encouraged to protect themselves, as these types of crime are very difficult to investigate and the chances of recouping losses is low.
Warning Signs – How to protect yourself:
• Be careful when sending cryptocurrency; once the transaction is completed, it is unlikely it can be reversed.
• Be wary of individuals met on social media who attempt to educate and convince you to invest into crypto currency.
• Canadians need do their research to ensure they are using reputable and compliant services.
• Some fraudsters will use the name of legitimate companies to lend credibility to the fraud and convince victims to send money. Verify email addresses, URLs, phone numbers and their physical address. Verify if the investment companies are registered with your Provincial Securities Regulator or the National Registration Search Tool (www.aretheyregistered.ca).
• If you receive a suspicious or odd investment-related message from a trusted friend or relative, reach out to them through a different means of communication to confirm that it is them. Scammers can use hacked accounts to gain victims’ trust.
• Beware of fraudsters asking you to open and fund new crypto accounts as they will direct you to send it to wallets they control – Don’t do it!
• Question why someone is reaching out to you about an investment offer: Is this a conversation I would usually have with an unknown person? Does it make sense to invest in an opportunity based on the communication I had? Should I feel pressure or urgency when deciding to invest?
Impaired driver had daughter in car
Two men were arrested for impaired driving over the weekend, including a Guelph man who had his teenage daughter in the car when they were involved in a minor collision.
Approximately 3:40 p.m. Friday police were called to a collision on Eramosa Road near Orchard Crescent. Investigation revealed a car was slowing behind a vehicle which was turning when it was hit from behind. No injuries were reported.
Officers spoke to one of the drivers and immediately detected a strong odour of alcohol on his breath. His 15-year-old daughter was also in the car. He was arrested and transported to the police station, where testing showed he had more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system. A 46-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired driving.
Shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday, a resident of Paisley Road called to report a male passed out in a running vehicle in the parking lot. Officers arrived and observed a male slumped forward in the driver’s seat with his foot on the brake. When the male was wakened he was observed to have slurred speech and officers could see open alcohol containers inside the vehicle.
Testing at the police station confirmed he had more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system. A 38-year-old Ariss man is charged with impaired driving.
Both men had their driver’s licences suspended for 90 days and their vehicles impounded for seven days. They were released with upcoming court dates.
The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to always consume alcohol and cannabis responsibly. Please don’t drive if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, and please ensure that you plan ahead so that you have a safe ride home. Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver is asked to immediately call 911.
Dump truck knocks down wires
A portion of Woodlawn Road East was closed for several hours Saturday after a dump truck knocked down Rogers lines.
Just after 3 p.m. the truck was driving on Woodlawn Road near Woolwich Street with its bucket raised and struck the lines. There were initially concerns the lines, which ended up lying across the truck, could be hydro wires. Investigation revealed they belonged to Rogers, and a portion of the road was closed while crews repaired the damage.
The 64-year-old man driving the truck was charged with careless driving.
Total calls for service in the last 72 hours – 612
