Waterloo Regional Police have charged a Kitchener youth with theft-related offences as part of ongoing crime suppression efforts.

On June 13, 2025, members of WRPS’ Crime Suppression, Analysis, and Response (CSAR) Unit arrested a male in Kitchener as part of an investigation into online buy-and-sell robberies.

A search warrant was also completed at a residence in the Centreville area of Kitchener, and further evidence, including smartphones, was recovered.

As a result of the investigation, the CSAR Unit linked the arrested male to three incidents involving stolen smartphones between January 1, 2025, and February 5, 2025.

The male, a 17-year-old from Kitchener, was charged with Theft Under $5,000, Robbery, and Failure to Comply with Judicial Release Order.

The accused was held in police custody for a bail hearing. 

Waterloo Regional Police would like to remind the public of safe practices when buying, selling, or trading property online. WRPS’ Exchange Zones, located in the parking lots of WRPS facilities, aim to provide an additional sense of peace of mind. If you are meeting new people while finalizing online transactions, we encourage you to use these Exchange Zones.  

If you are unable to meet at one of our Buy and Sell Exchange Zones, please consider completing your transactions in well-lit, public and popular locations to avoid being a victim of crime.

In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Our Buy and Sell Exchange Zones are located at:

• North Division - 45 Columbia Street East, Waterloo, ON, N2J 4N7
• Headquarters (front parking lot) - 200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge, ON, N3H 5M1
• South Division - 176 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, ON, N1R 6V7

WRPS’ Crime Suppression, Analysis, and Response (CSAR) Unit is committed to reducing crime and enhancing public safety through problem-oriented enforcement, targeted crime suppression, and prioritization of prevention and proactive measures for complex mental health and youth-related challenges.