Woodstock Police Service

08/26/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day

Yesterday, members of the Woodstock Police Service Community Services Unit and Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (MHEART) attended the International Overdose Awareness Day event at Museum Square in Woodstock.

The toxic drug crisis continues to impact individuals and families across Oxford County. Events like this bring community partners together, encourage important conversations around substance use, and help connect people with resources that can save lives.

WPS is proud to work alongside our community partners to support prevention, education, harm reduction and access to mental health and addiction supports.

08/25/2026

K9 and Drone Deployments Assist in Two Successful Police Investigations

Two separate investigations within days of each other resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen property, with the Woodstock Police Service K9 Unit and drone playing an important role in safely locating suspects.

On August 21, officers used the drone to locate a fleeing suspect following a theft and stolen motorcycle investigation. After the suspect crossed Highway 401 on foot and entered nearby agricultural fields, the WPS K9 Unit assisted officers in tracking and arresting him.

A 19-year-old Woodstock man was charged with:

Theft Under $5,000 – two counts
Flight from Peace Officer
Dangerous Operation
Failure to Comply with Probation Order
Disobeying Order of Court

On August 24, police deployed the drone after a stolen vehicle fled from officers and later crashed on a business property. Three suspects were located moving through a wooded area near Highway 401 and were subsequently tracked and arrested with assistance from the drone and K9 Unit.

A 34-year-old Hamilton man, a 45-year-old Brampton man and a 39-year-old Brampton man were each charged with:

Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

At the time of the offence, all three accused were on existing release orders or Undertakings for various property offences. They were held in custody for bail hearings.

These investigations demonstrate how specialized tools such as remotely piloted aircraft and police service dogs can help officers safely locate suspects and establish perimeters.

🔗 Full details: https://woodstockpolice.ca/media/news/woodstock-police-k9-and-drone-deployments-assist-in-two-successful-police-investigations/

08/25/2026

Multiple Impaired Driving Incidents

The Woodstock Police Service responded to several impaired driving incidents between August 21 and 23, resulting in multiple arrests, criminal charges and roadside licence suspensions.

The incidents included:

A 53-year-old Woodstock man arrested after a transport truck was found stuck on an embankment near Oxford Road 4. He was charged with Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs and Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus).

A 79-year-old Woodstock man arrested following a traffic stop on James Street. He was charged with Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Dangerous Operation.

A 39-year-old Woodstock man arrested following a traffic stop. He was charged with Operation While Impaired – Alcohol, Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus) and Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Co***ne. His driver's licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

A 34-year-old Port Loring woman who registered an “Alert” on an Approved Screening Device (ASD) and was issued a seven-day driver's licence suspension.

Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk. If you consume alcohol or drugs, plan ahead for a safe ride and never drive impaired.

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

🔗 Full details: https://woodstockpolice.ca/media/news/woodstock-police-respond-to-multiple-impaired-driving-incidents/

08/24/2026

The Woodstock Police Service is pleased to welcome Zackary Johnston and Logan Savoy to our team as Part-Time Special Constables.

Zackary and Logan will support court security and related operations as part of our Special Constable team.

Please join us in welcoming them to WPS and wishing them success in their new roles!

08/20/2026

Woodstock Police Service Addresses Open-Air Drug Use in Downtown Core

On August 19, 2026, members of the Woodstock Police Service Street Crime Unit and Uniform Patrol conducted targeted enforcement in the downtown core in response to concerns from residents, businesses and community members regarding open-air drug use.

Three people were arrested and charged with drug-related offences.

As a result of the enforcement initiative, officers seized:

• Approximately 33.1 grams of suspected fentanyl
• $467.60 in Canadian currency
• Multiple pipes and other drug paraphernalia

WPS recognizes that substance use and addiction are complex issues requiring both enforcement and community-based supports. At the same time, open-air drug use can create significant public safety concerns in shared public spaces.

WPS will continue to respond to complaints involving public drug consumption and drug trafficking and take appropriate enforcement action where grounds exist.

🔗 Read the full media release:
https://woodstockpolice.ca/media/news/woodstock-police-address-open-air-drug-use-in-downtown-core/

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

08/14/2026

Application Deadline Approaching!

Interested in joining the Woodstock Police Service as a Part-Time Janitor? There are only a few days left to apply.

Applications must be received by Monday, August 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

View the full job posting and application requirements:
https://woodstockpolice.ca/careers-volunteering/part-time-janitor/

The Woodstock Police Service is accepting applications for one Part-Time Janitor position.

The successful applicant will support the cleanliness and maintenance of police facilities and vehicles. Applicants must have previous janitorial or facility operations experience, a valid Class G driver’s licence and availability to work primarily evenings and weekends.

The position offers up to 28 hours per week, with an hourly wage ranging from $28.47 to $31.97.

Applications close Monday, August 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

View the complete job posting and application requirements on our website:

https://woodstockpolice.ca/careers-volunteering/part-time-janitor/

08/11/2026

WE’RE HIRING – PART-TIME PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT (CLERICAL)

The Woodstock Police Service is accepting applications for one (1) part-time Property Management Assistant – Clerical position.

This role supports the secure maintenance, storage, organization and release of found and seized property associated with police investigations.

Part-time: Up to 28 hours per week
Pay: $33.26–$39.58 per hour
Application deadline: August 28, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

If you have strong organizational, communication and administrative skills and are interested in supporting the work of the Woodstock Police Service, we encourage you to apply.

🔗 View the full job posting, qualifications and application instructions:

https://woodstockpolice.ca/careers-volunteering/property-management-assistant-clerical-part-time/

08/07/2026

Charges Laid in Separate Driving Investigations

The Woodstock Police Service has laid charges following three separate driving investigations on July 30 and 31, 2026.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 31, police responded to a complaint involving a vehicle allegedly travelling at an extremely high rate of speed and nearly striking a pedestrian. A 25-year-old male has been charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
• Dangerous Operation
• Common Nuisance – Endangering Life

At approximately 10:20 p.m. that same day, an officer conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle being driven inconsistently with road conditions. A 72-year-old South River male has been charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol
• Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
• Dangerous Operation

In a separate investigation, police identified and arrested the alleged rider of a motorcycle that failed to stop for an officer on July 30. A 43-year-old Woodstock male has been charged with:

• Flight from a Peace Officer
• Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
• Failure to Comply with a Probation Order
• Driving While Under Suspension
• Drive Motor Vehicle – No Plates
• Disobey Stop Sign – Fail to Stop

The Woodstock Police Service remains committed to addressing impaired and dangerous driving and holding individuals accountable for conduct that puts public safety at risk.

Full details:
https://woodstockpolice.ca/media/news/woodstock-police-lay-charges-in-separate-driving-investigations/

08/07/2026

Police Seize Suspected Fentanyl During Downtown Bike Patrol

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a Woodstock Police Service officer conducting bike patrols in the downtown area located two individuals in an alley near Dundas Street and Huron Street.

During separate interactions, the officer seized approximately five grams of suspected fentanyl, along with drug-use paraphernalia. The substances were seized for destruction.

We hear the concerns being raised by residents and businesses regarding open-air drug use, and we are taking action. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community.

While substance use disorder is a serious health issue, possession of illicit drugs remains a criminal offence. This includes amounts intended for personal use. Officers will continue to assess each situation individually, exercise discretion and take enforcement action where appropriate, including seizing illicit substances from public spaces.

Small quantities of fentanyl should not be considered harmless or insignificant. The unpredictable and increasingly toxic illicit drug supply can result in overdose, death and significant demands on police, paramedics and firefighters.

Anyone seeking help with substance use can contact the Oxford County Community Health Centre’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic for treatment, support and referrals.

08/05/2026

🚨 Vehicle Theft Alert 🚨

The Woodstock Police Service is advising residents of a recent increase in vehicle thefts, particularly involving motorcycles.

During the month of July, 14 vehicles were reported stolen in Woodstock, including six motorcycles. Over the same period, police recovered 10 stolen vehicles, although the recovered vehicles were not necessarily connected to the July thefts.

Motorcycles can be quickly moved or loaded into another vehicle. Owners are encouraged to take extra precautions:

Park inside a locked garage or secure structure overnight whenever possible.
Use a quality disc lock, wheel lock or heavy-duty chain secured to an immovable object.
Use multiple anti-theft devices to make the motorcycle difficult to move.
Consider installing a concealed GPS tracking device.
Park in a well-lit, visible area covered by security cameras.
Never leave keys in or near the motorcycle.
Record the VIN, licence plate and identifying features, and keep current photographs of the motorcycle.

Residents are also reminded to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and report suspicious activity immediately.

Make your vehicle difficult to steal. A few extra security measures can help prevent an easy opportunity for thieves.