NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(CITY OF GUELPH, ONTARIO) – The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested four individuals after recovering a large quantity of telecommunication wire.
On March 2, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m., a member of the Wellington County OPP was on proactive patrol on York Road in Guelph when they observed a group of individuals loading suspicious items into the back of a vehicle.
Upon further investigation, the officer recovered approximately $1,200 worth of copper telecommunication wire. The damage to property and infrastructure is estimated to exceed $10,000. As a result, four individuals have been charged.
A 47-year-old from Guelph, is charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Fail to comply Undertaking
The accused was held in police custody, pending a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph.
A 37-year-old from Guelph, is charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000
The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on May 29, 2026.
A 46-year-old from Guelph, is charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000
The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on May 29, 2026.
A 43-year-old from Guelph, is charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000
The accused was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on May 29, 2026.
Theft and damage to telecommunication lines are more than just property crimes, they can have serious public safety consequences. These lines support critical services like 911 emergency access, medical alert systems, and internet and phone connectivity. When they’re compromised, entire communities can lose access to emergency help and essential communication, putting lives at risk and disrupting daily life.
Telecommunication wires are often targeted for their copper content, which is commonly resold at scrap yards, making them a target for theft.
The Wellington County OPP urges the public to report any suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure to help protect these vital services.
Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. OPP reference number: E260279352.
Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
