ERIN – Police are looking for clues after someone broke into a local church and caused some damage.
On March 31 at about 1pm Wellington County OPP responded to a report of break-in at a church on Main Street in Hillsburgh.
Police say that sometime between March 24 and 31, someone forced open the front door of the church and once inside, damaged two more doors prying them open.
“Nothing appears to have been taken, however, suspects caused approximately $100 worth of damage to the church,” police stated in a press release.
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.
Dangerous driving
CENTRE WELLINGTON – On March 23 just before 5pm a Wellington County OPP officer was on general patrol in the area of Wellington Road 21 near 8th Line West here.
Police say the officer saw a black vehicle travelling fast and attempting to pass several vehicles on a solid double line on a bend.
“The vehicle was observed to successfully pass two of the three motor vehicles while on-coming vehicles were forced to take evasive action by swerving to the right to avoid a head-on collision,” police stated in a press release.
“The officer observed the vehicle start to fish-tail and begin to lose control as it moved back into its lane while braking hard to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front and cutting off the vehicle behind it that it had just passed.”
Luke Mann, 27, of Clearview Township, was charged with dangerous driving. He is to appear in Guelph court on April 26.
Numerous charges at RIDE program
PUSLINCH – A Flamborough woman is facing numerous charges after being arrested by police at a RIDE program here last week.
On April 2 at about 2:10pm, Wellington County OPP officers investigated the driver of a silver sedan at the RIDE checkpoint on Victoria Road at Leslie Road.
Police say the women “identified herself by another person’s name in an attempt to mislead officers,” and the license plate on the vehicle she was driving was registered to another vehicle.
“Further investigation revealed that she was suspended from driving and bound by a recognizance not to possess any weapons. The vehicle was also found to be stolen,” police stated in a press release.
Tina Hatt, 30, of Flamborough Township, was charged with obstructing a peace officer, personation with intent, failing to comply with a recognizance, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000, using unauthorized plates, care or control of a vehicle with cannabis readily available, and two counts of driving while suspended.
Drug charges
GUELPH – On March 25 at about 9:10pm, Wellington County OPP officers investigated the driver of a grey sedan for an alleged driving offence on Highway 6 near Wellington Street.
Police say officers observed a bag containing suspected cocaine as well as drug paraphernalia and the driver attempted to resist arrest.
Filmon Haile, 19, of Kitchener, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), resisting arrest, making an unsafe driving move (in a lane or on a shoulder) and driving without a licence. He is to appear in Guelph court on April 30.
Drug charge at RIDE
GUELPH – On April 4 at about 1:15am, Wellington County OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Highway 6 near College Avenue.
Police say officers arrested the female driver of a grey hatchback after discovering the woman was wanted in another police jurisdiction on an outstanding warrant.
“When she exited the vehicle, officers observed a small plastic dime bag on the driver’s side floor that contained a substance that appeared to be methamphetamine,” police stated.
Nehemie Edouard, 28, of Guelph, was charged with possession of methamphetamine. She is to appear in Guelph court on May 7.
No license
ROCKWOOD – On March 30 at about 8:15pm Wellington County OPP officers were on patrol in the area of Main Street here when they observed a black pick-up truck operated by an alleged unlicensed driver.
Lormer (Robert) McClure, 59, of Guelph-Eramosa, was charged with operating a vehicle while prohibited. He is to appear in Guelph court on May 3.
Use caution with unsolicited phone calls
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police officials say they have heard concerns from citizens who received unsolicited donation requests that appear to be phony.
The new scam involves potential victims receiving a phone call from a person who falsely represents themselves as being from a genuine charity and then delivers a high-pressure pitch for donations.
“OPP recommends to everyone to use extreme caution if they receive donation requests on the telephone,” states a Wellington County OPP press release.
“It is very hard to know exactly who you may be speaking with; even call displays can be falsely represented.
“Another flag … [is] high pressure tactics; reputable charities do not rely on pressure to get donations. Always do your homework and if you have a charity you wish to support, reach out to them.”
Victims of fraud can report it online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (or call 1-888-495-8501) or contact the OPP (1-888-310-1122).
