WELLINGTON NORTH – Police are again warning residents about “sextortion” scams after a close call for a local victim.
Wellington County OPP officials say officers responded on Dec. 14 to an extortion call related to a resident communicating with an unknown suspect on social media.
“The victim ended up sending the suspect nude photos,” police stated in a Dec. 17 press release.
“Shortly after, the suspect threatened that if the victim did not send them money, they would retaliate by sending the nude photos to their friends and family.
“Thankfully, the victim immediately blocked the suspect, reported their account to moderators and contacted police.”
OPP officials are reminding residents to follow safe internet practices, including avoiding contact with unknown people online and not sharing intimate images.
“If something similar should happen to you, immediately stop all communication with the person and do not comply with the threats,” police stated.
“Contact police who can provide advice on the next steps to take. Also, keep copies of the messages and information such as the username, social media account, etc.”
Partner violence
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police continue to lay intimate partner violence charges across the county.
Those arrested include:
– a 45-year-old from Arthur, who was charged with assault with a weapon, and a 49-year-old from Arthur, who was charged with spousal assault, both in relation to an incident in Arthur on Dec. 14; and
– a 21-year-old from Burlington, who was charged with spousal assault and domestic mischief, in relation to an incident in Fergus on Dec. 16.
Wire stolen in break-in
GUELPH – Police are investigating after thousands of dollars worth of wire was stolen during a break-in last week.
Police say the manager of a business near Silvercreek Parkway North and Campbell Road arrived at work on Dec. 15 to find a hole had been cut in the wall.
“Investigation revealed a lock was cut off a gate to access the back of the building, where a hole was cut through a garage door,” Guelph Police stated in a Dec. 17 press release.
“Once inside, suspects cut through the drywall to access the complainant’s business. A quantity of wire valued at more than $30,000 was reported missing.”
Anyone with information can contact Constable Jillian Crawford-Bourke at 519-824-1212, ext. 7583, email jcrawford-bourke@guelphpolice.ca, or Crime Stoppers.
Woman attacked, man arrested
GUELPH – A Guelph man faces several charges after a woman was assaulted and choked in the downtown core last week.
Guelph Police officials say a woman in her 40s called police to report the incident on Dec. 15.
“She had been walking through a narrow walkway when she saw a man walking towards her the opposite way. The two know each other as they live in the same building and there have been numerous disputes between them,” Guelph Police stated in a Dec. 16 press release.
“As they met up, the woman was pushed to the ground and had a hot coffee thrown on her. As she tried to stand up the man grabbed her from behind in a chokehold, holding her on the ground until the victim stated she couldn’t breathe.”
Police say the man then stole her toque and then went to a nearby business where he claimed he had been assaulted.
“The victim was assessed on scene by paramedics and said she would seek further medical treatment,” police stated.
A 56-year-old Guelph man was charged with assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm (strangulation) and theft under $5,000. He was held for a bail hearing the next day.
* * *
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.
