Guelph police charge couple with theft of jewelry and pet remains

Various pieces of stolen property were laid out on a table in this undated image. (Courtesy: Guelph Police Service)

A couple from Guelph-Eramosa are facing charges as part of an investigation into multiple thefts.

Earlier this year, Guelph Police Service began looking into a person suspected of several property crimes, including a break-in at a south-end home where approximately $10,000 worth of jewelry and electronics were taken as well as the cremated remains of a family pet.

Police believed the same person broke into a vehicle earlier this month and stole a purse, banking cards and identity documents. The stolen cards were used to buy prepaid credit cards at a grocery store immediately after the theft and then the stolen property was discarded.

On March 13, Guelph police arrested a suspect after they found the stolen goods.

The suspect’s vehicle and his home were searched and a 33-year-old woman was also arrested. While conducting the searches, officers found stolen jewelry and the pet remains. Several purses, wallets and identity documents taken from vehicles parked at dog walking trails throughout Guelph and Wellington County were also uncovered.

A 41-year-old Guelph-Eramosa man has been charged with break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of stolen property under $5,000, mischief under $5,000, two counts of unauthorized use of a credit card, possession of identity documents and disguise with intent.

A 33-year-old Guelph-Eramosa woman was charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of identity documents and breach of probation.

Finding the rightful owners

The cremated pet remains and some of the other stolen property were returned to their rightful owners, but police are still trying to figure out who the remaining items belong to.

Anyone who believes some of the stolen property may be theirs is encouraged to contact Constable Cam McKeen at [e-mail].