BRANTFORD, Ont. — Police say they have made two arrests after Wayne Gretzky memorabilia was stolen from the home of the hockey legend’s father.
The Gretzky family reported the souvenirs were stolen from the Brantford, Ont., home of Walter Gretzky in August.
Brantford Police launched an investigation and say they quickly discovered that several of the missing items had likely been sold to various collectors across Canada.
Police say that a three-month investigation identified specific residences where the stolen property was believed to be located.
Last week, five homes were searched across Ontario and Alberta by police officers from Brantford, Halton Region, the OPP and the RCMP.
Police say they recovered several items of Wayne Gretzky memorabilia including game-used sticks, hockey gloves, pants, jerseys and the NHL’s Player-of-the-Year award from the 1983-84 season.
The estimated value of the recovered property is believed to be worth more than US$500,000.
“I would like to sincerely thank every member of the team; the professionalism, dedication and support they have shown has been greatly appreciated,” said Glen Gretzky, Wayne’s brother, on their family’s behalf.
Police also say they uncovered evidence of a second person, unrelated to the initial investigation, believed to have committed a fraud involving a Gretzky hockey stick.
A 58 year-old male from Oakville, Ont., is charged with theft over $5,000 and possession over $5,000
A 58-year-old female from Brockville, Ont., is charged with fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Memorabilia featuring the NHL legend can fetch a high price from collectors. A mint condition Gretzky rookie card recently sold for just under US$1.3 million.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2020.
The Canadian Press