Media Release – December 16, 2025

Woman attacked, man arrested

A Guelph man faces several charges after a woman was assaulted and choked downtown Monday afternoon.

Approximately 12:45 p.m. a woman in her 40s called police to report the incident. She had been walking through a narrow walkway when she saw a man walking towards her the opposite way. The two know each other as they live in the same building and there have been numerous disputes between them.

As they met up the woman was pushed to the ground and had a hot coffee thrown on her. As she tried to stand up the man grabbed her from behind in a chokehold, holding her on the ground until the victim stated she couldn’t breathe.

The man then stole her toque and attended a nearby business where he claimed he had been assaulted. The victim was assessed on scene by paramedics and said she would seek further medical treatment.

A 56-year-old Guelph man was arrested for assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm – strangulation, and theft under $5,000. He was held for a bail hearing Tuesday.

Necklace stolen in distraction theft

Residents are again reminded to be cautious when approached by strangers after a Cambridge woman had her necklace stolen outside a Guelph grocery store.

The woman in her 70s reported that last Thursday she was leaving a business near Victoria Road South and York Road when she was approached by three people in a white SUV. A woman exited the SUV and approached the victim, asking if she could pray with her and attempting to place a necklace and rings on her, which the victim declined.

The woman got back into the SUV and left the area. The victim then realized her gold necklace and heart-shaped pendant were missing.

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. 

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.  

Anyone with information about the most recent incident is asked to call Constable Nick Dowe at 519-824-1212, ext. 7602, email ndowe@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.

Car stolen then recovered

Residents are reminded not to leave running vehicles unattended after a Guelph man had his car stolen from outside a south-end coffee shop Monday evening.

Just after 5 p.m. the man said he had left his Toyota Corolla running outside a business near Gordon Street and Kortright Road. While in the business the man saw his car being driven away. It was located by police in another jurisdiction Tuesday morning and had been spray-painted black.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Konrad Babol at 519-824-1212, ext. 7189, email kbabol@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.

Also Monday, a Toyota Camry stolen from outside a Stone Road West business last week after the owner left it running was recovered by police in another jurisdiction. The owner is a pizza delivery driver who left the car running while preparing his next order.

The Guelph Police Service encourages residents to take steps to protect themselves from auto theft. This can include parking indoors when possible or in well-lit areas, ensuring vehicle doors and windows are closed and locked, employing anti-theft devices to prevent vehicles from being started or steered and using devices to block signals from electronic keys. Please report suspicious activity around unattended vehicles, especially during overnight hours.

LCBO theft under investigation

The Guelph Police Service continues to investigate after five men worked together to steal almost $2,400 in vodka from a south-end liquor store.

Approximately 4:25 p.m. December 1 the men entered the LCBO on Clair Road East. Three picked up cases of vodka off a cart while another filled a bag with loose bottles and the fifth waited at the front door to open the entry gate and allow them to flee.

The men arrived and left in a white Toyota Tundra pickup with a black box and tailgate and licence plate starting with AA.

Anyone with information, or who recognizes the individuals or vehicle in the photos, is asked to call Constable Jessica Belcastro at 519-824-1212, ext. 7287, email jbelcastro@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.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 215