GPS Daily Update 18Feb2025 – Retail Staff Under Attack

Three business break-ins over weekend

The Guelph Police Service is investigating three commercial break-ins over the holiday weekend, including one in which the suspect cut a hole in the roof to gain entry. It is not known if the incidents are related.

Monday morning, police were called to a business near Edinburgh Road North and London Road West.  An employee arrived to find a hole had been cut in the roof and a large number of cigarettes were missing.

Security video revealed a man used a ladder to climb onto the roof just after 11 p.m. Sunday. After cutting the hole he used the same ladder to climb down into the business and steal cigarettes before fleeing the same way. He returned approximately an hour later and once again climbed onto the roof and down into the store, removing more cigarettes.

He was described as six feet tall with a medium build and wearing a black jacket with silver emblem on the shoulder, black hoodie, tan khaki pants, winter boots and red gloves. Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Emily Richardson at 519-824-1212, ext. 7486, email [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Just before 9 a.m. Saturday police were called to a break-in at a business inside Stone Road Mall. Two males entered the mall and went to one of the kiosk businesses, where a tool was used to force open drawers and steal a number of phones with a total value of $7,800.

Both males were described as possibly South Asian in their late 20s with chin strap beards and goatees. One was approximately 6’1” and 200 pounds and wearing khaki-coloured Adidas track pants, a grey jacket and black shoes. The other was shorter and wearing a silver jacket, burgundy track pants and white running shoes. They fled in a newer navy blue Hyundai Elantra.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Sherry Pettapiece at 519-824-1212, ext. 7479, email [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Shortly after noon Sunday, police were called to a business near Woodlawn Road and Woolwich Street. A manager had arrived at work to find the front door insecure. It is believed a tool was used to pry it open. A backpack and two sets of Pokemon cards with a total value of nearly $500 were stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Michael Doehn at 519-824-1212, ext. 7587, email [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Also Saturday morning police were called for a possible attempted break and enter at a business on Woodlawn Road East. Staff arrived to find a hole in the glass door next to the locking mechanism, however no entry was gained. Damage was estimated at $1,000.

Business owners can find tips to protect themselves at our Business Safety page.

Man arrested for fleeing officer

A Kitchener man faces dangerous driving and other charges after fleeing from a police officer in Guelph last week.

Just before noon Thursday an officer was patrolling near Willow Road and Dawson Road when he observed a vehicle with an improper licence plate and very loud exhaust. The officer made a U-turn but the other driver sped up, passing traffic in oncoming lanes and running a red light. In the interest of public safety the officer did not pursue him.

The driver was identified through investigation and on Sunday attended the Guelph Police station where he was arrested. A 21-year-old Kitchener man is charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, driving without insurance and several Highway Traffic Act offences. He will appear in court April 4.

Car driven at security guard

A Guelph man was arrested Sunday after a vehicle was driven at a security guard a day earlier.

On Saturday afternoon, a vehicle pulled into a parking lot on Speedvale Avenue West and stopped in a fire route. A security guard asked to driver to move the car into a parking spot, prompting a confrontation during which the driver yelled and swore at the guard.

The male approached the security guard aggressively on foot, then got into his car and intentionally drove at him causing the victim to have to step out of the way. The incident was captured on security video.

A 60-year-old Guelph man was arrested at his home Sunday and charged with assault with a weapon. He will appear in court April 1.

Shoplifter threatened store staff

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a shoplifter threatened to stab an employee of a business Friday afternoon.

At 3:15 p.m. police were called to a business on Silvercreek Parkway North. A male was caught concealing items and confronted by the store manager. The suspect got very close to the manager’s face and uttered the threat.

A customer intervened and the suspect left. He was described as white, 5’7” and wearing a sky blue hoodie, glasses and a mask. He was riding a bicycle.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Alex Chaves at 519-824-1212, ext. 7351, email [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Impaired charge following collision

A Guelph woman is charged with impaired driving after colliding with a utility pole early Saturday morning.

Just after 2:30 a.m. police were called to Gordon Street near Kortright Road and located a woman sitting in her car which had gone off the road and hit the pole.

While speaking to her officers noted a strong odour of alcohol on her breath and other signs of impairment. After failing a roadside breath test she was transported to the police station, where further tests confirmed she had more than the legal amount of alcohol in her system. A 28-year-old Guelph woman is charged with impaired operation. Her licence was suspended for 90 days and her vehicle was impounded for seven days. She will appear in court March 4.

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.

Total calls for service since last update – 876

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