Waterloo Regional Police have issued a warning after seeing a spike in catalytic converter thefts throughout the area.
Since January 1, 2021, 131 catalytic converter thefts have been reported.
Catalytic converters are part of a motor vehicle’s emission system, located between the engine and muffler.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity or individuals to police immediately. When possible, motorists are encouraged to park their vehicles in garages or well-lit areas that are known to have security cameras.
Anyone with information regarding catalytic converter thefts is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
MARCH 3
9:00 AM | Wellington County and Cambridge OPP, Township of Woolwich Fire Department and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services responded to a serious single- vehicle collision on Highway 7 at Woolwich-Guelph Townline, just west of Guelph. A westbound courier truck collided with the rear of a tractor trailer. The driver of the courier truck was extricated from the vehicle and transported by Ornge air ambulance to a trauma centre in Hamilton with serious injuries. The second driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the courier vehicle, a 26-year-old Guelph man, was later pronounced deceased in hospital. OPP Technical Collision Investigators (TCI) assisted Wellington County OPP with the investigation. Highway 7 was closed between Wellington Road 32 and Shantz Station Road for several hours to allow for investigation. Wellington County OPP is asking anyone that may have witnessed this collision or has dash cam video equipped in their vehicles, to please call, 1-888-310-1122.
4:05 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to the area of Weber Street East and Kinzie Avenue in Kitchener after receiving reports of a rental van striking two buildings in the area. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, which fled the area and was later located by police in Elmira. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit when the driver of the vehicle fled the area on foot. Police were able to arrest the driver shortly after. A 47-year-old man was charged with ‘dangerous driving,’ ‘flight from police’ and ‘drive disqualified.’ Subsequently, as the investigation continued, police learned that another male was the alleged driver who struck the buildings in Kitchener with the rental van. As a result, a 38-year-old Kitchener man was charged with two counts of ‘fail to remain,’ ‘drive disqualified’ and ‘breaching court orders.’
MARCH 4
7:00 PM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report of a break-in at a residence located on Huron Road in Wilmot Township. Sometime between November 2020 and the time of the report, a Polaris four-wheeler was stolen from a garage at the residence. There is no suspect information at this time. Anyone who may have information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
MARCH 5
5:00 AM | A Wellington County OPP officer was monitoring traffic and conducting radar on Highway 6 north of Wellington Road 51 in Guelph-Eramosa Township when they observed a red passenger vehicle travelling southbound at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 80 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 145 km/h. As a result, a 19-year-old of Fergus man was charged with ‘racing – excessive speed’ and ‘speeding.’ The defendant is scheduled to appear in Guelph at the Ontario Court of Justice – Provincial Offences Court on June 2, . His vehicle and driver’s licence were seized for a period of seven days as per statute.
MARCH 8
10:39 AM | Police responded to a report of a road rage incident in the area of Sawmill Road and Arthur Street South near St. Jacobs. During the altercation, it is alleged that one of the involved drivers brandished a firearm. Through investigation, the subject was located in the downtown area of Kitchener and was arrested by police. A 45-year-old man is facing weapon-related charges. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
