Editors note: A previous version of this story stated that the Cambridge Christmas market on Nov. 19 would be collecting money for tickets. There is no fee for entry.
Police say they have now made an arrest in connection with a fraud investigation related to two area Christmas markets, including one in Cambridge.
Waterloo Regional Police said in a news release that between Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 they received 55 reports of fraud from vendors in relation to the “It’s a Christmas Market”. The event was planned for Nov. 12 in Kitchener.
Police say they also received 12 reports of fraud from vendors in connection with “Christmas Shopalooza” scheduled to be held in Cambridge on Nov. 19.
Media reports from Kitchener suggest vendors' deposits totalling from $20,000 to $30,000 were lost after an apologetic organizer says she gambled them away.
The Kitchener event was revived as a holiday market after local business people jumped in to help.
Meanwhile, it appears Christmas Shopalooza is still on in Cambridge on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hespeler Legion, 26 Schofield St., featuring fashion, jewelry, decor and more.
There is no fee for entry to the market, although they are accepting donations of non-perishable food for the Cambridge Food Bank.
As a result of both investigations, police say they have arrested a 52-year-old Cambridge woman, who is charged with fraud over $5,000.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 20.
Police said they believe there may be other victims who have suffered a financial loss in connection to the events and they are being asked to contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, ext. 6335.
Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
