When a missing person is reported, a risk assessment is done in which a series of questions will identify the nature and urgency of the case. Based on this assessment, police will be dispatched immediately, or the file will be forwarded to be further investigated.

Officers will look to locate the individual as soon as possible.

How to report someone missing:

As soon as you can't find someone and are concerned for their safety, report them missing:

  •  Call 911 if concerned about immediate safety
  • Call the non-emergency line (519) 824-1212
  • Attend the police station

How to assist in locating a missing person:

  • Check with family and friends and make sure they haven't made other arrangements
  • Check with local hospitals and healthcare providers
  • Check with educational institutions or employers
  • Check places the person usually goes
  • Check social media accounts for activity
  • Update the police with new information

If I am reported missing:

  • Being missing is NOT a criminal offence
  • Contact the police or visit a police station for guidance
  • Police will protect your privacy and not share information without your consent

 Did you know:

  • The Major Crime Unit manages missing persons and unidentified human remains cases across the City of Guelph
  • In 2023, the Guelph Police Service received more than 300 calls related to missing persons
  • There is no 24-hour waiting period to report someone missing in Ontario
  • Anyone can report a person missing
  • If you are concerned for someone's immediate safety, call 911
  • In less urgent situations, please contact the non-emergency number: (519) 824-1212
  • Investigators will not close the missing person's file until they have verified their location and identity

 Amber Alerts

An Amber Alert is a type of public notification that can only be done under specific circumstances that are regulated provincially – namely when a child or an adult with a disability has been abducted and is in danger of serious harm or death. For more information on Amber Alerts, visit the OPP website.

Historic Missing Persons:

The Guelph Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in looking the following individuals. If you have any information, please contact the Guelph Police Service Major Crime Unit at mcu@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

 

Missing - Bruder

 

Wilfred Bruder

On February 28, 2004, Wilfred Bruder, also known as “Wolf,” used a payphone at Willow West Mall in the City of Guelph. He has not been seen or heard from since.

At the time of his disappearance Mr. Bruder was 50 years of age and described as a white male, approximately 5’5” in height, with a medium build and brown eyes. He had short brown hair and a moustache and was partially balding and missing the ring finger on his left hand. 

An extensive investigation has failed to locate Mr. Bruder, who would now be 70 years of age.

 

 

 

Missing - Matthews

 

Anne Matthews

On December 7, 1983, Anne Matthews, then 41, went missing from the Homewood Health Centre located at 150 Delhi Street in the City of Guelph.

Ms. Matthews is believed to have been alone and left on foot in an unknown direction. She was last seen wearing a red felt coat with black embroidery around the bottom and fox fur around the hood, a light-coloured turtleneck sweater, dark slacks and beige boots. At the time an extensive ground search was conducted along with further investigative steps, but Ms. Matthews was not located.

 

 

  

Missing - KrugerDavid Krueger

David Krueger attended the University of Guelph, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science. He resided at a house on Liverpool Street in Guelph.

Prior to his disappearance Mr. Krueger experienced some hardships in his life. He ran a hot tub business with his business partner, and they experienced financial difficulties. Mr. Krueger’s mother also passed away three weeks prior to his disappearance. It is possible he may have been depressed.

Mr. Krueger was spoken to by officers of the Waterloo Regional Police Service on April 25, 1979. He was reported missing by his business partner on May 2, 1979, after he was last seen at his house on April 26 of that year.

Mr. Krueger operated a 1967 brown half-ton pickup which was found abandoned by the Toronto Police Service in June of 1979 near a Finch Avenue TTC Station. In years prior to his disappearance, Mr. Krueger spent time out west working in the oil fields of Alberta.

Mr. Krueger is 6’5” and has a large distinctive port wine birthmark on his lower right leg. He would now be 73 years old.

 

Missing - Zuern

 

 

John Zuern

John Zuern was a resident of Guelph. In June of 1975, Mr. Zuern, then 21, was a patient at a London hospital. It was learned that he left without permission on June 14 and was officially declared missing on July 21, 1975.

There were reported sightings of Mr. Zuern in Toronto and he appeared to be living on the streets in the area of Bloor Street West and Spadina Avenue. The last sighting was in 1980.

At the time of the last sighting Mr. Zuern was 26 years of age. He was described then as a white male, approximately 5’11” with a thin build and weighing 135 to 140 lbs with blue eyes and unkept long greyish-brown hair past his shoulders. He walked with a very pronounced limp. There were mental health concerns for Mr. Zuern at the time.

 (Bottom photos depict Mr. Zuern as he would have appeared in 1995)