Guelph Shoplifting Turns Violent – Employee Punched, Hair Pulled Out

What began as an attempt to stop a theft turned into a violent encounter at a south-end business Friday evening. Police are now searching for two suspects after both an employee and a bystander were assaulted.

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after an employee of a south-end business was punched and had her hair pulled out while attempting to stop two shoplifters Friday.

Just after 7 p.m. police were called to a business on Stone Road West. An employee had observed two people removing tags from products and placing them in their bags. The employee followed them from the store and confronted them about the stolen merchandise.

One of the subjects struck the employee several times in the face and pulled out a clump of hair. The employee’s glasses fell off during the altercation and were smashed by the second subject. A customer tried to assist the employee and was also assaulted. Neither victim required medical assistance.

The first subject was described as a white female with short dark hair, a grey hoodie, black winter jacket, grey track pants, black and white shoes and black Nike backpack and baseball cap. The second was described as a white female, with long purple hair, a blue coat, black pants and a backpack. Both were riding bicycles.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Mackenzie Sissing at 519-824-1212, ext. 7553, email msissing@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips. (Occurrence number GU26026603)