Waterloo Regional Police have made an arrest in connection with a commercial break-and-enter in Cambridge, involving a suspect investigators are describing as an alleged 'crime tourist.'
Suspect Arrested Following Early Morning Burglary
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025. Police were called to a commercial property on Hespeler Road in Cambridge for a reported break-in in progress. Upon arrival, officers located and arrested a male suspect at the scene.
The accused has been identified as a 22-year-old man from Laval, Quebec. He now faces charges related to the break-and-enter. The arrest highlights a concerning pattern where individuals travel from other regions, specifically to commit crimes, a phenomenon sometimes referred to by law enforcement as 'crime tourism.'
Investigating Broader Criminal Patterns
While the immediate arrest was made for the Cambridge incident, Waterloo Regional Police are delving deeper. Investigators are working to determine if this individual is connected to other similar crimes in the region.
The term 'crime tourist' is not an official charge but is used by police to describe suspects who are believed to have traveled to an area with the primary intent of committing offences before returning to their home jurisdiction. This complicates investigations and poses unique challenges for local police services.
Ongoing Police Investigation and Public Assurance
The investigation remains active as police work to piece together the suspect's activities. Authorities are examining evidence to establish potential links to other unsolved break-and-enters or thefts in Waterloo Region and possibly beyond.
Police have not released the name of the specific business targeted on Hespeler Road to protect the integrity of their ongoing investigation. The accused was held for a bail hearing, a standard procedure following such an arrest.
Waterloo Regional Police are reminding business owners to ensure their properties are secure, especially during holiday periods when they may be closed for extended times. They encourage anyone with information about this incident or related criminal activity to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
