(GREY BRUCE, ON) The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals in connection with telecommunication‑wire thefts that have affected several OPP detachment areas across southwestern Ontario.
Throughout 2025, the theft of telecommunication wire has been a recurring issue in the Grey Bruce, Wellington, and Dufferin OPP detachment areas. Suspects have been cutting poles and wire, removing the wire, and stripping it for copper before selling it to scrap yards. Each incident results in approximately $5,000 – $10,000 in damage and disrupts 911 service for surrounding communities until repairs can be completed.
On January 7, 2026, Grey Bruce OPP received a report of a suspicious vehicle north of Wiarton. Officers attended and discovered a utility pole that had been partially cut. The suspects had left the scene; however, the complainant provided officers with detailed descriptions and photographs of the individuals and their vehicle.
Later that same day, officers responded to a call regarding a vehicle stuck on Highway 6 south of Chatsworth. Police attended and determined that the individuals associated with the vehicle were responsible for the earlier damage to the pole. Both parties were arrested, charged, and later released.
On January 8, 2026, further investigation revealed that one of the individuals had provided false information to police. Officers later located both individuals operating a stolen snowmobile. They were both arrested.
As a result of the investigation, Grey Bruce OPP have charged the following individuals:
Mitchel GORMAN 26-year-old, from Chatsworth
- Mischief Over $5,000 – CC
- Mischief Endangering Life – CC
- Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited – CC
- Fail to Comply with Release Order – CC
Saleena SMITH 35-year-old, from Milton
- Mischief Over $5,000 – CC
- Mischief Endangering Life – CC
- Obstruct Peace Officer – CC
- Personation with Intent – CC
Both accused were held for a bail hearing on January 9, 2026, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound. GORMAN was remanded into custody, while SMITH was released on a Form 11. Both have future court dates scheduled.
The OPP continues to work with partner agencies to address ongoing wire thefts and protect critical infrastructure. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers.