DUFFERIN OPP RECOVER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN STOLEN PROPERTY FOLLOWING MELANCTHON SEARCH WARRANT
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(DUFFERIN COUNTY) - Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested seven individuals following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the Township of Melancthon as part of an ongoing property crime investigation.
During the spring of 2026, police received numerous reports of thefts from rural properties throughout northern Dufferin County and southern Grey County. The incidents involved a variety of high-value property, including machinery, equipment trailers, farm implements, power tools, and other items.
On May 30, 2026, as a result of the investigation, members of the Dufferin 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 reported thefts. Seven individuals were located at the residence and taken into custody. Investigators also discovered that some of the suspected stolen property was in the process of being dismantled and prepared for scrap metal.
As a result of the investigation, Eloise MCGONIGAL, a 67-year-old female from Melancthon, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
As a result of the investigation, Wayne MILLS, a 56-year-old male from Cambridge, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
As a result of the investigation, Joanne MULVIHILL, a 49-year-old female from Durham, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
As a result of the investigation, Richard NETHERCOTT, a 61-year-old male from New Hamburg, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
As a result of the investigation, Tara TAIT, a 52-year-old female from Dundalk, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
As a result of the investigation, Gordon WINSLOW, a 34-year-old male from Maxwell, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
As a result of the investigation, Giuseppe BIASE, a 61-year-old male from Melancthon, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada (five counts)
- Mischief - Interfere with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property-over $5000
The following items were seized:
- Galvanized vehicle hauler/trailer (valued at approximately $10,000)
- Zero-turn lawn mower (valued at approximately $7,500)
- Custom farm trailer (valued at approximately $7,500)
- Custom farm trailer (valued at approximately $7,500)
- Large quantity of Milwaukee and DeWalt power tools (valued at approximately $5,000)
Gordon WINSLOW was held for a bail hearing, while the remaining individuals were released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear before 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 related to this investigation is asked to contact the Dufferin OPP and reference incident number RM26146264.
The Dufferin 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 encouraged to contact police.