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.