Child safely located after SUV stolen in west Guelph

A four-year-old child was safely located Monday afternoon after an SUV was stolen from a west-end plaza while the child slept in the back seat.

Just after 4:20 p.m., the child’s mother called police to report her SUV had been taken from the area of Willow Road and Westwood Road with her child still inside.

Police were told a man had left a business with stolen merchandise. When an employee tried to stop him, the man exposed himself before getting into the SUV and driving away.

Officers from across the city rushed to the area including members of our Front-Line Patrol, Traffic Unit, Drug Unit, Auto-Theft Team and General Investigations Unit. The Guelph Police Service’s Communications Unit supported the operation by connecting responding officers to vital information to aid in the search.

The SUV was located parked on a nearby street approximately 16 minutes after it was reported stolen. The child was still asleep inside and was not physically injured.

Police remind caregivers never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short time. On hot days, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly and create a serious risk of heat-related illness or death.

“I would like to thank our members for their excellent response which ensured this emergency situation was quickly and safely resolved,” said Chief Gord Cobey.

A suspect was located nearby and arrested. A 29-year-old Guelph man is charged with motor vehicle theft, theft under $5,000 and committing an indecent act. He was held for a bail hearing Tuesday. (Occurrence number GU26046061)