Media Release – April 8, 2025

More charges for break-in suspect

A Guelph man arrested late last month after he was caught inside a residence by the homeowner now faces additional charges related to a series of residential break-ins.

Shortly after 9 a.m. March 28, police were called to the area of Greengate Road and Applewood Crescent. A homeowner said he arrived at the home to find someone inside attempting to steal belongings. The suspect shoved the complainant, dropping the stolen items and fleeing on foot.

A suspect was located at a nearby business with assistance from a Waterloo Regional Police canine unit.

As a result of the arrest, police recovered a large suitcase filled with property believed to be stolen. At the time the Guelph Police Service Break Enter Auto Theft unit was investigating a series of similar residential break-ins since late February.

Some of the recovered property was connected to those incidents, which resulted in approximately $10,000 in theft and damages.

A 53-year-old Guelph man is charged with seven counts of break and enter, three counts of failing to comply with an undertaking and possessing stolen property. He will appear in bail court April 15.

Arrest after foot pursuit

A Guelph man was arrested on outstanding warrants after a brief foot pursuit Monday night.

Just before 9 p.m. officers were at a business on Edinburgh Road North when they spotted a man known to be wanted for breaking into a Woodlawn Road business April 1, as well as on two outstanding warrants related to missed court dates.

He spotted officers and started to run, but was caught a short distance away and arrested. A search revealed a used crack pipe with drug residue.

A 44-year-old Guelph man is charged with break and enter, possessing a controlled substance and two counts each of breaching probation and failing to attend court. He was held for a bail hearing Tuesday.

Owner of missing pet extorted

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after the owner of a lost pet was the apparent victim of an extortion attempt.

On Monday afternoon police received a call from a south-end resident. He reported his cat went missing in January and he later offered a reward via social media and posters around his neighbourhood.

On Monday he received a text from someone claiming to have the cat and demanding payment in exchange for a photo proving his claim. The owner asked to meet in person and promised to pay the reward for the cat’s return, however the unknown male claimed he had given the cat away and stopped responding.

A Guelph Police Service officer attempted to call and text the unknown person’s phone and received a message that it is now out of service. The investigation is ongoing.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 254