KITCHEN – Two people were arrested after Wayne Gretzky memorabilia valued at more than $ 500,000 were stolen from the father’s home of the Hockey Hall of Famer in Brantford, Ont.
In August, the Gretzky family contacted the Brantford Police Service after it was discovered that several sports memorabilia were missing from Walter Gretzky’s home.
According to a press release, investigators soon learned that some of the items had likely been sold to collectors across the country.
The Brantford Police Service asked the RCMP and OPP for help with a three month investigation. During this time, police identified certain apartments where the stolen property was believed to be.
On December 8th, various police forces conducted search warrants in five homes in Ontario and Alberta to retrieve used sticks, hockey gloves, pants, jerseys and a Player of the Year award.
They also found evidence of another person believed to have committed a fraud involving a Gretzky hockey stick. Police said all items in Alberta, either Edmonton or Fort McMurray, were recovered.
A 58-year-old man from Oakville was arrested and charged with theft of over $ 5,000 and possessions over $ 5,000. Another 58-year-old Brockville woman was arrested and charged with $ 5,000 fraud and breach of trust.
The police did not publicly identify them, but said they were not known to the Gretzky family.
“The Great One” memorabilia is known to fetch a high price among collectors. A Wayne Gretzky rookie card recently sold for more than $ 1.2 million.
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