Middle-aged group of seven charged with string of equipment/machinery thefts

Dufferin OPP recovered multiple tools and machinery from several thefts earlier this spring. Tue., June 2, 2026. PHOTO: DUFFERIN OPP

This group of seven middle-aged country folk were allegedly more than a little busy with their extra-curricular activities.

During the spring of 2026, police received numerous reports of thefts from rural properties throughout northern Dufferin and Southern Grey counties.

The incidents involved a variety of thefts of high-end property, including machinery, equipment trailers, farm implements, power tools, and such.

Last Saturday, the Dufferin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from Dufferin B Platoon and C Platoon, executed a search warrant at a residence on the 6th Line NE in Melancthon Township.

Officers recovered a significant quantity of property believed to be connected to the thefts.

Investigators also discovered that some of the suspected stolen property was in the process of being dismantled and prepared for scrap metal.

The following items were seized:

• Galvanized vehicle hauler/trailer value: $10,000
• Zero-turn lawn mower value: $7,500
• Custom farm trailer value: $7,500
• Custom farm trailer value: $7,500
• A large quantity of Milwaukee and DeWalt power tools value $5,000

Seven people at the house were taken into custody.

Police arrested a 67-year-old Melancthon woman, 56-year-old Cambridge man, a 49-year-old Durham woman, a 61-year-old New Hamburg man, a 52-year-old Dundalk woman, a 34-year-old Maxwell man and a 61-year-old Melancthon man.

They were each charged with five counts of possession property obtained by crime over $5,000, and mischief by interfering with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property over $5,000.

The 34-year-old man was held for a bail hearing, while the remaining individuals were released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville at a later date.

This investigation remains ongoing, and investigators believe additional individuals may be involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dufferin OPP.

OPP reminds residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information, dash camera footage, or security video that may assist investigators is asked to contact police.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).