Alleged thief caught in the act thanks to police call about stolen plates

Shopping carts are seen stacked together in this stock image. (Pixabay/Pexels.com)

A Mississauga man was arrested at a Guelph store on Sunday while trying to steal a shopping cart full of merchandise.

Guelph Police said, at around 3 p.m., they received a phone call about a Mercedes SUV with fake licence plates in the parking lot of a store on Woodlawn Road.

Officers then spotted a man who matched the witness’ description leaving the store with a full shopping cart.

“The male appeared to notice the officers and briefly returned inside the business,” police said in a media release. “He was stopped as he walked away from the store, a short time later, pushing the cart. When asked how he paid for the items he provided a receipt from a Brampton business dated a day earlier.”

Police said the man had not paid for the merchandise.

During his arrest, officers found several credit cards and identification cards with various names on them. They also seized a small amount of suspected heroin.

The 23-year-old has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, as well as nearly a dozen counts related to theft and fraud.