Adhering to public health guidelines, Waterloo Regional Police skipped the usual ceremonies in welcoming 16 new officers to their ranks on December 31.
The members of Recruit Class #104 were sworn in with three private ceremonies. Sixteen new constables recently completed their basic training at the Ontario Police College and have received their police badges.
“Even though friends and family members couldn’t join us today due to COVID-19 restrictions, we know they are proud of each and every one of you,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “I encourage you to make this your career and take every opportunity to chart your own path. Your future is bright. Know that you have the support of your fellow colleagues as you embark on the next phase of your policing career.”
These new officers bring experience from a variety of former careers, including roles as an auxiliary constable, civil engineer, medical first responder, conservation authority security officer, personal trainer, medical first responder, child and youth worker, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
DECEMBER 31
8:34 AM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to Queens Bush Road in Wellesley for a theft report. Sometime between midnight and 7 a.m., an unknown person(s) cut a lock off a cage at a business site and stole 10 propane tanks. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777.
12:59 PM | A complainant reported to police that unknown individuals on snowmobiles entered the golf course property, located on Erbs Road in Wilmot Township, and damaged the fairways, greens and tees. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
JANUARY 3
8:18 AM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to Hutchison Road in Wellesley Township for a report of a break-in at a commercial business. Sometime the previous day, unknown suspects entered the property and entered company vehicles and a trailer. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
JANUARY 4
10:18 PM | Police responded to the area of Bethel Road and Puddicombe Road in Wilmot for a single-vehicle collision involving a deer. The vehicle sustained minor damage. No charges were laid.
JANUARY 6
6:00 AM | Perth County OPP responded to a report that a vehicle had been stolen from a residence on Norfolk Street in Millbank. The suspect had taken advantage of the situation where a pickup truck had been left unlocked while it was warming up. The owner saw the vehicle leaving the driveway, and contacted police immediately. It was located abandoned nearby, and the suspect was believed to have been picked up by a white or silver passenger vehicle. Police remind resident to keep vehicles locked at all times, and never leave keys in the vehicle. Anyone with information regarding this or any incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
2:00 PM | Two people have been arrested after they were found in a stolen vehicle. Perth County OPP received a traffic complaint on Perth Road 121, south of Millbank. The vehicle eventually stopped on the roadway when it ran out of gas, and officers located two occupants inside. The investigation revealed that the white cargo van and the licence plates were stolen. The driver and passenger were both arrested at the scene. A 32-year-old Kitchener man was charged with ‘fail to comply with probation officer,’ ‘failure to comply with release order,’ ‘possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000’ (two counts) and ‘possession of over 30 grams of cannabis in a public place.’ A 27-year-old Waterloo woman was charged with ‘possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000’ (two counts) and ‘drive motor vehicle – no licence.’ The accused parties were released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charges.
4:47 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to Arthur Street South in Elmira for a collision involving four vehicles. A vehicle slowed down for traffic congestion and was struck from behind. The collision cause a multiple fender bender collision. Minor injuries were sustained. Charges are pending.
JANUARY 8
4:55 PM | Police received a theft report from a commercial business on First Street East in Elmira. The complainant advised that an unknown suspect entered the premise and stole property. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777 or 1-800-222-8477.
JANUARY 12
6:55 AM | Wellington County OPP responded along with Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue and Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services to a serious single-vehicle collision on Highway 6, just south of Fergus. The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a southbound sport utility vehicle (SUV) lost control, entered the west ditch and rolled over several times. The driver was transported to a trauma centre in Hamilton with serious injuries.
