Media Release – April 7, 2026

Two distraction thefts reported

The Guelph Police Service is advising residents to remain alert to distraction thefts after two incidents Monday where jewelry was taken directly from victims during brief interactions with strangers.

Just after 1 p.m. Monday a Guelph woman in her 50s reported her necklace was stolen. She was near the intersection of Ironwood Road and Scottsdale Drive when she was approached by people in a black SUV. A female passenger attempted to give the victim gifts and hugged her, during which the victim’s necklace was stolen. The victim realized what was happening and tried to stop it, but was shoved and the vehicle fled.

The suspect was described as a white woman in her late 20s with a slim build and wearing a white or pink headscarf. The driver was described as a male in his 40s with brown skin and a medium build. There were also two young children in the vehicle, which was a black SUV.

Minutes later a woman reported her mother, in her 80s, had been walking on Pine Ridge Drive when she was approached by a black vehicle and a female passenger engaged her in conversation. During the interaction the victim’s necklace was stolen.

The description of the suspects was very similar, except the second victim believed the woman had light brown skin.

The incidents are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Cecilia Hudecki at 519-824-1212, ext. 7215, email chudecki@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.

Police services across Ontario have seen an increase in these distraction-type thefts. Typically older adults are approached by individuals in a vehicle and engaged in conversation, during which a female passenger will attempt to initiate physical contact by hugging or attempting to place jewelry on the victim. Afterwards the victim realizes their jewelry has been stolen. 

Offenders may appear friendly, well‑spoken, or apologetic, and often try to keep the interaction moving quickly to prevent the victim from reacting.

 Offenders target moments when attention is divided such as: In grocery store or mall parking lots, on sidewalks or near store entrances, while entering or exiting vehicles, when carrying groceries or other items.

Residents should be extremely cautious when approached by individuals not known to them. Try to avoid physical contact and note any identifying information, such as physical descriptions and licence plates.  (Occurrence numbers GU26022102, GU26022105)

Neighbour, officer assaulted

A Guelph man faces charges after a neighbour and police officer were both assaulted Saturday.

Just after 11 a.m. a man in his 60s was sitting in the lobby handing out Easter candy when he was confronted by a neighbour, who grabbed him by the throat while uttering a death threat.

Officers arrived a short time later and arrested the suspect. He was transported to hospital for medical treatment, but became combative and kicked a Guelph Police Service officer in the head. She was not seriously injured.

A 56-year-old Guelph man is charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault police and uttering a death threat. He will appear in court June 30. (Occurrence number GU26021697)

Man arrested, cocaine seized

A Guelph man faces drug charges after officers seized cocaine and cash Thursday night.

The Guelph Police Service Break Enter Auto Theft Unit has been investigating a man allegedly involved in trafficking controlled substances. Just before 9 p.m. Thursday the man was located in a vehicle near Eastview Road and Auden Road. He fled on foot but was arrested a short distance away.

Following his arrest officers recovered cocaine with a street value of approximately $600 and more than $750 in cash.

A 19-year-old Guelph man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. He will appear in court June 23. (Occurrence number GU26021326)

Hit and run under investigation

The Guelph Police Service is asking for assistance to help locate a black SUV with damage to the front passenger side corner following a hit and run early Saturday.

A parked vehicle was struck shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday, in the area of Victoria Road and Woodlawn Road East.

If anyone has any information, please contact Constable Tim Paneghel at 519-824-1212 ext. 7529 or tpaneghel@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. (Occurrence number GU26021651)

Downtown building entered

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a downtown apartment building was entered Sunday morning.

The owner of the building reported two men gained access just after 7:30 a.m. by pulling on the front door until it bent slightly. Once inside they attended several storage and supply rooms. Property including tools and keys were stolen.

The first suspect was described as a white man with dark hair and wearing a black jacket, black pants, a white and blue football jersey under a coat and a red Chicago Bulls hat. The second man was also white with red or dirty blond hair, baggy light-wash jeans, a white t-shirt, black bomber jacket with a white logo and a baseball cap with white brim.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Mackenzie Sissing at 519-824-1212, ext. 7553, email msissing@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. (Occurrence number GU26021899)

Impaired driver fled, crashed in construction site

Five drivers were arrested for impaired driving in Guelph over the long weekend, including one who fled from police and crashed in a construction site early Saturday.

Just after 2 a.m. a Guelph Police Service officer was patrolling on Woolwich Street when his cruiser’s automated licence plate reader alerted to a possible suspended driver. The driver fled when the officer activated his emergency lights, driving through a red light into the construction site on Speedvale Avenue East where he collided with construction materials. He fled on foot but was arrested a short time later.

A 21-year-old Guelph man is charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, refusing to provide a breath sample, failing to stop at an accident and several Highway Traffic Act offences.

Also this weekend:

·        A 31-year-old Guelph man was arrested for impaired driving and failing to stop after an accident following a two-vehicle collision Friday morning near Gordon Street and Cork Street

·        A 52-year-old Guelph man was charged with impaired driving after he was caught drinking a beer in a vehicle in a north-end parking lot Friday afternoon.

·        A 67-year-old Guelph man was arrested for impaired driving and dangerous driving following a two-vehicle collision Friday evening at Paisley Road and Silvercreek Parkway North.

·        A 25-year-old Stratford woman was arrested for impaired driving and refusing to comply with a demand after officers noted an odour of burned marijuana during a traffic stop on Woolwich Street Saturday evening.

Each of the accused had their licences suspended for 90 days and their vehicles impounded for seven days. They were released with upcoming court dates.

The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to be responsible if they choose to consume alcohol and cannabis. 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. (Occurrence numbers GU26021453, GU26021535, GU26021555, GU26021636, GU26021772)

Total calls for service since last update – 1,094