UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE:

Waterloo Regional Police have arrested two males in connection to a motor vehicle theft in Wilmot Township.

On February 16th, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a male was captured on camera stealing a motor vehicle from the area of Theodore Schuler Boulevard in New Hamburg. Later that morning, a debit card stolen from the motor vehicle was used at a local retailer in an attempt to purchase gift cards.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, North Division officers arrested and charged two males with multiple criminal and Highway Traffic Act offences; two stolen vehicles were recovered.  

On February 20th, 2026, a 30-year-old New Hamburg male was arrested and charged with: 

• Fraud under $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Fail to comply with probation order 

On April 13th, 2026, a 31-year-old Tavistock male was arrested and charged with:

• Motor vehicle theft
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Operation while prohibited (six counts)
• Drive while driver's licence is suspended (six counts)
• Use unauthorized plates

Both accused were held for a bail hearing.

Waterloo Regional Police would like to thank the Stratford Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the RCMP Codiac Detachment for their assistance with this investigation, as well as the members of the public who provided video footage that helped lead to the arrests of the accused.
 

PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a stolen vehicle incident in the community of New Hamburg.

On February 16, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., an unidentified male was captured on camera stealing a vehicle from a private driveway on Theodore Schuler Boulevard in New Hamburg. A few minutes earlier, another vehicle in the area was entered; however, that vehicle was not stolen.

Later that morning, a debit card stolen from the vehicle was used at a local retailer in an attempt to purchase gift cards.

Police believe additional vehicles in the neighbourhood may have been targeted and are requesting the public’s assistance. Residents are asked to review their exterior camera footage from around the time of the incident and upload any relevant videos or photos using the following link:

https://waterloopson.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/wa26022979

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519‑570‑9777. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service encourages residents to consider the following theft‑prevention measures:

• Block access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprogramming key fobs.
• Use a steering wheel locking device.
• Store key fobs inside a radio‑frequency shielding pouch when not in use.
• Install an aftermarket GPS tracker to assist in vehicle recovery.
• Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle.
• Report suspicious persons or behaviour immediately.
  • Emergencies: 9‑1‑1
  • Non‑emergencies: 519‑570‑9777 or online at www.wrps.on.ca