 By Staff
September 20, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The numbers are embarrassing.
This is not what decent people do.
The Regional police release the top traffic offences statistics gathered during the 2017 Traffic Unit’s Project Safe Start. The numbers reflect what drivers were doing as the new school year kicked off in Halton.
 The message is pretty clear. If we continue to disobey the rules there will come a time when a student will be under the wheels of a car. For more than ten years, Project Safe Start has been a highly visible reminder to drivers in Halton that children are back in school. Project Safe Start stresses the need to slow down in and around school zones, watch for pedestrians and pay attention to school crossing guards escorting children across busy intersections.
Over the course of the 2017 two week campaign, which ran from August 28 to September 8, Top Traffic Offences Halton Regional Police Project Safe Start 2017Halton Regional Police officers focused on a number of unsafe driving behaviours. The top traffic offences observed by police were:
Speeding (1,042 charges),
Disobeying stop signs (480 charges) and
Distracted driving (126 charges).
Those distracted driving charges will become a lot more expensive upon conviction when pending legislation is passed. If you are going to endanger people by using your cell phone while you drive – make sure you have taxi money in your pocket or purse – you may not get to drive your car home.
HRPS officers issued a total of 2,482 Provincial Offence Notices related to Project Safe Start 2017. This is a slight increase compared to the 2,299 Provincial Offence Notices issued during Project Safe Start in 2016. Police also issued 736 warnings to drivers in 2017.
HRPS also rolled out an aggressive social media campaign as part of the road safety initiative. Traffic messages and rules of the road were posted online every day. The messages gathered more than 137,000 impressions online.
“Traffic safety begins with the individual choices each driver makes.” said Sergeant Ryan Snow, Traffic Services Unit. “When drivers comply with the rules of the road, everyone wins and gets to go home safely.”
Residents are reminded that they can file driving complaints or request enforcement of a particular area online at www.haltonpolice.ca under Most Requested Information -> Roadwatch or Traffic Complaints respectively. Criminal/dangerous driving should be reported immediately by calling 9-1-1
 By Staff
September 20, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This arrest didn’t take long.
Bank robbery took place on Monday and by Wednesday a suspect was behind bars for holding up the TD Bank on Plains Road.
 Jason Hugh BUICK was recognized by far too many police officers. The male arrested, Jason Hugh BUICK (48-years-old) of Hamilton was identified with assistance from the Hamilton Police Service Break and Enter, Auto Theft and Robbery (BEAR) Unit and the O.P.P led Repeat Offenders Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad whose members recognized the suspect from the CCTV images obtained from the TD Bank.
On September 20th 2017 at approximately 7:00 AM members of the ROPE Squad arrested BUICK in Hamilton while members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau executed a search warrant at an apartment on Surrey Lane in Burlington where the knife, sunglasses and articles of clothing work during the robbery were located. Investigators have also recovered some of the money from the robbery.
BUICK will appear in Milton Bail Court on September 21st 2017 charged with robbery (two counts), wearing a disguise during the commission of an indictable offence and assault with a weapon (two counts).
Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 ext. 2343. Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
September 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The TD Canada Trust bank located at 596 Plains Rd. E in Burlington was robbed shortly before 1:00 PM, when a lone male entered the bank armed with a large knife. The male jumped over the counter and demanded cash and was provided with an undisclosed amount.
The male then fled the bank and was last seen running towards King Road. No one was injured during this robbery.
Uniformed patrol officers, canine and Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) members attended and conducted an extensive search of the area however the male suspect was not located.
The suspect is described as:
• Male white
• 30-45 years old
• No facial hair
• 5’6″ to 5’9″ tall
• Heavy build 190-200 lbs
• Black coat with hood pulled up
• Black sunglasses
• Grey track pants
• Black running shoes with white soles
Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel of Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 ext 2343. Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
September 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
During the overnight hours of 14/15 September 2017 Halton Police responded to a call about a male breaking into cars in Oakville.
 Patrol Officers attended and located a male in the backyard of a nearby residence.
Daniel SAUNDERS 34yrs of Hamilton has been arrested and was held for Bail and charged with:
– Theft Under $5000
– Trespass By Night
– Possession of Break & Enter Tools
– Possession of Property Obtained By Crime
– Possession of Weapons Dangerous
– Fail To Comply Probation.
Police believe there are other victims in the Northwest Oakville and Northeast Burlington areas.
If you had your vehicle entered or property taken during this timeframe and location please contact HRPS 2CIB at 905-825-4747 x2216.
 By Staff
September 14, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service has concluded its 2017 fundraising initiative in support of Special Olympics Ontario. Throughout the year, Halton Regional Police officers have been working with community partners to raise funds in support of our Special Olympians.
One of this year’s highlights was the annual “Cops for Cowboys” night at Lone Star Restaurants in Milton and Oakville. For this event, officers donned western apparel and partnered with restaurant staff during dinner hours to serve patrons. All gratuities were donated to Special Olympics Ontario.
In June, 1 District (Milton and Halton Hills) hosted the Halton Regional Police Service’s Law Enforcement Torch Run/Ride (LETR). The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement officers worldwide who champion acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the LETR, a fundraising event was planned in Milton. Officers and community members cycled, ran or walked more than 65 kilometers to raise money for Special Olympics Ontario. All participants were also invited to 12 Division in Milton for an afternoon barbecue.
On Tuesday September 12, 2017 fundraising results were calculated and more than $5500.00 was presented to Special Olympics Ontario at 12 Division in Milton.
The Halton Regional Police Service would like to thank all members of the community who donated to this worthy cause including:
• Law Enforcement Officers across the Greater Toronto Area
• The Halton District School Board
• The Halton Catholic District School Board
• Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch
• Lone Star Restaurants
• Mattamy Homes and Gee Wizz Portable Rentals
• Maple Lodge Farms
• Optimist Club of Milton
 (Left to Right – Inspector Derek Davis (District Operations), Sergeant Paul Harrower (Regional Community Mobilization Bureau), Cody Jansma (Special Olympics Ontario), Inspector Dave Stewart (Regional Community Mobilization Bureau)
 By Staff
September 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
What did we think of this one?
 Not much – we don’t deal with the TD Bank – we didn’t open the pdf either.
Here is what we got:
This Consent to Electronic Delivery of Documents applies to the electronic delivery to you of the statements and other important eDocuments for the accounts listed within your (Web Business Banking) and any extension, renewal, amendment and replacement of any of these accounts.
You must access our Digital Banking Service to review eDocuments. Open the attached eDocument and follow the instructions to access our Web Business Banking Service.
Failure to consent to the electronic delivery of the eDocuments as described in our Digital Banking Service will revoke your access to TD Commercial Banking.
Note: eDocuments are available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and can only be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader Software.
We thank you and appreciate your prompt response.
Relationship Manager; The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Remember and follow the rule – If in doubt, don’t. And ask questions.
The Gazette will be doing a feature length article on the how email like this gets sent to you. Someone bought your email address and sends you email they think will pull you into their web.
By Staff
September 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police have arrested a 52 year old Burlington man for indecent act.
The 52 year old man is alleged to have exposed himself while shopping at the Piggymart convenience store located at 2290 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, on August 23, 2017.
The Halton Regional Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect.
Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
No names released – interesting.
By Staff
September 5th 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday September 3rd 2017 shortly after 2:00 AM, police were called to the Maria and Elizabeth intersection in response to a report of a stabbing.
On arrival, police located a 23-year old male victim from Burlington with a laceration to his left bicep. The victim went to Joseph Brant Hospital where he received 10 stitches to close the wound.
Police learned that the victim and his girlfriend were walking home after having attended a downtown bar when they came across a group of 3-4 males and a female.
One of the males was alleged to have made an insulting remark to the victim which started a fight between the victim and the group of males.
During the fight, the victim was stabbed by one of the males who brandished what was described as a black handled knife.
The only descriptions at this time are that the males were all white in their twenties and the female was white with long dark hair, thin build and a half or full sleeve tattoo.
Police are asking for anyone with information to contact D/Cst. Erin Toth of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2313 or Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS, through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Police have arrested a 17 year old for setting four fires in the Palmer Drive – Newlands Crescent part of the city.
On August 27th 2017 at approximately 4:00am, members of the Halton Regional Police Service and Burlington Fire Department responded to a series of deliberately set fires in the area where fired had been intentionally set to several items stored outside four different homes.
 Fire truck responding to a fire in the Palmer Drive part of the city previously. The smell of smoke was initially detected by a homeowner after a decorative wreath was set on fire.
The wreath was displayed on the front door of the house. There was minor damage sustained to the house as a result of the fire.
At nearby homes, fire also destroyed a ski-doo and damaged a fence as well as miscellaneous other property items. Four homes, in total, were involved.
The person arrested, a 17 year old Burlington resident, cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The youth is currently accused:
• Arson (damage to property) (4 Counts)
• Fail to comply Recognizance
The youth was held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on August 28th at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton.
Anyone who has information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Scott Feddema at 905-825-4747 ext. 2372.
Tips can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers; “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.crimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
August 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Police are seeking witnesses to an incident that occurred downtown Burlington in the early morning hours of Monday August 21st 2017 when a 24-year-old Burlington man seriously injured after jumping from moving car.
Sometime between midnight and 3:00 am on the 21st, two Burlington men were walking to a vehicle parked on Ontario Street just west of Brant Street,
One of the men started an altercation with three unknown males near City Hall. After the altercation was quickly broken up, the two original men continued to their car and began to drive either west on Ontario Street towards Maple Avenue, or possibly south on Locus Street towards Elgin.
Shortly after the car began to drive away, the 24-year-old male that started the altercation, jumped out of the passenger side of the moving car and struck his head on the roadway surface. The male was knocked unconscious.
The driver of the car, and the three men involved in the earlier altercation, placed the injured man back into the car so he could be driven to Joseph Brant Hospital.
The man remains in hospital at this time with a serious head injury.
The incident was reported to police August 26th.
Police would like to speak with the three men who helped the injured party into the 4-door black Nissan and to any witnesses that may have observed the incident, or any businesses that may have captured the incident on security cameras.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Constable Chris HEFFERNAN of the Halton Regional Police Service Collision Reconstruction unit at 905-825-4747 extension 5420. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Police in Burlington are seeking assistance from the public to identify one person responsible for forcing entry into a vehicle, stealing items including a wallet and later using stolen credit cards at several businesses in the Hamilton area.
Overnight between August 12th to 13th 2017, the suspect forced open the driver’s door of a vehicle on Angus Court, in Burlington to gain entry. Once inside, the suspect rummaged through the glove-box and removed the vehicle owner’s wallet.
Shortly after 8:00 AM on August 13th 2017, the suspect used the stolen credit cards at a Pioneer Gas Station near Woodward Avenue and Barton St in Hamilton.
Suspect: white male, 25-35 years of wearing a New England Patriots baseball cap, black t-shirt and black shorts.
 Someone is going to recognize this young man – Hopefully it will not be his Mother.  Close up of the suspect. Theft from autos continues to be a concern in Burlington and police would like to remind the public to ensure their vehicles are locked and avoid leaving valuables inside and/or in plain view. Police also encourage citizens to report any suspicious persons.
Anyone who can identify this suspect are encouraged to contact Detective Constable Tyler Freeman of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2363. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Regional police thought that most of the scams took place in Oakville but decided to cast the net a little wider and are asking Burlington residents if they have had any dealings with a male who was arrested and charged with:
Fraud Under $5000 x 9
Fraud Over $5000 x 1
Halton Regional Police are seeking the public’s assistance to speak with Burlington residents who may be victim’s and had contact with Elwood Bowler on their property to complete eaves trough repair, tree cutting, roofing or other home maintenance.
Police are investigating one known occurrence in the City of Burlington and believe there may be more victims who paid for contractor services they did not receive. Bowler generally targeted older adult home owners in Halton Region.
The arrest was the result of a seven month fraud investigation involving a male posing as a handyman.
This male canvassed his victims by traveling door-to-door and offering such services as eaves trough cleaning and offering to conduct miscellaneous work such as chimney repair.
On multiple occasions this male retained cash deposits for the promised jobs which he failed to complete. This male generally targeted the older adult population.
On August 23, 2017 Elwood BOWLER (54 years) from Toronto was arrested and charged.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to this investigation is asked to please contact the Elders Investigator, Detective Constable Tim Nichols at 905-825-4747 ext. 2214.
By Staff
August 21st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
A dental office on Guelph Line was entered twice on the same day – the suspect did not have an appointment – the offices were closed.
The Halton Police are currently investigating the Break and Enter that occurred on the 22nd of July 2017 at 2501 Guelph line Burlington ON.
 The watcher was being watched. Halton Police are currently looking to the public for assistance in identifying the person of interest who was observed entering the closed dental office on two separate occasions on the same day.
Any information please contact Detective Constable Colin MACLEOD of the Commercial Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext 2357 or Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca /a>; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 21st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There has been a rash of unsavory types calling Burlington residents claiming they are from the city, or from one of the utility companies and need to do an inspection of the residence.
The Halton Regional Police Service and the city of Burlington combined received over 200 calls from people concerned about the legitimacy of these inspection requests from August 4 to August 15, 2017.
Several males were observed attending residences outside the pre-set appointment times. These males did not represent the City of Burlington. They were reportedly requesting to do home energy audits.
The City of Burlington and Union Gas employees do not go door-to-door unless in an emergency situation and would often be with the Halton Regional Police Service or Burlington Fire Department.
Residents of Halton Region are reminded to be vigilant and attentive regarding to whom they speak with on the phone and companies they contract for service.
Residents should ask questions, review and receive a written contract for products and services, and only deal with reputable companies they have sought out themselves.
Union Gas does not sell natural gas appliances or provide maintenance services for natural gas appliances.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud, please contact the HRPS Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8741.
Key contact is: Detective Constable Derek Gray, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau – Elder Abuse and Frauds. Tel: 905-825-4747 ext.2344
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 9th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
If someone calls you, s6ays they are from the city and asks to make an appointment to come to your home and inspect water and gas meters inside your home – you should know the call is fraudulent – the city isn’t going to call and offer to help you.
That is not the business municipal governments are in
The city continues to receive reports of phone calls being received by Burlington residents from an individual claiming to be a City of Burlington employee. The caller asks residents to set up an appointment time to inspect water and gas meters inside their homes. These are fraudulent phone calls
Residents who have called the number displayed on their call display got the “number not in service” message.
The fraud unit at Halton Regional Police Service as well as Halton Region and Union Gas have been notified.
The city is also posting information on its social media sites about the fraudulent calls.
If it looks too good to be true – you should know it isn’t. Municipal governments don’t call citizens – they do respond to citizen complaints.
By Staff
August 7th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It was clearly a difference of opinion that got out of hand.
 Eight people on the street outside the Solid Gold nightclub located at 53 Plains Road East in Burlington got into a fight that had the police responding at approximately 12:30am on Sunday August 6th 2017 ,
During the fight, one of the suspects used a small pocket knife to stab two other people involved in the fight. Those people have been treated at hospital for minor injuries and are expected to make a full recovery.
Detectives have since identified each of the persons involved in the incident and are continuing conduct interviews and investigation into this matter.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or may have any information concerning this incident to contact Detective Joe Barr of the #3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau, at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
August 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Late in July at very close to 2:30 AM on a Friday police received a call from a citizen who observed two males break into a neighbour’s car in the area of Millcroft Park Drive and Sarazen Dr. in Burlington.
Police arrived and observed two males matching the suspect’s descriptions leaving the area in the back of a taxi.
The taxi was stopped and the two males were arrested and found to have a quantity of stolen property that had been taken from numerous vehicles in the Millcroft, Headon Forest and Alton Village Communities of North Burlington.
Police also located a set of keys that were linked to a Dodge Ram that had been stolen from Deer Run Avenue and later located on Minvera Way in Alton Village (Burlington).
Kameron ARSENAULT (18-yrs) of Burlington and a 17 year-old male youth who cannot be named because of his age were held for bail charged with the following offences:
• Theft Under $5000
• Possession of property obtained by crime (6 counts)
• Possession of break-in instruments
• Break and enter
• Theft of motor vehicle
• The 17-year-old male faces additional charges of breaching recognizance and fail to comply with disposition.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to theft from autos are asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316, Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS, through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
Police are reminding the public of the following prevention tips:
• Ensure your unattended vehicle(s) are kept locked/secure
• Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle
• Park in a well-lit and attended areas whenever possible
• Never leave spare keys in your vehicle
• If you have to leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving packages or purses in plain view or on the seat.
• Remove GPS navigation and cell phone devices & power cords from view when not in your vehicle
• Consider installing CCTV / Surveillance cameras which can capture the crime and aid in suspect identification
Help police catch those responsible by keeping an eye out in your communities and immediately reporting any suspicious activity
By Staff
August 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The CIBC bank on Fairview was robbed this morning when two men jumped on the counter inside the bank and threatened to shoot employees unless they were given cash.
It was approximately 11:20 AM.
The robbers were given an undisclosed amount of money and ran from the bank to a waiting vehicle described as a black sedan being operated by a third suspect.
The vehicle was last seen traveling northbound on Appleby Line. No weapons were observed and no persons were injured.
The suspect descriptions are as follows:
Suspect #1 – Male, black, approximately 5’9″ tall, slim build wearing dark track pants, dark jacket with white shoulders and a dark hood with a scarf covering his face, white running shoes and white gloves/
Suspect #2 – Male black, approximately 5’11” tall, slim build, dark track pants, grey hoody with a bandana covering his face, white gloves and white running shoes, carrying a black gym bag.
Suspect #3 – wearing a hoody.
Anyone with information are encouraged to contact Detective Constable Jack Olewniczak – Three District Criminal Investigations Bureau, at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2364. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone has heard of Crime Stoppers.
It is an international organization and one of the bigger tools available to the police.
It is an organization that gets information on criminal activity and makes it available to the police without telling the police where the information came from. Its strength is the anonymity that applies to all the information it gets.
Except for an administrative person who handles the telephone and takes care of the paper work Crime Stoppers is a totally volunteer run operation.
 Halton Crime Stoppers chair Cal Millar with HRPS liaison officer Detective Jodi Richmond at the most successful shredding event ever held in Burlington, Almost every community of any size has Crime Stoppers organization. In Halton Cal Millar, a retired journalist, is the current chair and is supported by a three member executive along with seven directors.
Jan Westcott is the vice-chair, Roger Alfaro, treasurer and Doug Maybee the past chair
Directors are: David Woodm, Ron van der Steen, Wally Trapler, Jane Miller, Rod Piukkala, Bob Maich and Corey Evans.
The Halton Regional Police assign an officer to act as liaison with Crime Stoppers. That liaison person is Detective Constable Jodi Richmond who recently attended a number of conferences and training sessions where she met with people doing the same job in different jurisdictions.
In Halton Region the TIPS go to a secure telephone line that prevents the Crime Stoppers staff from knowing who is calling or what number the call is coming from. All they get is the area code and the first three digits of the number a call is coming from.
 Detective Constable Jodi Richmond, police liaison. with Halton Crime Stoppers The Crime Stoppers staff person takes the call and notes the information which she gives to the police liaison officer, Jodi Richmond. A caller is never asked to identify themselves.
Depending on the type of criminal event that is being reported Richmond puts in a call to the relevant division of the HRPS and they take the matter from there. All the police have is information about what a caller thinks is a criminal event.
It could be something to do with a driver behaving erratically behind the wheel of a car or the witnessing of an assault or witnessing a theft taking place.
Richmond knows all there is to know about every department within the police service and can be in instant contact with the appropriate people.
During her training Richmond learned that in the United States the Crime Stoppers operation is driven by the rewards. More than 90% of the calls the Americans get is from people who want and expect to receive the reward that is available. In Canada Richmond said, less than 5% of the reward money is claimed.
In Canadian jurisdictions the information received goes directly to the appropriate police department. Richmond said that in many American communities the Crime Stoppers operation gets involved in some of the early investigation work.
In Canada Crime Stoppers depends on local media to get their message out. The Gazette worked with Crime Stoppers on getting the message out to the public about their annual sensitive document shredding event.
 The star of every shredding event is a truck that shreds documents on location. It was filled to capacity at the June shredding event in Burlington. The June event raised more in the way of way of donations than any previous shredding event and shredded more paper than they have ever done in the past.
Richmond told of the way several American Crime Stoppers organizations are working more tightly with the police on getting information and warnings out to the public.
Some jurisdictions have electronic kiosks strategically place in communities where information is sent to the kiosk electronically and can be updated in minutes.
 American law enforcement agencies work with Crime Stoppers and have electronic kiosks that are fed information via the internet alerting the public of people who are wanted by the police. Thus, explained Richmond let the police get information on very fluid situations out to the public immediately. It is a little like the Amber Alert used to alert the public when a child has gone missing.
The kiosks have a lot more information and the ability to use photographs. Some American jurisdictions talk of having kiosks at every supermarket.
Cal Millar, chair of Halton Crime Stoppers said he looks forward to raising the profile of the organization and to continue to work with the public to play a role in the apprehension of criminals and at the same time to work with strategic partners to be part of the process of educating the public on the increasing sophistication of the criminal element.
The size of the financial losses people suffer because of Identity Theft and internet based scams where the police struggle to keep up with the latest wrinkle is daunting.
Apprehension is a large part of the work the police do – Crime Stoppers will continue to be involved in helping the police catch criminals – what they would like to do as well is educate the public about just what it is the criminals are doing and prevent some of the crimes that in some cases clean people out financially.
The Gazette will follow up the article with how people get involved with the organization as volunteers.
By Staff
July 28, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
In the last week Halton Regional Police Service have seen another variation of the commonly known CRA scam.
Victims are being told that they have outstanding debt with the CRA and in order to avoid arrest they are now being directed to local “BITCOIN” ATM machines to deposit cash funds into anonymous digital wallets, thinking that they are paying off the alleged debt and avoiding arrest.
Investigation into one such digital wallet revealed that 17 deposits had been made in one 24hr period, with an equivalent amount being $11,900 dollars USA. The source of all these deposits is not known, but police suspect they are all victims to fraud related scams.
Many people will have no idea what a “digital wallet” is. The cardinal rule is that if it doesn’t sound right to you – then it is probably wrong. If in doubt – don’t.
The Halton police would like to again warn the public about the CRA scam and remind them that the CRA would never ask for payment to be made through gift cards or Bitcoin and would never use the phone as a first point of contact when dealing with clients.
If contacted by the CRA in such a manor police recommend hanging up the phone, and if in any doubt to source the true number for the CRA and make your own enquiries about the status of your account. Do not call the caller back on any phone numbers that they themselves have provided you.
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