Gazette web site attacked for the third time - whose ox was being gored?

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

September 9th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There has been a third malicious attack on the Burlington Gazette web site.

Last Friday we published a short opinion piece on the Mayor and the lunch she had with her brother in Oakville while he was in the area.

The Mayor had posted a photograph of the lunch on her Facebook page,

There were a number of comments made by readers, one of which was thought, at the time to have been sent in by the Mayor.

The Mayor did not make the comment nor was the email address used one that the mayor uses. The URL did have the words @cityofBurlington.com which was mistaken as one the city uses.

The Gazette has reached out and apologized to the Mayor. We did not hear from her directly.

While there was nothing journalistically with the piece, it was identified as an opinion and we have removed it from the web site.

Whoever sent the malicious email also managed to replace the proper IP address to an address that was applied to the last several hundred comments the Gazette has received.

We are working on that problem.

An IP address is very useful in determining just where an email came from.

This is the third time the Gazette has been tampered with. The one that took place earlier in the year locked people out of the comments section.

Someone out there thinks their “ox has been gored” and doesn’t want Gazette readers to be able to comment. Forensic investigators are being engaged to get to the bottom of this most recent attack. .

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Two Males Arrested After Violent Sexual Assault in Burlington

Crime 100By Staff

 September 6th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In late August 2019, members of the Halton Regional Police Service, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit (CASA) commenced an investigation after a female victim attended a business located on Harvester Road in Burlington, between Walkers Line and Appleby Line, and was administered a noxious substance and violently sexually assaulted by two male parties.

Accused #1 befriended the victim on Facebook prior to meeting with her, and utilized the name “Sharifulla Mokbel”.

Accused #2 was also active on social media, and is known as “Pena R-One” on Facebook, and “pena619” on Instagram.

The two accused may also be active on other social media platforms.

On September 4, 2019, members of the CASA Unit arrested both accused parties, and held them pending a bail hearing. A second court appearance is scheduled to be held in Milton on September 6, 2019.

Accused #1 – Sharifulla (Sharif) Mokbel (27) of North York has been charged with:
-Sex Assault Cause Bodily Harm
-Administer Noxious Substance
-Gang Sexual Assault
-Sexual Assault

Accused #2- Satlykglylych Gafuri (27) of Toronto has been charged with:
-Gang Sexual Assault
-Sexual Assault

Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit – Detective Sergeant Chris Newcombe at 905-465-8965 or Detective Constable Marla Adams at 905-465-8979.

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.

 

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They are sent out by the tens of thousands - if you don't recognize the address - ignore them.

Crime 100By Staff

September 1st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Scamming people is a full time job for some people.

They never let up.

You can defeat them by just paying attention.

You don’t cross the street without looking both ways or making sure the light is green – unless of course you’ve glued your eyes to the cell phone.

The cardinal rule is – If in doubt – don’t.

All one had to do with this scam on those who have Pay Pal accounts is to look at the address it came from – that is not a Pay Pal address.

Pay pal blocked scam

This would have been sent to tens of thousands of people whose names were bought from some ‘black’ source then used to attempt to trick you. Look at the email address the notice came from set out below – that isn’t Pay Pal.

Pay Pal part 2

Always look at the address the email came from. If you don’t recognize it – don’t open the email.

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Regional police finally arrest a suspect after chasing, laying out out a tire deflation device - then using K9 to arrest suspect hiding in bushes.

Crime 100By Staff,

August 28th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After a chase by police, and several attempts at stealing another vehicle didn’t work, the police found their suspect hiding in some bushes.  Fabulous police work.

HRPS crestJust before noon yesterday the Regional police attempted to stop a vehicle whose driver they believed was wanted for several Criminal Code offences. The suspect fled and a brief pursuit was initiated in the area of Queensway Drive in Burlington. Due to the dangerous manner in which the driver was operating the vehicle, the pursuit was terminated by police.

The vehicle was observed again by police in the area of Harvester Road and South Service Road in Burlington. A tire deflation device was deployed, however the driver was able to evade it.

A short time later, the suspect attended a car dealership and attempted to rob an employee of his personal vehicle. This attempt was not successful and the suspect fled in his vehicle once again. The suspect drove the wrong direction onto the Queen Elizabeth Way exit ramp at Walkers Line, and was involved in a minor collision.

The suspect fled the scene of the collision on foot and attended a nearby hotel. The suspect approached an employee of the hotel and demanded their personal vehicle keys. After obtaining the keys, the suspect again fled the scene on foot.
K9 and uniform officers searched the area and after a lengthy track, located the suspect concealed in a bushed area.

Nathan Howes (29) of Brantford is charged with:
-Flight From Police
-Dangerous Operation
-Fail to Comply with Recognizance (x3)
-Robbery (x2)
-Failure to Stop After Accident

Howes was held in custody pending a bail hearing on August 28, 2019 in Milton.

This is the stuff of television shows.

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Police charge Kenneth Soederhuysen with murder of his wife Laura Grant.

Crime 100By Staff

August 23, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Homicide detectives with the Halton Regional Police Service have laid charges in relation to a homicide that took place in Burlington on August 21, 2019.

Kenneth SOEDERHUYSEN (57) of Burlington is charged with First Degree Murder.

SOEDERHUYSEN appeared in Milton court yesterday.

The victim has been identified as Laura GRANT (57) of Burlington.

The accused and the victim were married at the time of the incident, and both resided at 2244 No. 2 Side Road where the incident took place.

The police are encouraging anyone with additional information regarding this incident and/or investigation to call the Halton Regional Police Service Homicide Tip Line at 905-825-4776.

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 story.

Police investigating a homicide on #2 SideRoad

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Homicide investigation on No 2 side road; not a public safety matter.

Crime 100By Staff

August 21st, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service received a call from within a residence at 2244 No. 2 Side Road in Burlington regarding a shooting at that location.

Uniform, K9 and Tactical officers responded to the scene and one male party was quickly taken into custody.

A female was located at the residence with traumatic injuries and in spite of all efforts, was pronounced deceased.

No. 2 Side Road was subsequently closed to traffic and will remain closed between Guelph Line and Cedar Springs Road for several hours. We encourage local residents to continue to avoid the area.

There is no known, ongoing, related threat to public safety.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide. It is believed that the accused and the victim are known to each other.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Halton Regional Police Service Homicide Tip Line at 905-825-4776.

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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Using social media and online news police were able to return much of the stolen property.

Crime 100By Staff

August 20th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Regional Police Service found that working with its media made it possible for residents to be reunited with their stolen property.

On August 16, 2019, a Hamilton resident learned about the recovery results that came out of the arrest the Regional police made on July 4th.

Stolen - currency collection

Much of a currency collection was recovered by police.

Investigators in Burlington – 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau were contacted and later reunited the victim with over 95% of the recovered stolen property.

Investigators are currently liaising with Hamilton Police and further charges are pending.

The remaining property can be seen by clicking here:

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.

In the original media release the Halton Regional Police Service advised the public that they had arrested a suspect attempting to gain entry into the Kings Carwash located at 1448 Grahams Lane in Burlington. At the time of the arrest a large quantity of jewelry believed to be stolen was recovered and remains unaccounted for.

Bradley MARK (37) of no fixed address was charged with

• Break and Enter with intent
• Possession of Break in instruments
• Possession of property obtained by Crime
• Fail to comply with probation order

He was held pending a bail hearing.

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Police have set up a viewing site for those who had property stolen prior to July 4th.

Crime 100By Staff

August 19th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On July 4th 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service arrested a suspect early in July who was 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 and remains unaccounted for.

Arrested:
Bradley MARK (37) of no fixed address

Charges:
• Break and Enter with intent
• Possession of Break in instruments
• Possession of property obtained by Crime
• Fail to comply with probation order

The accused was held pending a bail hearing.

Stolen items watch

Classic watch – very valuable.

If you are a victim of a residential break in on or prior to July 4th 2019, please click the below link and review the photos on our Flickr account. If you are the rightful owner and can identify any of the property please contact us.

Link to property photos: https://bit.ly/2YyLSEf

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.

Stolen items Consol cigs

A collectable – how many people recognize the brand?

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.

 

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Update on the abduction yesterday - it was a 'snatch and grab' and the man snatched doesn't want to talk.

Crime 100By Staff

August 9th, 2019

BURLINGTON.

 

The Halton Regional Police would like to thank the public for their assistance following an abduction in Burlington on August 8, 2019. As a result of several tips the Regional Police are able to say that the previously unidentified male who was assaulted and appeared to have been abducted has been located and is in good health. He sustained minor injuries during this altercation that did not require medical attention.

He has declined to assist police and wishes to remain anonymous.

Investigators have located the black Honda Civic believed to be involved. The vehicle has been seized in order that a forensic examination can be completed.

Police are continuing the investigation. This was a targeted incident and police are confident there is no related ongoing risk to public safety. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod 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.

Previous news story.

Police investigating abduction attempt.

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Police Seeking Information Related to Apparent Abduction in Burlington

Crime 100By Staff

August 9th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Regional Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance following an assault and apparent abduction that took place in the area of the Queensway Drive and Cleta Street (near Guelph Line and Highway 403) in the City of Burlington this afternoon.

On Thursday, August 8, 2019 between 1:45 – 1:50 PM, an unidentified male was walking on the south side of Queensway Drive near Cleta Street when two vehicles (a silver Dodge Caravan, and an older model 2-door black Honda Civic) pulled up and stopped.

HRPS crestOne suspect exited the passenger side of the Dodge Caravan and both the driver and passenger exited the Honda and chased an unidentified male onto a residential property on Cleta Drive.

The unidentified male appeared to be assaulted by the three suspects before being put into the van. Evidence suggests that the unidentified male was taken from the area against his will in the silver Dodge Caravan. The silver Dodge Caravan, with the unidentified male inside, was last seen southbound on Cleta Drive towards Glenwood School Drive.

Suspect #1 (Driver of the Silver Dodge Caravan):
No description available, as driver did not exit vehicle

Suspect #2 (Passenger of Silver Dodge Caravan):
Male, white, slim build, no shirt, camo shorts

Suspect #3 (Driver of Black Honda Civic):
Male, white, tan baseball cap, black pants with white stripes down leg, white shoes, white t-shirt

Suspect #4 (Passenger of Black Honda Civic):
Male, white, black track pants, black hoodie with hood up, white high top shoes

Unidentified Male:
Male, white, appears to be in his 30s, dark coloured shorts, black and green t-shirt

At this time, the whereabouts and condition of the male and the four suspects are not known. The Halton Regional Police Service is concerned for the safety and well-being of the unidentified male and would like to speak to anyone, including that male, who can provide information about this incident. If you have information, security camera footage, home surveillance footage, or dash cam video from that area during the timeframe of this interaction, we encourage you to please contact the on-duty Staff Sergeant in Burlington at the earliest opportunity.

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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Police given new tools to aid in finding people who go missing.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

August 8th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is a fine Detective Constable in the Halton Regional Police Service who will have become aware of new tools that are now available to police forces in the province.

They allow the police toget more information quickly sothat every effort can be made to find the person who has wandered away from home.

Each day that Detective Constable Joe Barr drives to or from work he is reminded of the case of Helen Robertson who went missing July 5th, 2016.

She was never found. There were bits and pieces of evidence but nothing that gave police the information they needed to successfully find Helen and return her home.

With more than 240,000 Ontario seniors estimated to be living with some form of dementia today, being able to locate seniors in the first 24 hours after they go missing is crucial to saving lives.

Ontario is putting the safety of seniors first by providing police officers with more tools they need to respond quickly and effectively to missing persons investigations.

“Every minute counts when a senior goes missing to help keep them safe. This is another example of how our government is putting seniors and their families first by providing essential front-line services new tools to help find our missing loved ones faster,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are protecting what matters most to help seniors live independently in their communities, while also helping to ensure they are safe.”

The Missing Persons Act, proclaimed by the government on July 1, 2019, provides police with three additional tools to use when there is no evidence a crime has been committed. These tools will allow police to:

• Obtain copies of records that may assist in a search;
• Obtain a search warrant to enter a premise to locate a missing person; and
• Make an urgent demand for certain records without a court order.

The Act also includes guidelines on what information police may disclose about a missing person before and after they have been located.
Previously, when a person went missing without evidence of criminal activity, police were limited in the ways they could investigate. With this legislation, police can now respond to missing persons investigations quicker, while balancing concerns for an individual’s privacy.
“Police and family members tell us that the first hours after someone goes missing are the most critical,” said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. “That’s why we’re providing our frontline heroes with more tools to quickly find our loved ones.”

Fifty per cent of those who go missing for 24 hours or more risk serious injury or even death.
Sixty per cent of people living with dementia will go missing at some point, often without warning.
There is no requirement to wait 24 hours to report someone missing in Ontario.
Nearly 7,500 people were reported missing in Ontario in 2018.

Most of the media in the western GTA are quick to publish and broadcast information on a missing person. Most of the time they are found before the end of the day or the day after.

Some are never found – and we mourn, terrified that something like this could happen to our loved ones.

Joseph Barr, the Detective that handled the Helen Robertson case knows that he will wonder for the rest of his career what happened and what was that missing piece of information he didn’t have.

Lifesaver - wrist band

Emits a signal every second 24/7

Since the disappearance of Helen Robertson the Regional Police came up with a service that, if used properly, can be critical in finding someone missing.  Project Life Saver was taken to the Regional Police by a parent who has an autistic child.  That service is now available to parents in Halton Region.  Details in the story linked below.

Related news stories:

Helen Robertson reported missing.

Wallet belonging to missing woman found – nothing else.

Project Life Saver.

 

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Residential Surveillance Footage Helps Police Arrest Six Suspects

Crime 100By Pepper Parr

August 8th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The best tool any police service has is vigilant residents.

This was the case when a resident let police know they had captured a license plate on their video. With that information the police were able to investigate and arrest six suspects for a series of break and enters that occurred at homes in Oakville and Burlington.

HRPS crestBeginning in July 2019, the HRPS identified an increase in daytime residential break and enters and investigators began compiling evidence in an effort to identify the persons responsible. A Burlington resident assisted police by providing a licence plate which was captured on their home surveillance system. This information helped to identify six suspects.

In most instances, the suspects would knock at the front door of targeted residences to determine whether or not anyone was home. Should there be no answer at the door, suspects attended the rear of the home and gained entry by smashing patio doors. The suspects quickly ransacked the residences and fled in awaiting vehicles.

The entries occurred in the areas of Upper Middle Road and Eighth Line in Oakville, in addition to the area of Guelph Line and South Drive in Burlington.

On August 2, 2019, the HRPS initiated surveillance on the group of suspects who were staying at an Airbnb residence in Mississauga. Officers stopped the suspects and placed them under arrest. A search of the vehicles resulted in the recovery of approximately $250,000 in stolen property.

CHARGED:

1) TAN, Chan (29) of Montreal
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
2) BRITO ROSALES, Kenny (30) of Montreal
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
3) MEJIA GARCIA, Denis Rufino (28) of Montreal
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Break and Enter (3 counts)
4) BARQUERO MORALES, Alex Narcesso (27) of Montreal
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Break and Enter (3 counts)
5) HORTA ZAMORA, Luis Felipe (29) of Montreal
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Break and Enter (3 counts)
• Breach of Recognizance
6) MEJIA OLMOS, Carlos Mauricio (32) of Montreal
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Break and Enter (3 counts)

All six accused were held for bail.

This group is believed to have conducted similar entries in other jurisdictions across the GTA. The Halton Regional Police Service is now liaising with policing partners in efforts to determine what other crimes this group may have committed.

Investigators will be proactively contacting victims in an effort to return recovered property to rightful owners. Any persons who have had a reported break and enter between July 1, 2019, and August 2, 2019, are encouraged to contact police and make arrangements for recovery.

Victims looking to recover lost property and anyone with information regarding these occurrences is asked to contact Detective Constable John McMullan of the 2 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825-4747, ext. 2217.

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.

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Using a health angle to steal your identity.

Crime 100By Pepper Parr

August 6th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Not sure if this should be a crime story or a health story.  It was a crime story for me – Identity theft.

My friend James Burchill is quick to tell anyone who will listen that if you produce the right email you will get the attention you were looking for.

He just might be right – we got the following earlier today and needed to share it right away.

HIV reportIt is clearly a scam – how can you tell? Well, you should know where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing – but that aside – check the address the email came from.

HIV ADDRESS

That ain’t Health Canada.

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Nish Duraiappah named Chief of Police of Peel Regional Police.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

August 2nd, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Duraiappah HRPS Deputy chief

Deputy Chief Nish Duraiappah – made Peel Region Chief of Police

Deputy Chief Nish Duraiappah has been named Chief of Police of the Peel Regional Police.

The Halton Regional Police Service announced their gratitude for his 24 years of service and commented on his day-to-day approach and the many initiatives that have flourished under his leadership have had such a positive and valued impact on our members, as well as the community he has served.

GG02-2016-0335-030 September 16, 2016 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada His Excellency presents the Member (M.O.M.) insignia of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Deputy Chief Nishan J. Duraiappah, M.O.M. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presided over an Order of Merit of the Police Forces investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, September 16, 2016. During the ceremony, the Governor General, who is chancellor of the Order, bestowed the honour on 1 Commander, 4 Officers and 46 Members. Credit: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall, OSGG

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, then Governor General of Canada, presided over an Order of Merit presented to Nish Duraiappah of the Police Forces investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall.

Halton Regional Police Services Board Chair Rob Burton said: “Deputy Chief Nish Duraiappah has been a valuable member of the team responsible for our success here in Halton. He has also been a key leader in public safety throughout Ontario and Canada. We sincerely wish him all the very best in his new role next door in Peel Region.”

Chief Tanner comments: “Both personally and on behalf of all members of the HRPS I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Deputy Duraiappah on the great accomplishment in being named the next Chief of Police of the Peel Regional Police.

“Nish has been an incredible member and leader within the Halton Regional Police Service throughout his 24 year career and will be greatly missed. But, at the same time, we wish him all the best in his new role and in all future endeavors which will come his way as he continues as a recognized police leader here at home and across Canada.”

Police senior command at HQ

Deputy Chief Nish Duraiappah, centre, at the opening of the new Halton Regional Police Services Board new headquarters.

Tanner looks forward to continuing to work closely with Nish as a neighbouring police chief and partner in building strong community safety and well-being across our two Regions.

Duraiappah will run a police service with more sworn officers and a bigger budget – and problems a lot more severe than those he had to manage in Halton.

He is expected to take his guitar with him.

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Financial Representative Arrested for Fraud Offence

Crime 100By Staff

August 2nd, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON
HRPS crestThe Halton Regional Police Service – 3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau has arrested and charged an Ajax man with fraud stemming from a series of incidents in 2012.

Jamshid (James) Pournader (65) has been charged with one count of Fraud Over $5,000.
The accused is associated with a company JSP Holdings and has acted as a “financial representative” with access to investment services and products.

The victim came forward to police after her bank assisted with a review of her personal finances and investments. The loss to the victim is $212,000.

The public are reminded that financial advisors, mortgage brokers and insurance agents are all licensed and regulated by various provincial organizations. Your investments and purchases should be with a regulated financial institution and investors should regularly review their investments and statements.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Seniors Liaison Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2344.

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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Arrested on human trafficking charges - male faces 11 Criminal code counts.

Crime 100By Staff

August 2nd, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Regional Police Service – Human Trafficking Unit has arrested a Toronto male for exploiting an adult female for sexual purposes.

On July 31, 2019, Everett Effah (30) was arrested and subsequently charged with the following criminal offences:

•Trafficking in Persons
•Receiving Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons
•Receiving Material Benefit from Prostitution
•Exercise Control
•Advertising Sexual Services
•Living off the Avails of Prostitution
•Procure to Become a Prostitute
•Assault
•Assault with a Weapon
•Sexual Assault
•Possession of a Controlled Substance

TraffickingThe investigation began after receiving information brought forward by the victim in this occurrence. Effah is currently being held in custody while awaiting a Bail Hearing.

If found guilty Mr. Effah will have been shown to be a very nasty man. However, he would not be doing what he is doing if he did not have customers.

Anyone who may have additional information pertaining to the offences related to this Accused are asked to contact Detective Dan Ciardullo (905-825-4747 X 5331) of the Halton Regional Police Service – Human Trafficking Unit.

The Halton Regional Police Service is a member of the Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking along with several other stakeholders and agencies. This Collaborative is dedicated towards providing services and support to those who have experienced Human Trafficking in Halton and surrounding regions. Local organizations such as “SAVIS” (www.savisofhalton.org) are able to provide first response care and support to victims of human trafficking.

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 ww.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

 

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Halton Regional Police maintain their record of having the lowest Crime Severity Index of all Canadian municipalities with a population of 100,000 or more.

News 100 blueBy Staff

July 23, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Once again the Region of Halton tops the 2018 Crime Severity Index allowing it to once again maintain its position of having the lowest Crime Severity Index of all Canadian municipalities with a population of 100,000 or more for the 14th straight year, according to Statistics Canada’s annual report on crime in Canada.

According to Statistics Canada’s annual report on crime in Canada Halton Region has maintained its position of having:

The lowest Crime Severity Index (CSI) when compared to Ontario’s ‘Big 12’ police services;

The lowest Violent Crime Severity Index when compared to Ontario’s ‘Big 12’ police services;

The lowest Non-Violent Crime Severity Index when compared to Ontario’s ‘Big 12’ police services;

Maintained the lowest values for each of these three indices for 11 straight reporting years (2008 – 2018) when compared to Ontario’s ‘Big 12’ police services;

Had the lowest overall crime rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate amongst Ontario’s ‘Big 12’ police services; and

Had the highest Weighted Clearance Rate* (55.6 per cent) of the same ‘Big 12’ and has maintained the lowest value for this index for five straight years (2014 – 2018).

Halton Regional Police Services Chief Tanner wants to tweet with you.

Halton Regional Police Services Chief Tanner. .

Chief of Police Steven Tanner explains that the statistics are due to the work of our frontline officers and staff and to the support of the residents we serve. It is only because of our strong partnerships and relationships, coupled with our ongoing commitment to our Community Safety and Well-Being plan that we are confident we will be successful in keeping Halton at the forefront of policing and as a leader in public safety in the years that lay ahead. As an organization, we are committed to crime reduction and prevention and to investing in the appropriate resources and community supports to keep our region the very safest it can be.”

The Region spends heavily on public safety which keeps people safe and secure and positions the four municipalities: Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills as great places for corporations to set up shop and attract employees who place safety for their children first amongst their priorities.

“The one Crime Severity Index (CSI) result that I am extremely proud of, is the fact that since 2014 we have had the highest Clearance Rate based on the Crime Severity Index. Distilled down, this means that our officers (front line and investigators) are consistently solving serious crimes, and doing so at an increasing rate.

“One of the most effective methods of crime prevention is enforcement, and we will continue to put those responsible for our most serious crimes before our courts and into our corrections system. I want to take this opportunity to offer my most sincere thank you to our many front line and investigative members for their hard work, dedication and commitment that has once again ensured the residents of Halton continue to be as safe as they can be.” added Chief Tanner.

Burton Rob - glancingf left

Police Services Board Chair, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

Halton Regional Police Services Board Chair Rob Burton said: “Once again these results show the value of our continued and enhanced commitment and investment in Community Safety and Well Being throughout the Region of Halton. Community engagement and support have continued to flourish throughout 2018 as our citizens and stakeholder groups worked in close partnership with our police service to best meet the needs of all.

“My congratulations to our team within the Halton Regional Police Service, and to all of our community partners and citizens on another very successful year.”

Each year, Statistics Canada reports on the number and type of criminal incidents coming to the attention of police. To facilitate comparisons among geographic areas as well as over time, police-reported crime has traditionally been expressed as a rate per 100,000 population. The traditional “crime rate” provides information on the number of police-reported incidents that have occurred for a given population, but does not provide information on the overall seriousness of crimes reported by police. For this reason, the Crime Severity Index (CSI) was developed.

The Crime Severity Index enables Canadians to track changes in the severity of police-reported crime from year to year. It does so by taking into account not only the change in volume of a particular crime, but also the relative seriousness of that crime in comparison to other crimes. The CSI helps answer such questions as: is the crime coming to the attention of police more or less serious than before; and, is police-reported crime in a given city or province more or less serious than in Canada overall?

The Weighted Clearance Rate is the proportion of reported crimes solved by police, factoring in the seriousness of individual offences. Weighted clearance rate is based on the same principles as the Police Reported Crime Severity Index (CSI), whereby more serious offences are assigned a higher ‘weight’ than less serious offences. For example, the clearing of homicides, robberies or break and enters would represent a greater contribution to the overall weighted clearance rate value than the clearing of minor theft, mischief or disturbing the peace.

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Police believe they have captured an image of a witness they would like to interview.

Crime 100By Staff

July 22, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When there is high quality video available the police have a very good chance of identifying the person.
The people the police want to identify are not always wanted for something they may have done. There are occasions when the police want to speak to a person who they feel may have been a witness,

The Halton Regional Police Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit (CASA), is currently investigating a sexual assault that occurred in the evening of Canada Day, July 1, 2019. The female victim left “The COOP” restaurant located on Brant Street, just north of Lakeshore Road in Burlington, and accepted a ride with an unknown male party. The victim was sexually assaulted in the vehicle prior to being dropped off at her residence.

Assault Witness Photo

Police would like to identify this witness

Through investigation, officers have pieced together a timeline of the victim’s evening prior to being dropped off at her residence. Officers confirmed the victim was in the parking lot of a Shell gas station located at Walkers Line and Mainway between 11:50pm and 11:55pm on July 1.

Vehicle Photo

Police believe this vehicle may have been used in a sexual assault.

Police are asking the public for assistance in identifying this female witness and a blue four door vehicle (believed to be a Mazda). The witness and vehicle were also at the Shell station at that time.

Investigators have determined that this female witness interacted with the victim and may be able to assist police in the investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit – Detective Sergeant Chris Newcombe at 905-465-8965 or Detective Constable Andrea Moss at 905-465-8971.

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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It can happen to the best of organizations, the city of Burlington knows that - Phishing scams. Learn as much as you can and remember the cardinal rule - if in doubt - don't.

News 100 blueBy Staff

July 22, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Originally published in Inc. magazine with some local content added.

Phishing scams are nothing new; most of us have heard about the “Nigerian prince” phishing emails that have been showing up in inboxes for years.

ID theft damageUnfortunately, phishing attacks continue to increase exponentially in volume, and are considered a serious threat to both companies and individual internet users since they can result in devastating financial losses. In addition, phishing emails can be much harder to recognize than many business owners think.

Cybercriminals have resorted to increasingly sophisticated phishing strategies as of late to get recipients to open, click, and share malicious code. And these tactics are paying off handsomely. Business email compromise (BEC) scams are more successful than ever, with losses reaching $2.7 billion in 2018.

Add to that the half a million that was scooped out of the city of Burlington coffers in 2019.

Here are some common phishing trends that business owners should know about and tips for educating employees about them:
What are phishing scams?

Identity theft - many facesPhishing scams typically consist of emails that seem harmless but are actually intended to trick users into sharing sensitive information. This is often accomplished by encouraging the user to click on a malicious link or attachment. Phishing emails get their name because the hackers are “fishing” for your personal information.

Most phishing emails appear completely legitimate, often by imitating a company’s logo using high-quality graphics and including opt-out instructions. For this reason, it’s quite common for recipients to be fooled, and even large companies have fallen prey to these scams. SiteLock has published a round-up of some recent phishing examples to demonstrate the prevalence of these scams and how to protect against them.

Common Phishing Trends and Techniques

There are many different techniques hackers use to launch a phishing attack. A few of the most common ones are provided below:

Invoice phishing: Invoice phishing scams emails claim the recipient has an outstanding invoice from a well-known company, bank, or vendor. The email instructs the recipient to click on a link to pay their invoice. But when they click on the link and access the site, the hackers steal their personal information and gain access to their bank accounts.

The virus or compromised account: Viruses and compromised accounts cause users to receive an email from a third party company claiming one of their accounts has been compromised. The email instructs them to log in to reset their password or to download a form, fill in their personal information, and return it. However, a legitimate company would never request your personal information through email in this manner.

Payment and delivery scam: This tactic involves sending emails from what appears to be a legitimate vendor asking for a user’s credit card information. They typically claim that your payment information needs to be updated before they will deliver your order. Be very careful with these emails, especially if you haven’t purchased anything from the vendor.

Downloads: Download scams send an email instructing recipients to click on a link. These emails often contain hyperlinks that could download a malicious file onto the end user’s computer. Never click on an email link unless you are absolutely sure that the sender is who they claim to be.

Tips for Spotting Phishing Emails

Although phishing emails often mimic actual companies and vendors, there are ways to detect them. All small business owners and employees should be aware of the following red flags that indicate a possible phishing email:

The email contains links or URLs that direct you to the wrong website or try to get you to access a third-party site that is separate from the email sender.

RBC scam attempt

Note the url that the email came from – it wasn’t the one the bank uses, Remember – look over email that is not familiar to you – carefully.

You receive an email from a company requesting sensitive information which can include your social security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers. Consider these emails suspect and never share your personal information without checking with the company first.

You find an unexpected email in your inbox from a person, vendor, or company that you rarely or never deal with. If this happens, the safest thing to do is delete the email without opening it, as there’s a good chance it’s a phishing email.

The email has obvious errors like typos, poor grammar, or incorrect information. A legitimate email from a company is very unlikely to have these kinds of errors.

The email address of the sender is incorrect, although it is close to the actual email address. This is another common sign of a phishing email.

ID theft screen

Good hackers, and there are a lot of them out there – are combing through your data looking for ways to get into your computer,

Phishing scams remain a very common type of cybercrime, and can cause major financial losses to individual users and companies. And phishing emails are much more sophisticated these days, making them harder to detect. If you’re a business owner, it’s essential to be aware of common phishing techniques and red flags and to educate your employees on them.

Related news story:

How much damage cam identity theft do to you?  Read how one young GTA resident had to deal with it.

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Arrest Made in Thefts of Packages from Front Doors of Residences

Crime 100By Staff

July 20th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Halton Regional Police have charged a male in connection with thefts of Amazon packages that had been left at the front doors of residences.

HRPS crestBetween July 16 and July 18, 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service responded to several reports of packages being stolen from the front porch of local residences and replaced with empty boxes. The suspect responsible for the thefts was captured on CCTV and appeared to be operating a black Mercedes.

With the assistance of the public and social media, a person of interest was identified. Police confirmed the identity of the suspect and arrested him on July 18, 2019.

Randy Potter (36) of Burlington was arrested and charged with:
-3 counts of Theft Under $5000
-1 count of Fail to Comply with Probation

He was held for a bail hearing which took place on July 19, 2019.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Colin Macleod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 extension 2357.

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.

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