Even "The Great One" is not immune from crime, as a joint investigation recovered a haul of stolen memorabilia from his father's home.
Following a joint investigation by Brantford police, Halton Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and the RCMP, two people have been charged in connection with about $500,000 in memorabilia being stolen from the Brantford home of Walter Gretzky, father of Wayne Gretzky.
Members of Gretzky's family notified police in August after they discovered pieces of memorabilia missing from the home. The joint investigation soon uncovered the fact that some of the artifacts were sold to various collectors across the country, which justified the involvement of the RCMP.
The investigation traced the items to various homes, and on December 8, warrants were executed at five homes in Ontario and Alberta.
"During the course of the search warrants, police successfully recovered various items of Wayne Gretzky sports memorabilia including multiple game used sticks, hockey gloves, pants, jerseys and a Player-of-the-Year award," read a media release from Brantford police.
One person was charged with the actual theft. A second person, originally unrelated to the investigation, is suspected of committing a fraud involving a Gretzky hockey stick.
A 58-year-old Oakville man was charged with theft above $5,000, and possession of stolen property over $5,000. A 58-year-old woman from Brockville is charged with fraud over $5,000, and breach of trust.
The investigation is ongoing. Brantford police said Wayne Gretzky will not comment on the matter. However, brother Glen Gretzky provided a short statement.
"On behalf of our family, I would like to thank the Brantford Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for everything they have done regarding this investigation," said Glen Gretzky. "I would like to sincerely thank every member of the team; the professionalism, dedication and support they have shown has been greatly appreciated."