Police beat: Wellington North man faces meth, cannabis charges

MAPLETON – On April 11 at about 10:30pm, a Wellington County OPP officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 6 north of Alma.

Police say that while speaking with the driver, the officer observed suspected drug paraphernalia within the vehicle.

Police also recovered a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine from the vehicle.

Steven Thomas Shields, 39, of Wellington North, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and driving with cannabis readily available.

He is to appear in Guelph court on May 14.

Stolen trailer

PALMERSTON – On April 10 at about 9am, Wellington County OPP received a report of a trailer theft at an address on King Street here.

Police say that sometime between 9pm on April 9 and 7am on April 10, someone  stole a 2021 14-foot Action black dump trailer bearing Ontario plate V2957J, which was valued at about $13,000.

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.

Tip providers may be eligible for a cash reward.

Surplus OPP cell phones donated to victim services

LONDON – Victim Services Wellington is one of 11 agencies that will receive over 200 surplus cell phones being donated by the OPP’s West Region Headquarters.

“The donated cell phones will support victims of crime and vulnerable people in crisis who may not have access to or may not be able to safely use their own cell phone,” OPP officials stated in a press release.

“The donated cell phones will also support a victim’s safety plan and lessen re-victimization by helping to prevent isolation.

“A cell phone ensures that a victim or vulnerable person will have a means of communication to ensure their ongoing access to support services, referrals and medical care as needed.”

Officials added a phone “also allows police to maintain contact with a victim to keep them updated during an investigation, the ensuing court process or to call 911 in an emergency.”

West Region Headquarters administrative staff securely wiped all existing data from the phones prior to donation, officials say.

The agencies receiving the phones will cover the costs associated with service. The OPP phones were made surplus after members received new models.

Victim Services agencies in the following areas will receive the phones: Bruce, Grey and Perth; Chatham-Kent; Elgin; Huron County; Middlesex-London; Oxford County; Sarnia-Lambton; Windsor-Essex County; Brant; Haldimand-Norfolk/New Credit and Wellington.