 By Pepper Parr
December 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In a media release the Halton Regional Police Service said: “Incidents of intimate partner violence threaten the very sense of safety and well-being that defines our region.
“Last year, our officers responded to more than 3,300 intimate partner domestic violence calls. We also know that intimate partner violence is overwhelmingly under-reported. Statistics Canada estimates that more than 80 per cent of these incidents go unreported.
“Starting this week, the Halton Regional Police Service will periodically publish media releases that capture a de-identified incident of intimate partner violence in the community. No names. No residence details. We will, however, disclose the nature of the incident and what charges were laid as a result of an investigation. Each media release will also include key messaging that:
 Intimate partner violence damages the very fabric of the society we live in. i) reinforces that no one has the right to abuse another person;
ii) encourages victims and witnesses to contact the Halton Regional Police Service; and
iii) provides a comprehensive list of community resources for those affected.
“Our goals with this new approach to community-facing messaging are two-fold:
i) create an opportunity to connect others who are at-risk, or who may already be victims of intimate partner violence, with the resources and support they need and deserve; and
ii) heighten the awareness of the general public regarding how pervasive this violence is in our community.
“Intimate partner violence reaches across socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distinctions. It is a community problem that requires community engagement to address,” says Deputy Chief Jeff Hill. “It is impossible to fix what you can’t see, so we are broadening the conversation to clearly signal that this insidious violence is not solely an issue of concern to victims. If you see something, say something.”
 Diane Beaulieu, Executive Director of Halton Women’s Place Diane Beaulieu, Executive Director of Halton Women’s Place applauds the Police Service for taking this bold step saying “An increase in public awareness will help de-stigmatize the issue of gender-based violence, and particularly violence against women. Every person in the community is entitled to feel safe in their home.”
“Given the prevalence of intimate partner violence in the region, it is imperative that all stakeholders shed light on this issue. In collaboration with our community partners, through ongoing education and shared information, the Halton Regional Police Service hopes to further prevent and reduce future victimization.”
By Staff
November 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Police rely heavily on finger prints and DNA as evidence in identifying a suspect and attaching them to a crime.
Footprints are not something police usually rely upon.
That changed for the Halton Regional Police Service officers who very much wanted to capture two people who had left distinguishing foot prints at crime scenes
Police arrested two people after a series of residential break and enters dating back to January, 2019 in Burlington. The unique shoe impressions that were identified at the scene of multiple entries and some solid detective work led to the arrest of:
Joseph Allen (49) of Hamilton has been charged with break and enter (x14).
Carol Brown (69) of Hamilton has been charged with break and enter (x14).
The suspects of these break and enters came to be referred to as the ‘Under Armour Bandit’ because of the foot wear.
Both accused were arrested on Saturday, November 23; after investigators executed two search warrants at residences in Hamilton police were able to recover property that is believed to have been stolen from the break and enters.
“If you are a victim of a residential break-in that took place in Burlington between the dates of October 2018 and November 2019 please click the link to review the photos on our Flickr account.
   “If you are the rightful owner and can identify any of the property please contact us.”
The investigation is ongoing at this time and additional charges are expected to be laid. Anyone who may have additional information concerning this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Matt Spina of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2338 or the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau general line at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 By Pepper Parr
November 27th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
You are a police officer suddenly facing a delicate situation.
The person you are facing is threatening to harm themselves – they are holding a bottle filled with gasoline.
How do you de-escalate what is taking place? You are by yourself and think that calling for back-up will only make the situation worse.
The Halton Regional Police announced the launch of a virtual reality (VR) training program for its officers. The HRPS has partnered with Axon, the global leader in connected public safety technologies, and is the first police service in Canada to utilize Axon`s VR empathy-based training services.
 Police officers being trained on how to manage delicate but dangerous situations. A situation is displayed inside the “mask” that a police officer can interact with to learn different ways to handle different situations. VR is another tool in the Police Service`s existing and robust mental health training curricula. The program provides officers with an immersive training experience where trainees can put themselves in the shoes of both the officer responding to the scene and the person in crisis. Through this partnership, the HRPS will have access to three different VR training scenarios that Axon currently offers. In the future, the Service will use the insights of the many stakeholders in the community to develop additional training modules.
The HRPS has received 20 Oculus GO headsets from Axon, which will be used when training begins in early 2020.
 From left to right: HRPS Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie, Axon Managing Director Vishal Dhir, and HRPS Training Bureau Staff Sergeant Dave Tutte “Axon’s innovative empathy-based training will complement our existing training program and further enable our frontline officers to manage and de-escalate potentially high-stakes interactions,” says Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie, Halton Regional Police Service. “This partnership with Axon will ultimately serve to bolster community safety and well-being.”
For more information and a video demonstration of one of the programs being implemented, click here.
Mental health training remains a top priority for the HRPS and will serve to enhance the ability to meet the needs of the residents of Halton. The HRPS remains committed to working with the many community stakeholders and developing de-escalation based training for officers.
Axon is a global network of devices, apps, training and people that helps public safety personnel become smarter and safer.
By Staff
November 27th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Thieves decided to stock up early on their Christmas Cheer – fill duffel bags and a suitcase and forget to pay on the way out. In October 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service investigated a series of thefts from LCBO stores within the Region. During the incidents the accused parties entered LCBO stores and proceeded to fill duffle bags and suitcases with several bottles of alcohol and exited the stores without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise.
Police worked in co-operation with LCBO investigators to identify the persons responsible.
The following parties have been arrested and charged with several offences in relation to this investigation;
Sule McClymont (41) of no fixed address is charged with:
• Theft Under $5000 x 4
• Fail to Comply with Probation
Maurice Antoine (48) of Toronto is charged with:
• Theft Under $5000 x 3
Trevel Provo (37) of no fixed address is charged with:
• Theft Under $5000 x 4
• Fail to Comply with Probation x 2
Anyone with further information relating to these incidents is asked to contact Detective Clay Gillis of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext 2307.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Did they really think they would get away with it?
By Staff
November 26th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
On November 25, 2019, a Stoney Creek man arrived at the Halton Regional Police Service 2 District (Oakville) station on a motorcycle to pick up a recently released prisoner. Observations made by uniform officers determined the plate on the motorcycle to be incorrect, which led to further investigation.
An in depth inspection of the motorcycle revealed the vehicle identification number (VIN) had been tampered with and the motorcycle was, in fact, stolen from Hamilton. The male was subsequently arrested and found to be in possession of three schedule 1 substances and a conducted energy weapon (commonly referred to as a ‘Taser’).
Kyle Brocklebank (31) of Stoney Creek has been charged with:
• Tampering with Vehicle Identification Number
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Fail to Comply with Recognizance
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (X3)
Brocklebank was held pending a bail hearing on November 26, 2019.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst Matthew Duncan or the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
November 26th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a notice appearing on many of the city’s web sites advising people that:
 The people in this Provincial Offences Court House have not telephoned you and will not arrest you. It is part of a cunning scam. Halton POA Court’s phone number is being been used in a phone scam. If you get a recorded message from 905-637-1274 please ignore the message.
Halton POA Court is not working with Revenue Canada to collect unpaid fines and does not issue warrants for arrest for unpaid fines.
The scammers are getting more creative.
Golden Rule – If in doubt – don’t
By Staff
November 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service has made an arrest after three Royal Canadian Legion Poppy donation boxes were stolen from various locations in the City of Burlington.
 The first incident occurred on Monday, November 11, 2019. The female accused attended a grocery store on New Street. During the moment of silence for Remembrance Day, the accused took a Royal Canadian Legion Poppy donation box and concealed it on her person. The accused then stood for the remainder of the moment of silence before leaving the store.
The second incident occurred on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at a coffee shop on Brant Street in Burlington. While the accused was in the store she took another two Royal Canadian Legion Poppy donation boxes and concealed them on her person before leaving the store.
The accused was quickly identified by Halton Regional Police Service officers and was arrested on November 15, 2019.
Accused: is a 32 year old female who lives in Milton.
Charges: 3 counts of Theft Under $5000
The Gazette normally publishes the names of those accused – we have not done so in this case.
The accused was later released from custody on a promise to appear.
That the police were able to identify the suspect so quickly suggests she was previously known to the police.
Burlington either has a small petty thief who exploits every opportunity to steal or we have a person who needs help. If it is the latter one would hope that the Legion might choose to be part of providing that help.
No one was born to be a thief.
Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
November 8th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In October 2019, members of the Halton Police Service – Human Trafficking Unit initiated an investigation pertaining to Jumanne Salmon (36) of Pickering, who is alleged to have been involved in human trafficking.
 Salmon is alleged to have forced, exploited and transported the female victim (adult) from hotel to hotel to work in the sex trade across several jurisdictions including Burlington, Mississauga, Brampton, and Kitchener. The offences are alleged to have occurred between the years 2012 to 2017.
At the time of the investigation, investigators learned that Salmon was already in custody at the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre for an unrelated matter. The Halton Regional Police Service obtained a Judge’s Order to have Salmon brought to the Ontario Court of Justice, Milton, in order to answer to the following charges:
• Trafficking in Persons
• Receive Material Benefit from trafficking in persons
• Exercise Control over a prostitute
• Living off the avails of prostitution
• Procuring – Exercise control, direction or influence
• Receive a material benefit from sexual services
• Assault
• Uttering threats to cause death
Anyone with questions or information about these events is asked to contact Det. Dan Ciardullo of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905 825-4747 ext. 4973.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
October 17th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In August 2019, former Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah, joined Peel Region as the new Chief of Police.
That meant finding a new Deputy for the Halton Regional Police Service.
Jeff Hill, a Superintendent with the HRPS ,was sworn in as the Halton Regional Police Service’s new Deputy Chief yesterday at a ceremony at the Burlington Convention Centre.
 From the left: Deputy Chief Jeff Hill, Chief Stephen Tanner and Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie. The formal swearing-in ceremony was attended by MPPs, the Halton Police Board (Chair and board members), community leaders, faith leaders, local and regional councillors, Halton Regional Police Service Senior Commanders, and a number of uniformed and civilian members of the Service.
Deputy Jeff Hill joined the Halton Regional Police Service, from the Toronto Police Service, in 1998 and was assigned Uniform Patrol in the Town of Oakville. As a Constable, he served in both the Town of Oakville and the City of Burlington and as a Coach Officer for several new recruits. Over the years, Deputy Chief Hill has served in a number of progressively senior roles, including Sergeant with Uniform Patrol in the City of Burlington, Detective in Charge of the Robbery portfolio in the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau, Staff Sergeant and Platoon Manager in 2 District, Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief, Detective Sergeant and District Operations Inspector, and Inspector where he assumed the role as the Commander of Human Resources and Training.
As Inspector, he led the restructuring of Human Resources and Training resulting in an increased organizational capacity and improved customer service, and led the drive to implement a Regional wellness strategy resulting in stigma reduction and increased employee wellness.
Since being promoted to the rank of Superintendent in October 2015, Deputy Chief Hill has provided exceptional leadership to the Halton Regional Police Service’s Regional Investigative Services, overseeing the Domestic Violence, Forensic Identification, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA), Homicide, Drugs and Human Trafficking, Intelligence, Internet Child Exploitation (ICE), Tech Crime, Regional Fraud, Polygraph, and Victim Services.
In his new role, Deputy Chief Hill is responsible for the following areas of the Service:
• Regional Investigative Services
• Intelligence
• Drug and Morality Unit
• Human Trafficking
• Polygraph
• Technological Crime
• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse and Sexual Assault
• Homicide
• Forensic Identification
• Frauds
• Corporate Services
• Facilities
• Finance
• Fleet
• Purchasing
• Support Services
• Communications
• Courts and Records
• Human Resources
• Training
• Emergency Services
• Victim Services
Deputy Chief Hill will serve the community alongside Chief Stephen Tanner and Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie.
By Staff
October 11th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The stuff is sitting in a locker at Police Headquarters waiting for someone to claim it.
The “stuff” is recovered stolen property that police discovered when they arrested Bradley MARK (37) of no fixed address and charged him with:
Break and Enter with intent
Possession of Break in instruments
Possession of property obtained by Crime
Fail to comply with probation order
The Halton Regional Police Service are still trying to identify the rightful owners of property seized in relation to the arrest made last July. You can Click Here and review the photos of the property on the police Flickr account.
 Some of the jewelry recovered by police. If you are the rightful owner and can identify any of the property or have information concerning this investigation please contact Detective Constable Jacques Brunelle of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2334 or the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau general line at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316.
This situation goes back to July 4th 2019, when the Halton Regional Police Service arrested a suspect attempting to gain entry into the Kings Carwash located at 1448 Grahams Lane in the City of Burlington. At the time of the arrest a large quantity of jewelry believed to be stolen was recovered.
Investigators are currently liaising with Hamilton Police and further charges are pending.
Anyone who may have additional information concerning this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Jacques Brunelle of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2334 or the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau general line at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 By Staff
October 8th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’re driving on the major highways you know how many trucks there are on the road. And you have every right to wonder just how safe those trucks are – the Regional Police completed a Commercial Motor Vehicle Blitz.
Despite very poor weather conditions they inspected more than 300 commercial motor vehicles.
 The police arrive well equipped to do through inspections. The two-day enforcement blitz, that involved officers and inspectors from the Halton Regional Police Service, along with assistance from neighbouring police services, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance/ Environment yielded the following results:
• Total commercial motor vehicles inspected: 308
• Total commercial motor vehicles taken out of service: 99 (33 percent failure rate)
• Total charges laid: 239
• Sets of licence plates seized by police: 11
2018 Results:
• Total commercial motor vehicles inspected: 443
• Total commercial motor vehicles taken out of service: 143 (32 percent failure rate)
• Total charges laid: 268
• Sets of licence plates seized by police: 13
 Is the load properly and safely secured? Top five charge categories laid during 2019 blitz:
• Failure to complete daily inspections
• Vehicle maintenance
• Failure to obtain annual inspection certificate
• Cargo securement
• Weight violations
New this year, officers also implemented impaired driver screening tests through the use of SFST (Standard Field Sobriety Testing), ASD (Approved Screening Device) for alcohol and ADSE (Approved Drug Screening Equipment) for drugs including THC and cocaine.
The blitz resulted in a total of 182 impaired driver screenings (83% of all heavy commercial motor vehicles drivers inspected during the blitz). These screenings showed a high level of compliance with 179 pass results (98%). The drivers who did not pass were given suspensions for being in violation of the zero alcohol or drug provisions for commercial motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act.
“1 in 3 trucks being removed from service as a result of our annual blitz says a few things. Credit to the trucking industry who make safety their priority – as many truck operators do recognize the thin margin for error that exists in operating complex trucks on our roadways. Mechanical fitness, load security and driver fitness are not an option – it’s an obligation.
 Tractor trailers get very close inspections. For those who don’t, Halton Police and our partners will continue to hold truck operators accountable to elevate safety for all road users. Safe trucks, safe loads and safe drivers benefit everyone” said Sgt. Ryan Snow, Traffic Services Unit.
By Staff
October 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It took a lot of time and effort and some dogged follow up work – but it paid off in several ways.
 The distinctive marking on the knapsack were a major clue. The police were able to arrest and charge two men with Willfully Promoting Hate and at the same time make it very clear to the public that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
Investigators from the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau conducted an extensive and complex investigation between June and August of 2019. This case was solved through a tremendous amount of teamwork and collaboration with both internal investigative resources and external / community participation.
The HRPS would also like to thank local and national media outlets, the City of Burlington and local faith groups for bringing attention to this disturbing crime. As a result, community partners and citizens of Burlington provided access to security footage that assisted the HRPS in identifying the accused.
The remaining hate crime incidents are still under investigation and additional charges are pending. Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to contact investigator Detective Jared McLeod at 905-825-4777 ext. 2385 or ext. 2316.
 Suspects who left signs at city hall – walking away from cameras with poor quality lenses. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made two arrests after investigating into several hate-motivated incidents that occurred in the City of Burlington in May and June 2019. The results of the investigation have provided grounds to lay charges in two of these incidents which took place between June 1 and 2, 2019 at Burlington City Hall and the Burlington Art Gallery and involved both Anti-Semitic and racist content.
Upon identification of both suspects, the HRPS sought approval by the Attorney General’s Office to lay a charge of “Willfully Promoting Hate”, as required by the Criminal Code of Canada. Approval to proceed with charges was granted on September 20, 2019.
On October 4, 2019, two males were arrested, charged and released for the below offences. Both accused are scheduled to appear on October 30, 2019, in the Milton Provincial Court at 9:00 AM.
Charged:
Matthew Wasikiewicz (21) of Burlington
• Willfully Promoting Hate x 2
Kyle Kroeplin (22) of Burlington
• Willfully Promoting Hate x 2
The Halton Regional Police Service is unwavering in its commitment to solve crime and bring those responsible to justice, particularly crimes that are hate-motivated. “There is no place in any community for hate. Perpetrators of crimes in Halton Region that target others because of their skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin or any other factor will be rigorously pursued and brought to justice. Everyone in our community has the right to live, work and play in an environment free from fear,” says Chief Stephen Tanner.
 Halton Regional Police Service is unwavering in its commitment to solve crime and bring those responsible to justice, particularly crimes that are hate-motivated. Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to contact investigator Detective Jared McLeod at 905-825-4777 ext. 2385 or ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Related news stories:
Police looking for suspects.
Days later the police had picture of a person they wanted to interview.
Police press on looking for more information – detective work at its best.
By Staff
September 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Night spots get very dangerous when people feel they can carry a knife and then stab someone when there is an altercation.
The stabbing took place almost a month ago at a local club.
The Halton Regional Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for a stabbing that took place at the ‘Island Nightclub’ in Burlington.
On August 31, 2019 a male suspect got into a physical altercation with another male outside of the night club. During the fight, the suspect stabbed the victim with an unknown object causing a puncture wound to the victim’s shoulder. The suspect then fled the area on foot.
The victim was treated and released from hospital.
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for the stabbing incident.
  Suspect is described as a male, black, with a slim build, short dreadlock style hair and unshaven. He was wearing a dark shirt and dark pants. The suspect appeared to be approximately 21 years of age and wore a black satchel slung off of his shoulder.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod at the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825 4747 ext. 2385.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
September 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
If you rely on email – getting a message like this causes a small panic: until you read the message carefully and note where it came from.
 An email response to this email would have been the beginning of a stream of trouble. Someone wants to tap into who we are and what we do at a serious digital level.
This one will go to our email service provider – they have been warning us about this recently.
Using the internet is like driving a car – you have to keep your eye on the road and pay attention to what is going on around you.
By Staff
September 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspect(s) responsible for a break-in and theft of cash that was raised at Burlington’s Ribfest over the Labour Day weekend.
 The ribbers didn’t suffer from the robbery -it was Rotary that took the full hit. someone who knew a lot about Rotary knew the cash was kept at the office at night. During the overnight hours on September 1 to September 2, 2019, unknown suspect(s) forced entry to the office of the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore, located at 1455 Lakeshore Road in Burlington.
A large sum of cash was taken. The stolen money was raised by Burlington’s Ribfest and was to be used by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore to support local community organizations and charities. Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825 4747 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Pepper Parr
September 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has been transparent about the more than half a million dollars that got sucked out of an account and sent along to someone it didn’t belong to.
They were a little short on the exact amount that was taken – it was $503,000 – does $3000 make a difference.
Mayor Meed Ward issued another edition of her Newsletter and explained in the following material that will be published in another news media later this week.
“In order to provide transparency and accountability to residents, I asked our staff to provide a public update at the Sept. 11 Audit committee on what we’ve learned and how we’re protecting ourselves. The public report is available online (https://bit.ly/BurlingtonFraudUpdate).
“We learned that a single transaction was made to a falsified bank account as a result of a complex phishing email to City staff requesting to change banking information for an established City vendor.
“Upon learning of the fraudulent payment, the City immediately contacted our financial institution and the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS). A criminal investigation is underway, and as soon as we can share more about that, I will.
“The city also immediately started an internal investigation, which confirmed that our IT system was not compromised, no employees were involved in perpetrating the fraud, and no personal information was stolen or shared. Further, the city made immediate changes to our internal protocols to prevent this in future.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – would love to get that money back – chances are slim. “I’m confident we know what happened and have made the necessary changes to protect the city. Our goal is to recover the funds and work with police to hold those who did this accountable, so they can’t target anyone else.
We know cyber fraud is a growing area of risk for municipalities, and there have been recent reports of other cities across the country falling victim to a similar scheme that ensnared Burlington. I will be raising this matter with my fellow mayors at the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario when we meet in November, so we can share our experiences and expertise to protect all our citizens.
“Cyber fraud is also a growing area of risk for organizations and individuals. One way you can protect yourself is to never share financial information online. If you get an email asking for password changes, seeking banking or other financial information, even from an agent you may do business with, call first. I also recommend visiting the HRPS website for some tips for fraud prevention and protection against cybercrime (https://bit.ly/HaltonPoliceFraudPrevention).”
The Gazette has been a consistent advocate for more in the way of public awareness. Some of our readers are getting tired of hearing us say: If in doubt don’t.
A number of years ago the Gazette collaborated with Crime Stoppers, the police and a number of the banks in putting the message directly into the hands of bank customers.
 Each bank that participated was given coupons with their corporate logo. More than 15,000 were distributed.
Bankers were explaining to us that they hear about the frauds after they have taken place – they were looking for a way to warn and advise their customers what to be on the watch for.
We devised a program that had coupons the banks handed out to their customers. Whenever a customer was getting cash from a teller one of the coupons was slipped into the bank notes.
The belief was that people tend not to take the time reading literature – but when they opened their wallets or purses they would come across the coupon and pay more attention.
Did it work? It certainly did. One major bank reported that they got a call from a client that prevented a significant scam from taking place.
An additional part of the program had the banks making a contribution to Crime Stoppers.
By Staff
September 21st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Can you tell the difference between these pills? Neither can we. One of these is oxycodone, and one is fentanyl, made to look like oxycodone.
 If you have to use the pills – at least know that you are using the right thing. The Halton Regional Police Service and the Halton Region Health Department want to warn the community that counterfeit Oxycocet® (oxycodone) pills containing fentanyl are known to be circulating in the Greater Toronto Area. The pills closely resemble oxycodone pills. The presence of fentanyl in these counterfeit pills increases the risk of overdose among people using them. For context, fentanyl was present in 75 per cent of all opioid-related deaths in Halton Region in 2018.
If you use drugs, or have a friend or family member who uses drugs, these tips may help save a life in the event of an overdose:
Know the signs. An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away:
– difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
– blue lips or nails
– very small pupils
– cold and clammy skin
– dizziness and confusion
– extreme drowsiness
– choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
– slow, weak or no breathing
– inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
Don’t run. Call 9-1-1. Our frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available free-of-charge in Halton at:
– Regional Health Clinics (in Acton, Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) and Halton Region Needle Exchange Program (Exchange Works)
– Some local pharmacies. To find a pharmacy that distributes naloxone, visit the Ontario government’s Where to get a free naloxone kit web page.
Never use alone. Don’t use drugs alone, and don’t let those around you use alone either. If you overdose when you are alone, there will be no one there to help you. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the same time.
Go slow. The quality of street drugs is unpredictable. Any drug can be cut with, or contaminated by, other agents or drugs (e.g. fentanyl), which in very small amounts can be harmful or fatal. Know your tolerance and always use a small amount of a drug
 By Staff
September 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Suzanne Vukosavljevic, Manager of Communications for the city sent out a media release saying: “The City of Burlington is not pursing a by-law related to ticketing drivers giving to panhandlers on Burlington streets.
“On September 10, 2019, a staff report on panhandling went to the Planning & Development Committee for discussion. There is no City staff direction related to targeting and ticketing drivers donating money to panhandlers.
“There was an amended motion put forward at that meeting that was not approved by Burlington City Council; that motion was to report back to the Planning and Development Committee by the end of 2019 on the possibility of a by-law that would target drivers donating money to panhandlers at City intersections.
Here is what actually happened at the Standing Committee meeting:
 The Mayor just asked the question: Could the police issues a distracted driving ticket to someone who gave a pan handler money while they were in their car. The idea of perhaps ticketing car drivers for giving pan handlers money, because they would have been “distracted” from their driving, was a question raised by the Mayor when she asked Staff if they had asked the police if they could issue distracted driving offence tickets. Heather MacDonald, Director of City Building said they did not ask that particular question.
Vukosavljevic, added that: “The actions that were approved by Burlington City Council include:
• The City of Burlington will continue to work with the Halton Poverty Roundtable (which is part of United Way) as part of their broader communication to residents about poverty.
• Update the City’s website to provide information on how residents can assist those in need, including donating money.
• The City will share ways to help via social media and the City Talk newsletter.
• The City will prepare communication material for ward-specific newsletters with information for residents about this issue.
• The City will continue to work with the Halton Regional Police to monitor panhandling on the streets of Burlington.
“Burlington City Council shared their concerns on the well-being of all who need help in Burlington, and was clear through its deliberations that the end goal is to get the most support to those who need it, and that donating to active local charitable organizations is important to ensuring the best results from the community.”
One of the concerns was expressed by ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns who said that the pan handling was a “racket”. Some of these people are “optimizing or using space for their own purposes”.
Mayor Meed Ward added that she had been at the Guelph Line Fairview intersection earlier and had seen pan handlers at the intersection with drivers handing them money.
The media release from the Communications department appears to be trying to put a bit of a spin on a situation that makes some people uncomfortable. It always works better when you let the facts speak for themselves.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
September 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
On Thursday September 19, 2019 at approximately 5:00 am, a lone male culprit entered a 7/11 convenience store located at Guelph Line and Prospect Street in the City of Burlington.
The culprit was hiding his face by pulling his shirt up and was carrying a large metal pipe. The male culprit confronted the store clerk and demanded money. The clerk provided the culprit an amount of money and he then fled the store. The store clerk was not injured in this incident.
At approximately 5:30 am, a homeowner in the area of Dynes Road and Woodward Avenue in the City of Burlington reported to police that an intruder was on their property. The homeowners became aware that a male person was on top of the roof of their bungalow style single family home. A homeowner came outside and confronted the male person who came down from the roof. The male culprit threatened the homeowner and indicated that he had a weapon.
 Cst Mitchell with police dog Juno being trained. Another police dog was used to track the culprit to a nearby garage. The male culprit then ran off from this residence. The homeowner was not injured in this brief interaction.
Halton Regional Police Service canine officers and uniform officers set up a perimeter in the Dynes Road area. A canine track was commenced which lead officers to a townhouse complex nearby on Dynes Road. At 6:20 am, police located the male culprit hiding in a garage in this townhouse complex and he was arrested without incident. The male culprit had broken into the garage at this location.
Police were able to recover an amount of money and the metal pipe believed to have been used in the original robbery incident. There are no further public safety concerns in this incident.
A male person named Shad Atkin , 31 years old from the City of Burlington is charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
1. Robbery
2. Wearing a disguise to commit a criminal offence
3. Uttering a threat to cause death
4. Trespassing at night
5. Breaking and entering
He will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in the Town of Milton for a bail hearing. Police want to remind the public that the person charged in this incident is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information about this robbery incident is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905.825.4747 extension 2323 or 2315 or 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
September 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Between August 21, 2019 and September 11, 2019, there were numerous incidents of thefts of rims and tires from Go station parking lots along the Lakeshore West corridor. In all of the reported incidents, the rims and tires were taken and the vehicle was left on cement blocks.
On September 18, 2019, members of the Halton Regional Police Service Criminal Investigations Bureau and members of the Tactical Rescue Unit executed a Criminal Code search warrant at the accused residence in the City of Brantford.
Investigators seized a 2004 GMC Yukon utilized by the accused in the commission of these offences.
Police have arrested Kenneth Anderson Davis (29) of Brantford. He has been charged with:
-Theft under $5000 (13 counts)
-Mischief to Property (13 counts)
-Theft of Motor Vehicle (1 count)
-Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (1 count)
-Breach of Probation Order (15 counts)
Davis was held for a bail hearing on September 18, 2019 in Milton.
We thought GO station parking lots were under video surveillance 24/7. Apparently not; makes them very unsafe late at night for people returning to their cars.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Omar Nadim of the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext 2278.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
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