Three businesses entered in same plaza
The Guelph Police Service is investigating after three businesses in the same south-end plaza were entered early Tuesday.
Approximately 4:45 a.m. police received a call from a security guard who had attended to check on an alarm at a business near Gordon Street and Clair Road East. When he arrived he discovered three neighbouring businesses with their front doors smashed.
Surveillance video from one of the businesses showed three males entering the plaza on foot from Poppy Drive. One of the males was carrying what appeared to be a hammer which he used to smash the glass doors. Small amounts of cash were reported stolen from each of the businesses and one also had a tablet torn off a wall and smashed.
The incidents are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Kent Schneider at 519-824-1212, ext. 7164, email kschneider@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.
Facebook pics used in extortion attempt
The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a mother received messages Tuesday threatening her children.
Tuesday morning a woman contacted police and reported she had received messages from an unknown person through a messaging app. The messages included photos of the womans three children and indicated their lives could be at risk if the woman did not pay $1,000. She instead contacted police.
Investigation revealed the photos had been taken from the victims own Facebook account.
Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Graeme Adams at 519-824-1212, ext. 7419, email gadams@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.
Sextortion attempt
Residents are reminded not to share images or information with strangers online after an extortion attempt Tuesday.
A man in his 60s reported he was playing an online game on his phone when he received a message which appeared to be from a woman and included a revealing profile photo. They began chatting and the woman eventually asked the complainant to send a photo of himself.
He sent a photo of his face, then a short time later received a fake Facebook post which included that photo and a photo of an exposed penis. The post was clearly designed to suggest the penis was the complainants and the unknown user threatened to share it unless he sent Apple gift cards.
Residents are reminded to be cautious when interacting with strangers online. Any information or images shared can be manipulated and used against you.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centres online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if no financial loss has been sustained, interactions can still be reported to the CAFC.
Total calls for service in the last 24 hours 211