In a successful operation on October 22, 2025, officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) apprehended a local man after recovering a stolen vehicle in Asphodel-Norwood Township. The arrest highlights the important role of advanced policing technology in ensuring public safety in rural Ontario.

The incident unfolded shortly before 11:30 PM when an OPP officer on routine patrol received an alert from the Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system in their cruiser. The technology flagged a vehicle in the vicinity as stolen, prompting the officer to track its movements.

After following the vehicle, the officer found it parked at a construction site along Highway 7. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer identified the driver, 33-year-old Matthew Rivera of Peterborough. The officer promptly informed Rivera that he was under arrest.

Rivera now faces serious charges, including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s licence. Following his arrest, he was held for bail and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by vehicle theft in Ontario, and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to combat this issue. The OPP encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities.

Residents of Asphodel-Norwood and surrounding areas can take pride in the quick response of the OPP, which reflects their commitment to public safety. As technology continues to evolve, the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling crime is likely to improve, making communities across Ontario a little bit safer.

If you have any information regarding suspicious activities in your area, the OPP urges you to reach out to Crime Stoppers at stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Together, we can help build safer communities across our great province.