GATINEAU — Gatineau police say investigators have gathered new evidence suggesting a man arrested in late 2025 may be connected to a string of residential break-ins and thefts in the region, where victims reported discovering underwear that did not belong to them after allowing a person offering home repairs inside.
Arrest and evolving investigation
Police arrested a 52-year-old man on Nov. 20, 2025. Since that arrest, investigators say additional information points to the likelihood of more victims, including residents of Manoir des Tremble and other addresses in Gatineau and neighbouring Ottawa. The investigation remains active and police have not released further identifying details about the suspect.
Allegations and reported pattern
According to a police news release, the suspect allegedly posed as a “handyman,” offering to carry out various types of work for private individuals. Officers say most of the reported victims were women who had engaged the alleged offender for in-home repairs.
“After gaining access to the residences, the victims reported discovering underwear that did not belong to them and having some items missing.”
Police did not specify exact dates for the individual incidents, saying only that the thefts occurred over recent years. Investigators declined to confirm how many victims have been identified publicly so far.
Police appeal and what residents should do
Investigators are asking anyone with information about these thefts or similar incidents to contact Gatineau police. Authorities also encourage residents to review safety measures for hiring contractors or handypersons, and to check for missing personal items if they have recently employed such services.
- Arrest date: Nov. 20, 2025
- Suspect: 52 years old (arrested)
- Alleged modus operandi: Posing as a handyman; entry to residences; underwear and other items reported missing
- Locations mentioned: Manoir des Tremble, other addresses in Gatineau and Ottawa
- Investigation status: Ongoing — police seeking more victims and witnesses
| Item | Known detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Nov. 20, 2025 |
| Suspect age | 52 |
| Primary locations | Manoir des Tremble, Gatineau, Ottawa |
| Reported victims | Mostly women (according to release) |
Officials have not disclosed whether charges have yet been laid in relation to the specific thefts described in the news release. The Gatineau police statement, published in late August 2026, stresses the possibility of additional victims and asks anyone with relevant information to reach out to police.
For residents worried about allowing strangers into their homes, police typically recommend verifying identification, asking for references, using written agreements for work to be done and, when possible, arranging for a household member or neighbour to be present during visits. Given the particulars of this investigation, anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar incident is urged to contact the Gatineau police to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
