Media Release – May 6, 2026

East-end business break-in

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a break-in early Tuesday to an east-end business.

Approximately 12:15 a.m. three males in a white four-door vehicle arrived at a business near Grange Road and Starwood Drive. They used a rock to smash the front door and gain entry to the business before fleeing with an undetermined amount of product.

The break-in was discovered by a cleaner who arrived at 8 a.m. and called police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Michael Powell at 519-824-1212, ext. 7206, email mpowell@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 GU26029109)

Be wary of celebrity endorsements online

Residents are urged to be wary of online investment offers claiming to have celebrity endorsement after a Guelph woman lost $14,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.

The victim contacted police Tuesday to report the loss. She said she had clicked on an ad on social media which purported to represent an investment opportunity promoted by a popular YouTube content creator.

The victim paid $250 to join the investment, then transferred various amounts based on advice from supposed company representatives. At one point she spoke to someone she believed was the YouTube star and later transferred $5,000 to a cryptocurrency wallet address he provided.

Residents are encouraged to be wary of any telephone call, email or text which requires you to take immediate action, and to be suspicious of any supposed celebrity endorsement which can be easily faked with artificial intelligence.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if no financial loss has been sustained, interactions can still be reported to the CAFC. (Occurrence number GU26029176)

Beware of fraud targeting Asian community

*Shared on behalf of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

 The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is raising awareness of an extortion fraud involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officials from China and Hong Kong. The fraud has been reported internationally and primarily targets members of the Asian community, including students and individuals with ties to mainland China or Hong Kong.

In this scheme, victims are contacted by phone and falsely accused of being involved in criminal activity. Fraudsters claim to represent agencies such as the Public Safety Bureau (PSB) or other international public safety authorities. Victims are pressured to cooperate with a supposed “investigation” and may be instructed to travel or transfer funds under urgent and threatening circumstances. In some cases, victims are directed to convert money into gold or other high-value assets and surrender them to individuals posing as officers of the law such as anti-corruption officials. These tactics are designed to create fear, urgency and compliance.

Warning signs

• You receive an unsolicited call or message from someone claiming to be law enforcement

• The caller accuses you of being involved in a crime or criminal investigation

• You are told to keep the situation secret from family or friends

• You are pressured to act quickly or face arrest, deportation or legal consequences

• You are instructed to travel, withdraw funds, or convert money into gold

• The caller provides personal information about you to appear credible

How to protect yourself

• Report threats and intimidation to your local police

• Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment, gold, or valuables as part of an investigation

• Do not share personal or financial information with unknown callers

• If you receive a similar call or message, hang up or do not respond

• Don’t feel pressured. Speak to a trusted friend or family member before taking action

• Visit www.antifraudcentre.ca for more information on how to protect yourself from fraud

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police. Also visit the CAFC website to report online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 231