Police beat: Erin woman among three charged in copper wire thefts

HALTON HILLS – An Erin woman is one of three people charged in connection with more than 40 copper wire thefts in Milton and Halton Hills last year.

“These thefts involved the suspects cutting down telecommunication cable lines, salvaging the copper and then selling it for profit,” stated a Feb. 20 press release from Halton Regional Police.

“Utilizing a variety of investigative techniques and several Crime Stoppers tips, paired with diligent front line police work, investigators were able to confirm the identities of multiple suspects.”

During the investigation, two suspects were apprehended after a Jan. 30 wire theft and police conducted two searches of a home in Guelph and another in Erin.

Police say they seized, tools, copper wire and electronic devices, and arrested a third suspect during the searches.

Brendan Boyd, 36, of Guelph, was charged with theft (under $5,000), possession of a Schedule 1 substance (methamphetamines), three counts of failing to comply with an undertaking and four counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

Benjamin Moffatt, 43, of Guelph, was charged with theft (under $5,000).

Dawna Mitchell, 36, of Erin, was charged with failing to comply with a release order and four counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

Police say they are searching for a fourth suspect – Christopher Lennon, 29, of Halton Hills, who is wanted for possession of property obtained by crime.

Extortion cases

LONDON – OPP officials say they are investigating multiple cases of extortion in southwestern Ontario, including Wellington County.

“Since 2024, the OPP has identified 10 cases that appear to follow a pattern of extortion,” police stated in a Feb. 20 press release from Western Region headquarters.

“These are in addition to the more than 50 cases being investigated in Caledon and Dufferin detachments. These extortion attempts have targeted victims in the Norfolk, Brant, Middlesex and Wellington areas and involve phone calls or text messages threatening violence unless a large sum of money is paid.”

Police did not provide details on any of the cases.  

However, they stated, “The callers often demonstrate knowledge of the individual’s home or workplace and appear to target members of the South Asian community.”

They added “numerous weapons incidents” have also been investigated, including some where “properties have sustained damage due to gunfire,” but no injuries were reported. 

“Police believe these shootings are linked to threatening communications and extortion attempts,” police stated.

Stolen vehicle

GUELPH/ERAMOSA  – Police are asking for help to locate a stolen vehicle and to identify those responsible.

On Feb. 17 at about 8am, Wellington County OPP  responded to a vehicle theft at a business in the area of Skyway Drive and Highway 7 outside of Guelph.

Police say that sometime overnight on Feb. 16, a person or persons stole a black 2008 Acura MDX SUV (licence plates CPNB921).

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 csgw.tips. 

Snowmobiler charged

WELLINGTON NORTH – A Shelburne resident has been charged with careless driving and speeding after a snowmobile driver tried to evade police recently.

Wellington County OPP officials say officers were “conducting proactive motorized snow vehicle patrol” on a snowmobile trail in Wellington North. 

“As officers approached a group of snowmobilers, one rider sped past officers at a high rate of speed, failing to stop despite officers activating their red and blue emergency lights,” police stated in a press release.

A 57-year-old from Shelburne was charged with careless driving, failing to stop for police and speeding.

Police say the driver registered a warning range “alert” during a roadside breath test and received a seven-day driver’s licence suspension.

Snowmobilers charged after riding off course

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Several snowmobilers were charged last week for riding off-trail.

On Feb. 16, on trails in Erin and Guelph/Eramosa, the following people were charged with entering a premises when prohibited:

– a 22-year-old from Orangeville; and

– two 17-year-olds from Guelph. Each person received a $65 fine.

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Anyone with information about the above incidents can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or csgw.tips.