St. Catharines Man Wanted in Break and Enter Investigation - Welland
On Monday July 27, 2026, at approximately 7:45 pm, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District (Welland/Pelham) uniform officers, with assistance from the Canine Unit (K9), attended the area of Kingsway in the City of Welland for a suspicious vehicle. Police were contacted as a white cargo van was abandoned off the road and an unknown suspect fled the area.
Uniform officers conducted a search of the vehicle which revealed a large number of stolen tools inside of the van. 3 District Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) took carriage of the investigation, and it was determined that the van was stolen and had been used in various break and enters across the Niagara Region.
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant has been issued for 41-year-old Joshua STEPHENS for the following criminal offences:
- Break and Enter
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Operation While Prohibited
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
- Possession of Credit Card Within Canada
Detectives are appealing to the public for any information on the whereabouts of STEPHENS. If STEPHENS is observed, please do not approach him and contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905)-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009777 or 9777@niagarapolice.ca.
Detectives have recovered approximately $8000 worth of stolen tools and merchandise, however the ownership of most of the items remains unknown. Police are urging the public to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service and create a police report if you have had tools stolen.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
NRPS Incident #2026-93833