Media Release – November 7, 2025

Manager wrestled with thief

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after the manager of a north-end business got into a physical struggle with a thief Thursday evening.

Just after 7 p.m. a man entered a business near Speedvale Avenue and Woolwich Street, placed items in his pockets and started to walk out. He was confronted by the manager and pushed past him to exit the store. The manager followed the suspect outside and was punched in the face. The pair began wrestling before being separated.

The suspect said he had a weapon but none was seen. During the physical struggle the stolen property fell from his pockets and was recovered. The victim was not injured.

Officers reviewed security video and were able to identify the suspect, who was not located. The investigation is ongoing.

Plate reader catches impaired driver

A Guelph man faces impaired driving and other charges following a traffic stop Thursday morning.

At 7:30 a.m. an officer was patrolling on Speedvale Avenue West when her cruiser’s automated licence plate reader alerted to a vehicle associated to a suspended driver. The vehicle was followed onto Woolwich Street as it passed several vehicles which had pulled over and stopped for an oncoming ambulance.

The driver pulled into a parking lot where officers conducted a traffic stop. The driver was acting erratically and had trouble focusing on the conversation. Officers noticed a used glass pipe in the centre console.

He was arrested for impaired operation. During a search officers recovered a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine and three more contaminated pipes.

An officer trained in drug recognition concluded the man’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by drugs. He refused to comply with a demand to collect a blood sample for further analysis.

A 41-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired operation, refusing to comply with a demand, possessing a controlled substance, two counts of breaching a probation order and several Highway Traffic Act offences. His licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle – which belonged to a friend – was impounded for seven days. He will appear in court December 2.

The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to consume alcohol and cannabis responsibly. 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.

Wire stolen in break-in

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after wire was stolen during a break-in to a business.

Wednesday morning police were contacted by the manager of a business near York Road and Ontario Street. During a routine check a break-in was discovered at one of their buildings and a small amount of wire was missing. It is believed the door was pried open sometime in the past week to gain entry.

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.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 227