Two people charged in the theft of Wayne Gretzky memorabilia from his father's home in Brantford were known to the family. That's according to a report from The Hockey News.
Police did not release the names of the two people charged in the case, identifying them simply as a 58 year-old man from Oakville, Ontario and a 58-year-old woman from Brockville. However, THN indicates Walter Gretzky and his family have known the two for some time and they have been accumulating items from the Gretzky home over the course of several years.
"One source with knowledge of the situation said the woman who was charged contacted a memorabilia dealer offering to sell a stick from Wayne's childhood that she claimed had been given to her by Walter," said THN. "The stick, which was reportedly purchased for $6,000, was tracked down by authorities and the person who purchased it was questioned by police."
82-year-old Walter Gretzky is a beloved, public figure in Canada and the thought of anyone stealing from him, or any senior for that matter, is shocking. Police say the items stolen have an estimated value of $500,000 and include multiple game used sticks, hockey gloves, pants, jerseys and a Player-of-the-Year award. The man is charged with theft over $5,000 and possession over $5,000, while the woman has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust.
"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 announced the charges Tuesday, while the theft from Gretzky's home was first reported to authorities back in August.
