Media Release – March 30, 2026

Several distraction theft attempts

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after several reports of attempted distraction thefts on Sunday.

Between 11 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. reports were received of residents being approached by parties in a vehicle who asked for directions and made attempts to touch the complainants. The incidents took place on Kathleen Street, Maple Street, Forest Street and Rickson Avenue.

In each case, the vehicle was described as a black SUV with a male driver and female passenger, and a second female passenger in the rear seat.  All had brown skin and one of the females was described as wearing a colourful scarf.

None of the victims sustained any loss and at least two recognized the individuals from previous suspicious interactions.

Police services across Ontario have seen an increase in these distraction-type theft attempts. 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.

Sunday’s incidents are under investigation. (Occurrence numbers GU26020179, GU26020185, GU26020204, GU26020283)

Arrest after employee assaulted

A Guelph man faces assault charges after an employee of a downtown business attempted to stop a thief early Saturday.

Approximately 12:15 a.m. a man was seen leaving the business with several alcoholic beverages he stole from the bar area. An employee followed and tried to stop the man, who threw one of the drinks striking the victim in the chest.

As the victim picked up the can off the ground he was pushed from behind and punched twice in the head, breaking his glasses and causing a minor injury.

On Sunday morning a 28-year-old Guelph man was arrested for assault with a weapon, assault and mischief under $5,000. He will appear in court June 23. (Occurrence number GU26019836)

Fake gun, real charge

A Guelph man faces a weapon charge after twice showing off a supposed handgun in a busy mall Saturday.

Approximately 5:30 p.m. police received reports of a man inside Stone Road Mall lifting his sweater to reveal a black pistol tucked in his waistband during a dispute between two groups of friends.

Several officers attended the mall and quickly located the man outside. A pellet gun was recovered.

A 19-year-old man is charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He will appear in court June 23.

Residents are reminded that replica firearms can cause concern in the community. Officers responding to such calls must assume the item is a real firearm until proven otherwise. (Occurrence number GU26019984)

Toyota and Lexus vehicles targeted

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after three attempts to steal Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the south end early Monday.

At 3:15 a.m. police were called to the area of Ptarmigan Drive and Pheasant Run Drive after a resident heard glass breaking and saw someone inside her neighbour’s truck. Officers arrived to find the 2023 Toyota Tundra in the middle of the road. The owner confirmed he had installed a disabling device to prevent theft.

Just after 4 a.m. officers were called to the area of MacAlister Boulevard and Dudley Court. The complainant advised a man was caught on security camera checking out his 2022 Tundra just after 2 a.m. The same man returned two hours later and smashed a side window, but fled after the truck’s alarm was activated.

At 4:36 a.m. police were called to a home near Clairfields Drive East and Beaver Meadow Drive. A resident reported a man was caught on video just before 3 a.m. approaching his 2026 Lexus RX350. The same man came back just after 4 a.m. and tried to open the car, but was scared off when the homeowner activated his doorbell alarm.

It is believed the attempted thefts are related. One of the involved males was described as black, in his 20s, with an average height and build. He was wearing a black sweater with the hood up, dark pants, a high-visibility vest and a medical mask and gloves. Another witness described a male wearing a dark sweater with white stripes on the arms, dark Adidas track pants and medical gloves.

It is believed the suspects were driving a white Honda Civic and a dark-coloured Acura determined to have been stolen from Brampton.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

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. (Occurrence numbers GU26020314, GU26020318, GU26020319)

Impaired driving arrest

A Guelph man is charged with impaired driving after a traffic stop Saturday morning inside a downtown parkade.

At 5:40 a.m. an officer located a man inside an SUV in the West Parkade. The officer detected a strong odour of alcohol on the man’s breath and noted signs of impairment. He was arrested and transported to the police station, where tests confirmed he had more than twice the legal amount of alcohol in his system.

A 51-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired driving. His licence was suspended for 90 days and his vehicle was impounded for seven days. He will appear in court May 15.

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 number GU26019865)

Total calls for service in the last 72 hours - 692