A male has been arrested following a recent spree of commercial break and enters across the city where businesses had their glass doors smashed to gain entry.
The burglaries resulted in the loss of more than $23,000 worth of merchandise and caused more than $5,000 in damage.
A suspect had been identified based on surveillance video from some of the businesses. Guelph police believed the male was driving a white Audi SUV which had been reported stolen from Waterloo Region in mid-January and could be seen on some of the stores’ surveillance.
Shortly after 2 a.m. last Friday, police saw the Audi in the downtown area but it took off at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety a pursuit was not initiated at that time. A short time later the Audi was used for a gas drive-off in Aberfoyle.
On Friday afternoon, members of the Guelph Police Service Tactics and Rescue Unit located the Audi in a parking lot near Victoria Road North and Hadati Road. The male was observed approaching the vehicle a short time later and was arrested following a short foot pursuit. The Audi key was located in his pocket.
A 35-year-old male of no fixed address is charged with six counts of break and enter, possessing stolen property over $5,000, dangerous driving, driving while suspended, theft under $5,000 and eight counts of breaching probation.
He was held in custody for a bail hearing on Monday.
