Attempted vehicle thefts reported in Guelph’s south-end, police warn

Auto thief in black balaclava trying to break into car with screwdriver. Car thief, car theft

Guelph Police are investigating a series of attempted thefts in the city’s south-end.

Officers said the first call came at about 3:15 a.m. Monday in the area of Ptarmigan Drive and Pheasant Run Drive, where a resident reported hearing glass breaking and seeing someone inside a neighbour’s truck. Police located a 2023 Toyota Tundra on the road, and the owner confirmed a disabling device prevented it from being stolen.

Then, shortly after 4 a.m., officers responded to MacAlister Boulevard and Dudley Court. The resident said he had video of a stranger inspecting his 2022 Toyota Tundra at around 2 a.m. The same individual returned later, smashed a window and fled when an alarm was triggered, according to police.

Approximately 40 minutes later, police were called to a home near Clairfields Drive East and Beaver Meadow Drive after a suspect was seen on video approaching a 2026 Lexus RX350. They returned again later and attempted to get inside vehicle, but fled when the homeowner activated an alarm.

Investigators believe all the incidents are connected.

One suspect was described as a Black man in his 20s, of average height and build, and wearing a black hooded sweater, dark pants, a high-visibility vest and a medical mask and gloves.

Another witness described a male wearing a dark sweater with white stripes on the arms, dark Adidas track pants and medical gloves.

Police believe the suspects were travelling in a white Honda Civic and a dark-coloured Acura that had been reported stolen in Brampton.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Guelph Police or Crime Stoppers.