UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE:

Waterloo Regional Police have laid charges in connection to multiple thefts and robberies involving buy-and-sell transactions arranged online.

Between May 22, 2026, and June 22, 2026, a male suspect was involved in nine buy-and-sell thefts of iPads and iPhones throughout Kitchener.

On July 3, 2026, members of WRPS' General Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Kitchener and arrested one male.

As a result of the investigation, an 18-year-old Kitchener male has been charged with several offences, including:

• Theft Under $5,000 (seven counts)
• Uttering Threats to Cause Bodily Harm or Death (two counts)
• Robbery with Violence
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Failure to Comply with Judicial Order (10 counts)
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Attempt Theft

Police also recovered an imitation firearm and suspected stolen property.

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

PREVIOUS MEDIA RELEASE:

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a robbery in Kitchener involving a buy-and-sell transaction arranged online.

On May 28, 2026, at approximately 12 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery at a plaza in the area of Westheights Drive. The victim had arranged to meet with a suspect to sell an iPad through an online marketplace.

During the meeting, the suspect took the iPad and fled the area on foot. Two witnesses attempted to intervene, and reported that the suspect brandished a handgun towards them.

There were no physical injuries reported.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s General Investigations Unit.

Anyone with information, including video or dash camera footage from the area at the time of the incident, is asked to contact investigators at 519-570-9777, extension 4496.

Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. 

Waterloo Regional Police Service has three Buy and Sell Exchange Zones in Waterloo Region. These zones, which are located in the parking lot of WRPS facilities, aim to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading property online. Members of the public are encouraged to utilize these Exchange Zones when meeting people to finalize online transactions.

For information on the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Buy and Sell Exchange Zones, please visit https://wrps.ca/services/use-wrps-buy-and-sell-exchange-zone.