Media Release – February 24, 2026

Investigation into holistic spas results in charges

An investigation into holistic spas operating within the City of Guelph has resulted in dozens of charges.

The investigation by the Guelph Police Service Human Trafficking Unit began in May 2025. The project was launched in response to a noticeable increase in activity on online platforms advertising sexual services in these establishments.

The focus of this initiative was to ensure that business operators and owners were complying with all applicable municipal by-law requirements.

Throughout the eight-month investigation, the Guelph Police Service -- in partnership with City of Guelph By-law Enforcement -- identified a substantial number of by-law infractions within several establishments.

As a result of the investigation, the Guelph Police Service has laid 40 City of Guelph by-law charges against six holistic spa locations within the community.

The Guelph Police Service remains committed to identifying and disrupting unlawful activity, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals within the community.

Child arrested in stolen vehicle case

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested after a vehicle was stolen from a family friend and later involved in a collision.

Just after 8 a.m. January 21, a woman reported her Dodge Caravan had been stolen overnight from her east-end residence. She told police her friend’s son had been staying over but was not in the house when she awoke.

A short time later the victim was contacted by another police service and learned her vehicle had been involved in a hit and run collision with another stolen vehicle. Damage was estimated at more than $10,000.

On Monday a 12-year-old Guelph boy attended the police station with a parent and was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle. He will appear in court in March. (Occurrence number GU26004594)

Arrest for driving while banned

A Guelph man was arrested after he was caught Monday evening driving while banned.

Approximately 7:45 p.m. a Guelph Police Service officer was patrolling near Speedvale Avenue East and Delhi Street when his cruiser’s automated licence plate reader alerted to a vehicle associated with a prohibited driver.

The pickup was stopped on Delhi Street. Investigation confirmed the driver was prohibited as a result of an impaired driving conviction.

A 34-year-old Guelph man is charged with driving while impaired. His vehicle was seized for 45 days. He will appear in court May 19. (Occurrence number GU26012451)

Another CR-V targeted

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after another Honda CR-V was targeted for theft.

On Monday afternoon, a resident of Waterloo Avenue reported his white 2026 CR-V Hybrid was not working properly on his drive to work. He took it to a dealership, where he learned there was damage to the vehicle’s front wiring harness. As well the horns and acoustic alerting system – which produces a sound to alert pedestrians of approaching vehicles – had been unplugged.

Over the weekend, three newer-model CR-Vs had been reported stolen from the south end of Guelph.

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.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Jonathan Schleen at 519-824-1212, ext. 7570, email jschleen@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 GU26012336)

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 253