Media Release – September 17, 2026

Arrest after older couple defrauded of nearly $100k

A Fergus woman has been arrested after the older couple for whom she was providing in-home care were defrauded of nearly $100,000.

The investigation began in January after the couple’s daughter discovered dozens of unauthorized cheques had been issued to the support worker and deposited into her account. Some cheques were deposited months after they were made out, including some deposited after the couple had started paying the worker via e-transfer.

On Wednesday a 31-year-old Fergus woman turned herself in to police and was charged with 45 counts of fraud under $5,000. She will appear in court October 27. (Occurrence number GU26002950)

Car buyers actually undercover officers

A Wellington County man was arrested Wednesday after trying to sell a stolen vehicle to two undercover officers.

Earlier this month a Guelph Police Service officer began a conversation with the man who had posted a 2016 Lexus sports car for sale online.

Arrangements were made to meet Wednesday morning at a north-end parking lot, where two undercover officers met with the seller. They were taken to another parking lot where the Lexus was parked. The man was arrested by members of the Guelph Police Service Break Enter Auto Theft Unit.

A 55-year-old Wellington County man is charged with possessing proceeds of crime over $5,000 and trafficking in stolen goods over $5,000. He will appear in court December 8. (Occurrence number GU26062921)

Second arrest in ATM ‘cash trap’ thefts

A second man has been arrested in relation to a sophisticated scheme in which ATMs were prevented from dispensing cash to customers.

In late June, an ATM technician contacted police after responding to several reports of cash machines not working in various areas of Guelph.

The technician discovered “cash traps” had been installed on the machines. These devices mimic the cash dispenser doors and were applied with double-sided tape, causing withdrawn cash to be trapped between the dispenser and the fake door. Suspects then returned to remove the trap and collect the cash stuck inside before reapplying the trap.

The Guelph Police Service is aware of at least six banks across the city where the devices were temporarily installed on ATMs. At least $4,400 is known to have been stolen.

Guelph Police Service investigators worked with colleagues at a number of police services investigating similar incidents.

Earlier this week a 52-year-old man was arrested and returned to Guelph, charged with nine counts of theft under $5,000 and seven counts of mischief under $5,000.

On Wednesday a 41-year-old man was arrested and faces the same charges. Both remain in custody pending bail court appearances.

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