Police beat: Trespassing suspects
PUSLINCH – Police are looking to identify five suspects on dirt bikes and ATVs who damaged private fields here last month.
Wellington County OPP officials say police responded on June 27 at about 8:30pm to a property on Victoria Road South in Puslinch Township.
Police say the suspects, who caused damage to fields, “fled the scene prior to police arrival.”
The suspects are described as a group of two adult males and three youth riding two dirt bikes and two ATVs.
It is not clear why it took police almost five weeks to issue a press release about the incident.
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.
Grandparent scams foiled
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Police are reminding residents to be wary of scammers after two county residents almost fell victim to grandparent scams.
Wellington County OPP officials say police responded to “an attempted fraud at a residence in Erin” in July 22.
“Two unknown suspects contacted the victim, one posing as the victim’s son, suggesting they had been arrested following a motor vehicle collision and were in police custody,” police stated in a press release.
“The second suspect claimed to be a lawyer, advising that $6,500 was required for bail in order to secure the son’s release. The suspects called from a private number and left no contact information.
“The victim called their son to confirm the story was fake and contacted police.”
The next day, July 23, Wellington County OPP responded to a similar call in Arthur.
This time the suspects told the victim $2,600 was required for bail.
“The suspects told the victim not to tell anyone what the money was for and suggested they would personally collect the cash,” police stated. “Fortunately, the victim became suspicious and contacted police before any money was exchanged.”
OPP officials say residents can take steps to avoid grandparent/emergency scams, including:
– contact the family member directly using a known phone number before sending any money;
– speak to other relatives or friends before acting on urgent requests for money;
– be cautious of payment requests via e-transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash couriers; and
– never give out personal or financial information to unexpected callers.
Anyone who receives a fraudulent call, text or email can report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visiting vantifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Partner violence
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police continue to lay intimate partner violence charges across the county.
Those arrested include:
– a 37-year-old from London, who was charged with assault in relation to an incident in Puslinch on July 26;
– a 30-year-old from Erin, who was charged with assault (spousal), assault with a weapon (spousal) and three counts of failing to comply with a release order (three counts) in relation to an incident in Erin on July 26; and
– a 71-year-old from Mount Forest, who was charged with assault and two counts of utter threats (to cause death or bodily harm) in relation to an incident in Mount Forest on July 29.
The accused individuals are to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
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Anyone with information about any of the above incidents 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. Tip providers may be eligible for a cash reward.
