Police beat: Money misused
CENTRE WELLINGTON – A Hamilton resident is facing fraud-related charges after an investigation into the misappropriation of about $490,000 from a local non-profit.
On March 24, Wellington County OPP and the OPP’s Anti-Money Laundering Unit began investigating after a complaint from a representative of a non-profit organization in Centre Wellington. Police found the money had been misused between 2020 and 2025, according to a police news release.
Police charged Rein Pertens, 45, with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, and breach of trust.
Rein has been released and is expected to appear in Guelph court in December.
Swatting
PUSLINCH – Wellington County OPP responded to a Maltby Road residence on Sept. 24, at around 12:30pm, expecting to find a violent family dispute involving weapons.
Several units responded but officers found the 911 caller provided false information — no emergency existed.
Police are now in turn investigating the fake report, known as “swatting.”
“These swatting calls are designed to draw a large police response to a location for what is being reported as an urgent situation. These calls divert critical emergency resources and cause unnecessary alarm and stress within our community,” police stated in a news release about the incident.
Three youths charged
MAPLETON – Three youths have been charged following an ATV collision in Mapleton on Sept. 26.
At around 12:15pm, emergency services responded to an ATV rollover into a ditch on Ruth Anne Place.
Three teens were on the off-road vehicle during the rollover, police said in a news release.
Two were transported to hospital with minor injuries, while the third was airlifted to a trauma centre with serious, non-life-threatening injuries, police said in a news release.
A 14-year-old from Mapleton has been charged with: careless driving causing bodily harm, driving without a licence, driving without licence plates, unlawfully driving an off road vehicle on a roadway, two counts of driving a passenger without a helmet, and driving a passenger not seated properly.
A 14-year-old and a 13-year-old from Drayton are also charged, both with failing to wear a proper helmet. All three are due in Guelph court.
Family dispute
WELLINGTON NORTH – A North York resident has been charged following an investigation into a past family dispute.
On Sept. 30, at around 7:15pm, Wellington County OPP started investigating a past family dispute that occurred on August 3, 2025, in Wellington North.
“The victim attended a hospital with sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries,” police said in a news release.
A 39-year-old has been charged with assault causing bodily harm. The accused was released and is due back in Guelph court at a later date.
Repeat thief
MOUNT FOREST – Police want help identifying a repeat thief allegedly stealing from the LCBO and a convenience store.
On Sept. 26, at around 5:30pm, Wellington County Ontario OPP received a call from a Mount Forest LCBO about a suspect stealing product, along with reports about the same person stealing from a nearby convenience store.
Police want anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122 and reference occurrence: E261400975. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
Assault charges
ARTHUR – An Arthur altercation has led to charges for an Arthur resident.
On Sept. 30, at around 10pm, Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a neighbour dispute.
Police determined a fight broke out between the accused and two victims, during which both victims were hurt, police said in a news release.
The 38-year-old has been charged with two counts of assault and is to appear in Guelph court in the new year.
Trucks collide
PUSLINCH – One person has been charged following a collision in Morriston.
On Sept. 29, at around 11:15pm, emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision on Queen Street, involving two pick-up trucks.
One person was assessed by paramedics for minor injuries.
Police charged a 31-year-old of Guelph with careless driving and driving without insurance.
