(SOUTHGATE, ON)- The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid multiple criminal charges following an investigation into a break and enter at a local business in the Township of Southgate.
On June 5, 2025, during the early morning hours, a break and enter occurred at a restaurant located on Highway 6. The suspect gained entry and committed theft and property damage before fleeing the scene. Officers were contacted later that day when the business opened and the incident was discovered.
Through coordinated efforts with the West Grey Police Service, investigators identified a suspect linked to a second break and enter in the Municipality of West Grey occurring shortly after the Southgate incident. The suspect was located and arrested by West Grey Police on June 10, 2025.
On August 6, 2025, Eric BERCHTOLD 37-year-old, of West Grey, was arrested and charged with the following criminal code offences:
- Break and Enter a Place – Commit Indictable Offence
- Theft Under $5,000
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Disguise with Intent
- Possession of Break-In Instruments
- Failure to Comply with Release Order (Two Counts)
The OPP would like to thank the West Grey Police Service for their assistance in this investigation.
The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on August 27, 2025.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Grey Bruce OPP at 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.