Police Beat: Distraction theft
FERGUS – On Jan. 7, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a theft that had occurred in the parking lot of a business on St. David Street North here.
“It was reported that one individual distracted the victim in the parking lot while a second person then stole the victim’s wallet from their vehicle,” police stated in a press release.
“The victim’s credit card was later used to make a purchase at another business and video surveillance of the individuals using the victim’s credit card was obtained. “
Police say “distraction thefts” can occur in stores or in parking lots and are offering the following tips to avoid them:
always be aware of your surroundings;
keep your purse or wallet secured and with you;
if someone appears suspicious and randomly tries to engage in a conversation, pay close attention to your property; and
report any suspicious activity to police, and if a suspect is still nearby, call 911.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.
Owner charged after dogs attack another dog
MAPLETON – As a result of an ongoing investigation, Wellington County OPP have charged a dog owner for a Jan. 31 incident on Road Five North here.
“It was a reported that two dogs had attacked and injured another dog,” police stated in a press release.
A 39-year-old Fergus resident was charged with failing to prevent a dog from biting or attacking a person or domestic animal. The defendant is to appear in Guelph court on May 3.
Hit-and-run charge
MAPLETON – A Moorefield driver has been charged in connection with a recent hit-and-run collision here.
On Feb. 4 at about 11:30am, emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle, collision on the 8th Line in Mapleton Township.
Wellington County OPP officials say a black sedan and a black SUV collided and the SUV left the scene.
A 53-year-old driver from Moorefield was charged with making an unsafe turn and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.
The defendant is to appear in Guelph court on May 3.
Driving charges
FERGUS – On Feb. 3 at about 11am, Wellington County OPP stopped the driver of a grey pickup truck on Gartshore Street here.
A 17-year-old resident of Fergus was charged with not having a muffler on a vehicle, not having mudguards and driving without insurance.
The defendant is to appear in Guelph court on May 3.
‘Defective brakes’
GUELPH – On Feb. 4 at about 7pm, a Wellington County OPP officer stopped the driver of a white van hauling a black trailer on Woodlawn Road West here.
A 27-year-old Guelph resident of was charged with driving while suspended, failing to surrender a permit for a trailer, and having defective brakes on a commercial vehicle.
The defendant is to appear in Guelph court on May 3.
Suspended driver caught
ARTHUR – On Feb. 5 at about 9:30pm, Wellington County OPP responded to a vehicle in the ditch on Wells Street East here.
A 17-year-old resident of Wellington North was charged with driving while suspended and is to appear in Guelph court on May 3.