Category: Police Press Releases

(OXFORD COUNTY, ON) – On Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at approximately 8:58 the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Oxford County Detachment investigate a report of a fraud and a 45 Line, Zorra Township address.

It was determined that a resident located an ad on a website for a motor vehicle that was for sale. Communication was established at which time the seller of the vehicle indicated that they were employed as a doctor and had to leave the vehicle in Halifax at the airport after they took a plane to the United Kingdom to assist with working on Covid-19 vaccinations. The seller indicted that they hired and escrow company to manage the sale and shipping of the vehicle.

A price for the vehicle was negotiated at which time the victim wired approximately $14,000 through their financial institution after signing a sales contract. The victim contacted police after the vehicle failed to arrive.

Investigators discovered that the vehicle had been previously sold from a dealership from the Toronto area and also determined that the vehicles identification number (VIN) had been used fraudulently when advertising this particular vehicle for sale on the website.

The OPP is warning all Oxford County residents to be extremely vigilant when searching web sites with items posted for sale. Some scam artists use stolen photos in their ads, claiming they are pictures of vehicles for sale. Actually, the seller does not have the vehicle that he/she is trying to sell. The seller will ask for money in advance and refer the unsuspecting person to a money wiring service or in this case an escrow company. The buyer waits for few days and when they do not receive the vehicle, attempt to contact the seller, receiving no answer.

In order to avoid these types of scams, remember the following general words of advice:

• Know whom you are dealing with – independently confirm your seller’s name, street, address, and telephone number.
• Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
• If the buyer wants to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check it out to be sure it is reliable – check its Web site, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
• NEVER wire money or use a bank-to-bank transfer in a transaction.
• ALWAYS try to deal locally when buying or selling an automobile or other high-value merchandise
• DO NOT sell or buy a car from someone who is unable or unwilling to meet you face to face.
• NEVER buy a car that you have not seen in real life and had inspected by a professional.

“The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Oxford County detachment continues to receive reports from residents stating they have been or attempted to be defrauded. Don’t be a victim. Fraud is a multi-billion dollar enterprise that will only stop when the scammers stop getting money, banking information or personal information.” – Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP. 

FRAUD – RECOGNIZE IT….REPORT IT….STOP IT….

For more information on fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – You’re just about to get into your vehicle when a piece of paper on your windshield catches your eye. You take a look at the paper and you realize you have just received a ticket for parking overnight on a municipal street. It happens to hundreds, if not thousands of vehicle owners every year in Huron County. Nobody likes giving out or receiving parking tickets but overnight parking restrictions serve a purpose by allowing snow operators an opportunity to efficiently remove snow and ice accumulation from the roadways. 

With a forecast calling for a substantial snowfall this weekend Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind vehicle owners to not leave their vehicles parked overnight on municipal roadways and streets. If you fail to do so you may be ticketed with a fine ranging from $35 – $45. Additionally, if any vehicle is found parked contrary to municipal by-laws it may be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

Here is a sampling of some of the overnight parking restrictions throughout Huron County. 

South Huron – Overnight parking restrictions in place year-round between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Goderich – Overnight parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from November 15 to March 15.

Central Huron – Overnight parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 15 to April 1.

North Huron – Overnight parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from November 1 to May 1.

Huron East – Overnight parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1 to April 15.

Bluewater – Overnight parking is prohibited between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 15 to April 15.

Also, please keep in mind it is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act to push snow onto any roadway. Snow must be placed on your own property, not on neighbouring properties or pushed onto or across the street.

(KINCARDINE, ON) – On December 17, 2020 at 11:54 p.m., a South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer stopped to check a vehicle along Queen Street in Kincardine. The officer found that the driver had been drinking alcohol.

Dustin HUGHES, 29-years-old, of Kincardine was charged with Impaired Driving and Operate over 80 milligrams. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 20, 20221 to answer to the charges.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

(TOWNSHIP OF PUSLINCH, ON) – On December 20, 2020 at approximately 6:30 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred at a residence in the Township of Puslinch. 

Investigation revealed that the victim was sexually assaulted on several occasions between June and December 2020. The accused and victim were known to each other.

On December 23, 2020, members of the Wellington County OPP Crime Unit charged a 27-year-old resident of Puslinch Township with four counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Assault contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on January 29, 2021 to answer to the charges.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources available to help. A toll free call can be placed to the Assaulted Women’s Helpline www.awhl.org/home at 1-866-863-0511 or Male Survivors of Sexual Assault at 1-866-887-0015 where your information will remain anonymous and confidential.

(CULROSS TWP, ON) – On December 16, 2020 at 8:18 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a theft report from a property along Concession 12 in Culross Township. Sometime between December 11, 2020 and December 14, 2020, an outbuilding on the property was entered and a quantity of tools was taken. The list of stolen property includes: Dewalt 20 volt hammer drill, impact drill and sawzall; Dewalt 60 volt hammer drill, Stihl MS250 chainsaw and a Leica laser. The value of the stolen property is estimate to be $3,500.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

(GREENOCK TWP, ON) – On December 16, 2020 at 11:11 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a theft report from a property along Concession 6 in Greenock Township. Sometime between 11:00 a.m. on December 15, 2020 and 11:00 a.m. on December 16, 2020, a Black and Green Arctic Cat Wildcat side-by-side was taken. A Cooey .22 calibre rifle with unique markings on the stock and a .50 calibre CVA wolf muzzle loader were also taken.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

(TOWNSHIP OF WELLINGTON NORTH, ON) – On December 18, 2020, the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a sexual assault that occurred on December 17, 2020 at an address in the Township of Wellington North.

On December 21, 2020, William Russell GILL, 65-years-old, of North Perth was charged with Sexual Assault contrary to the Criminal Code.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on January 26, 2021 to answer to the charge.

Any person with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you or someone you know is in need of support, there are local resources available to help. One such resource is Victim Services of Wellington County and they can be reached at 519-824-1212.

(BLUEWATER, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is currently investigating some thefts from motor vehicles that took place in Hensall this past weekend.

In one of the reported thefts the victim reported his vehicle was parked on King Street with the doors locked however those responsible forced entry into the vehicle and stole his wallet. Shortly thereafter they travelled south in a black Volkswagen whereupon they attempted to make purchases at a gas station in Granton with the victim’s stolen credit card. 

Investigators believe the theft in Hensall took place sometime between 11:00 p.m. and midnight on December 20, 2020. 

Police are now seeking information from the public to help assist in identifying two persons of interest.

If you have any information about this theft please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. 

(CENTRAL HURON, ON) – A Central Huron resident is facing charges after he was arrested for failing a roadside breath test last week.

Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on December 18, 2020 the accused was operating his pickup truck on Orchard Line when he entered into a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint. Upon speaking with the driver the investigating officer observed open alcohol inside the vehicle, as well, the driver was displaying signs that he had consumed some alcohol. 

A roadside screening test was administered and the driver registered a fail. He was placed under arrest and was transported to the Huron OPP Detachment for breath tests. Two samples of breath were provided to the Intoxilizer Technician and both tests registered over the legal limit. 

Daniel DURAND, 62 years of age from Central Huron has been charged with Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 80 Plus & Having Liquor in an Open Container other than Licensed Premise, Residence or Private Place. 

His court date has been scheduled for January 18, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

His licence has been suspended for an automatic 90 days and his motor vehicle was impounded for seven days.   

(HURON EAST, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking tips from the public to help solve a recent break, enter and theft that took place in Seaforth.

On December 6, 2020 sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. a thief entered into the front porch of a residence located on John Street in Seaforth and quickly exited with the victim’s BMX bike. 

The stolen bicycle is described as a black “We the People” BMX bike valued at $1,000.

The bike has 10″ handlebars, a free coaster wheel, and the front tire is a “Mirage” brand. 

A photo of the stolen bike is attached below.

If you have any information about this theft please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677. 

(WINGHAM, ON) – A Wingham resident will be making a trip to court in the New Year following an investigation conducted this week by members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On December 21, 2020 Huron County OPP members responded to an Edward Street residence in Wingham to investigate a report of a break-in and a theft from a motor vehicle. Upon speaking with the victim and reviewing video surveillance police learned the accused entered into the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole change and a pocket knife from the vehicle. After taking the items from the vehicle the accused proceeded to enter into the porch area of the residence whereupon she stole a large bag containing miscellaneous items. 

Officers were able to identify the accused and shortly thereafter she was located and arrested within the Town of Wingham. Upon searching the accused officers found her to be in possession of items stolen from the Edward Street residence, as well as, other items that were taken from unlocked vehicles that were parked on Cedar and Water Streets.

Catherine CORR, 31 years of age, from Wingham has been charged with the following offences:

• Break & Enter – Commit Indictable Offence
• Theft Under $5,000 from a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – 2 counts

The accused has since been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for February 15, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

(CHATSWORTH, ON) – On December 19, 2020 at 5:51 p.m., Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint regarding a possible impaired driver on Grey Road 16, near Sunny Valley Road, in the Township of Chatsworth.    

Officers located this vehicle and effected a traffic stop. The driver failed an approved roadside screening device and was arrested for impaired driving. The driver was transported to the Grey Bruce OPP detachment in Chatsworth for additional testing.

Grey Bruce OPP have charged John DOYLE, 60 years-of-age, from North Rustico, Prince Edward Island, with the following offences:

• Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, section 320.14(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• Operation while impaired with blood alcohol concentration 80 mgs or more, section 320.14(1)(b) CCC
• Fail to surrender drivers licence, section 33(1) Highway Traffic Act

The accused will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on January 28, 2021.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it.

(CITY OF GUELPH, ON) – On December 17, 2020, at approximately 4:30 p.m. the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles on Hanlon Parkway near Paisley Road in the City of Guelph.

While speaking with the one of the drivers, police formed the opinion that they under the influence of alcohol. A Roadside Screening Device (ASD) test was conducted which resulted in a fail. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to a local OPP Operation Centre for further testing.

Baden William MATTHEWS, 63-years-old of Crystal Beach has been charged with Operation While Impaired – 80 Plus contrary to the Criminal Code. A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (A.D.L.S.) and 7-day Vehicle Impoundment was initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph on January 22, 2021 to answer to the charges.

If you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired, either by drug or alcohol, call police at 911 to report it.

(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning residents to stay vigilant against online scams following an incident involving a Clinton based business that was targeted by scammers.

Earlier this month the business was conducting a holiday giveaway of three $100 gift baskets for their loyal customers and followers on social media. In order to be eligible for the draw the contestants had to like their page, share the post and tag a friend. 

Shortly after the contest started scammers created a fake Facebook account under the business name and created a fake page with the same contest details. This was done in an attempt to trick victims into providing their credit card and other personal information.

On the phony page contestants were asked to click on a “register” button and had they did so they would’ve been prompted to provide their personal information and credit card information. 

This variation of a “Phishing” scam was noticed by the business and Facebook was promptly contacted to remove the fraudulent page. 

At this point in time it is unknown whether any victims got caught up in this particular scam.

Should you need to report a scam please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) by calling their toll-free number at 1-888-495-8501 or by calling your local police service.