(WELLINGTON NORTH TWP, ON) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) have arrested one individual in relation to theft of telecommunication wires.
On September 18, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Wellington County OPP received a report a telecommunication wires being cut at a local business on Egremont Street within Mount Forest, and the wires were positioned to be stolen later that night.
The Wellington CSCU responded and as a result of the investigation, the suspect was located and arrested within the early morning hours of September 19, 2025.
Gordon KOSTAL, a 44-year-old of Mount Forest is charged under the Criminal Code with: Theft under $5000.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Theft and damage to telecommunication lines are more than just property crimes, they can have serious public safety consequences. These lines support critical services like 911 emergency access, medical alert systems, and internet and phone connectivity. When they’re compromised, entire communities can lose access to emergency help and essential communication, putting lives at risk and disrupting daily life.
Telecommunication wires are often targeted for their copper content, which is commonly resold at scrap yards, making them a target for theft.
The Wellington County OPP urges the public to report any suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure to help protect these vital services.
Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.