 By Staff
January 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police take impaired driving very seriously.
Impaired driving by both alcohol and drug is a costly risk many drivers continue to take. Officers take an aggressive approach to combat impaired driving throughout the year and work in close partnership with M.A.D.D. Halton Region Chapter to Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere.
 Police doing RIDE checks. Arrests were lower this year. In the month of December, during the busy festive holiday season, impaired driving education and enforcement was increased in an effort to keep our roads and our communities safe.
Throughout the Halton Region, 31 impaired driving arrests were made in December 2015, a number down 45% from the previous year which resulted in 56 impaired driving arrests.
With just over 15,000 vehicles checked through our RIDE stops, there were 46 three-day suspensions issued, which is a result of blowing a “warn” on the alcohol screening device. This is a 65% increase from 28 in 2014.
Impaired driving arrests are down; people driving within the warning range are up. Are people getting the message?
The Regional Police did not provide a breakdown of the charges that were laid in each municipality.
 By Staff
January 4th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It does sort of look official – but it isn’t.
 If you see this in your electronic mail box – just delete it. The Canada Revenue Agency does not use email to communicate with people about their tax matters.
The rule when you see something in your email inbox is simple – if it looks suspicious – it probably is. If in doubt – don’t.
By Staff
December 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The students at Brookville Public School will have been told that the Police Service dog (PSD) they named Arrow earlier this year will be on active duty on Monday.
The public first saw Arrow as a cute puppy recruit who needed a name. In June 2015, all elementary schools in the Region of Halton were asked to participate in a name the dog contest. Brookville Public School was the winner in offering the name “Arrow”.
 Police Service Dog Arrow goes on duty next week. PSD Arrow, a pure Belgian Malinois, was born December 30, 2012 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the United States. He immigrated to Canada through a breeder in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario. His father is an active Police Service Dog serving with the Baton Rouge Police Department and his mother is a high ranking sport dog. Constable Kyle Gibson is PSD Arrow’s handler.
Arrow is a “Bark and Hold” trained dog like the rest of the canine team. As a general patrol dog, he is trained to perform the following disciplines; tracking, open area, building, articles, obedience, apprehension, handler protection, and agility. PSD Arrow is also crossed trained in narcotics detection. He has proven himself to be fast, agile and intense.
 Police Service Dog Arrow – in his early training days. Cst. Gibson has been training with PSD Arrow since September 2015 on the basic handler’s course. They have achieved certification and have successfully completed the course. PSD Arrow’s first shift is Monday December 21, 2015. The addition of this team will take the active Canine team compliment of dogs and handlers to six.
The Regional Police are anticipating the retirement of PSD Tracker.
Another new recruit, PSD Jax, is working hard to join the team.
 Jax, a new police service dog will be will be cross trained in narcotics when he matures. PSD Jax was born November 5, 2014 in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario. His father is a Belgian Malinois, and his mother is German Shepherd. Jax is big, strong and only 13 months old.
PSD Jax will be utilized for General Patrol, and will be cross trained in narcotics when he matures. Like father like son; PSD Jax’s father is a General Patrol Dog employed with the Niagara Regional Police.
Please Welcome Our Two New Canine Team Members, Police Service Dog Arrow and Police Service Dog Jax.
When Arrow first became a police service dog.
By Staff
December 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
This is the 35th time the Gazette has published a “Fugitive Friday” feature based on information provided by the Regional Police which they use to reach out to the public to help locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit has shared information on a wanted person in hopes that the public can assist in locating the individual. The police also share “Fugitive Friday” information on their website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
This is the last edition of Fugitive Friday for 2015.
 The Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for Kerry Lee HENWOOD, 54 years old of Hamilton ON.
In November 2015, the accused attended Joseph Brant Hospital and stole employee’s wallets while they worked. He went to various stores and made a number of purchases with the victim’s credit and debit cards. Investigation revealed the identity of the thief and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
To date this career criminal has managed to amass 87 convictions for various offences including; Thefts, Frauds, Break and Enter, Assault with a Weapon, Fail to Comply
Probation and Fail to Attend Court.
He is wanted by Halton Regional Police for:
Theft under $5000 x 3
Use of Credit Card x 7
HENWOOD is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for:
Fraud under $5000 x 7
Theft under $5000
Possession under $5000
HENWOOD is described as 5’5”, 140 lbs with grey hair and blue eyes. He has numerous tattoos – Right upper arm – “Tasmanian Devil”, Left forearm – skull, Left upper arm – “Devil”. HENWOOD is known to frequent the areas of Hamilton, Burlington, Brampton, Toronto and surrounding areas.
Anyone who may have witnessed this person or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact D/C Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
News report on the theft of personal property at the hospital.
By Staff
December 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau is currently investigating a suspicious fire that occurred at 606 Artreva Court in the City of Burlington on Saturday December 5,2015
 Halton Police received a call to attend the residence as it appeared there had been a fire inside the home that was no longer active. The fire appeared to have originated in the basement crawl space. Flame marks and black soot damaged the living room area on the first floor.
The owners of the residence had moved out by noon on Friday December 4, 2015 and the damage was observed by a neighbour who attended to clean the home at 1:00pm Saturday on December 5, 2015.
The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Officer attended and determined the cause of the fire was criminal in nature.
Halton Regional Police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist with the investigation as it may lead to identifying the culprit in this crime. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Mallinson of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2334 or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
December 15th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The month of December is a time of holiday parties, work get-togethers, and family celebrations. Most events include the consumption of alcohol. The Halton Regional Police are well aware and ready to ensure people make the right decision through education and prevention or pay the price of being arrested for impaired driving.
 Regional police doing RIDE checks – four arrested in Burlington so far this season. The first week of our Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) spot checks ran from Sunday December 6, 2015 to Sunday December 13, 2015. Over 3500 cars were stopped in R.I.D.E. checks. 11 impaired driving arrests were made throughout the Region.
Milton/Halton Hills: 6
Oakville: 1
Burlington: 4
On Thursday December 10, 2015, just before 7:00am, a woman drove herself to the Georgetown District Hospital to get medical attention for an injured finger. After being release four hours later, and ignoring the physician’s advice to not drive as she appeared to be intoxicated, police located her in her vehicle in the parking lot of the hospital. A 50-year-old woman from Halton Hills has been arrested and charged with care or control over 80 mgs.
On Saturday December 12, 2015 at 10:00pm, Milton officers were conducting R.I.D.E. checks on Main Street in the Town of Milton. A vehicle was stopped and police detected a strong odor of fresh marihuana coming from the vehicle. In addition to a small package of marihuana concealed on his person, a further investigation revealed a large duffle bag with 202 grams of marihuana and a significant amount of cash. A 20-year-old man from Milton was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose. A good example that RIDE stops don’t only catch impaired drivers.
On Saturday December 12, 2015 at 4:40 pm, a motorist and his 13-year-old son were driving westbound on Dundas Street near Sixth Line in the Town of Oakville. The motorist observed a white Dodge Ram that was also driving westbound, swerving in and out of the westbound lanes. After narrowly missing the motorist’s car several times, the Ram truck accelerated quickly and attempted to change lanes, ultimately colliding with the vehicle occupied by the father and son.
A 34-year-old man from Burlington was arrested and charged with impaired driving and driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in blood. The driver had not been drinking that day; his level of impairment was a residual of drinking the night before.
On Saturday December 12, 2015, just before midnight, a motorist called police to report an erratic driver on Walkers Line in the City of Burlington. Officers located the vehicle and discovered both passenger side tires were flat and the vehicle was being driven on its rims. A 27-year-old woman from Burlington was arrested and charged with impaired driving and driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol in blood. The woman had a blood alcohol concentration of over three times the legal limit.
Halton officers will be out in full force the remainder of the month working diligently to reduce impaired driving everywhere.
If you see a suspected impaired driver, please call 9-1-1. Officers will respond immediately to ensure the driver is investigated and dealt with accordingly.
The advice and direction is simple: “Don’t drive impaired, you can lose a lot more than your licence.”
By Staff
December 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is week 34 of the Halton Regional Police Service, Burlington station, Fugitive Friday initiative that reaches out to the public for help locating wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit will share information on a wanted person in hopes that the public can assist in locating the individual.
We will share “Fugitive Friday” information on our website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
The initiative has proven to be effective and is being reviewed to determine if the program should be rolled out to other communities in the Region.
One consistent trait with the people the police want to take into custody is that many were arrested, appeared in court and then failed to return fopr their day with the justice system.
The Court’s tend to release people on bail because the cost of keeping them in jail is just too expensive. The flouting of the bail conditions and the requirement to return puts the integrity of the judicial system at risk.
Someone somewhere should be thinking this through.
 Benjamin BRZEZINSKI 41 years old of Etobicoke wanted for theft and failing to comply with a probation order. In this edition of Fugitive Fridays with the Holidays fast approaching the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for Benjamin BRZEZINSKI 41 years old of Etobicoke ON.
In June and November of 2015 the accused attended a store in Burlington and stole a laptop during each incident, with a combined value of over $5000.00 for the thefts.
The accused was identified and found to be on probation for similar crimes in Milton, Toronto and Brampton.
The accused has been convicted of multiple thefts from Bradford to Toronto that go back to 2007.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest and he remains at large.
He is wanted by Halton Regional Police for:
Theft under $5000 x 2
Fail to Comply Probation x 4
BRZEZINSKI is described as 5”11”, 160 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. BRZEZINSKI is known to frequent the areas of Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto and the surrounding areas.
Anyone who may have witnessed this person or has information that would assist investigators in locating him are encouraged to contact D/C Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
December 10th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police investigators in both Oakville and Burlington are working on a string of break and enters that have the possibility of being connected.
On December 10, 2015 at 12:39am an alarm went off at Pioneer Pools on South Service Road in the Town of Oakville. Upon police arrival, the front glass door was smashed by an unknown object. Suspect(s) targeted the cash registers and took two tills containing up to $200.00 cash.
On December 10, 2015 at 1:45am an alarm went off at GNC on Wyecroft Road in the Town of Oakville. Front door was smashed by an unknown object. Suspects took an unknown amount of store product and cash.
As police attended the break and enter at GNC, officers observed the neighbouring business; Focus Eyeware, had also been entered. The front glass door was smashed by an unknown object. An unknown amount of product from the store display cases was taken.
On December 10, 2015 at 1:56am while conducting patrols in the area, an officer came upon a break and enter in progress at Supplement King on Brant Street in the City of Burlington. Suspects smashed the glass front door with a sledgehammer and proceeded to the cash registers. One cash till was removed and as the suspects attempted to exit the store, an officer was at the door. Suspects dropped the cash till and fled out the back door into a stolen vehicle and fled south on Brant Street. There were no handguns used or observed.
A vehicle pursuit took officers into the City of Hamilton where the suspects exited at Main Street East. Halton officers discontinued the pursuit at this time. The vehicle, stolen from Peel has not been recovered at this time. Below is suspect and vehicle description from the Burlington incident.
Suspect vehicle: 2000 Honda Civic 4 door Silver
Suspect description:
Suspect #1: approx. 5’7″ 140lbs grey hoodie and grey pants
Suspect #2: approx. 5’6″ 140lbs black hoodie and black pants
Investigators are gathering evidence and believe the four incidents may be connected. Anyone with information on any of these break and enters is asked to contact Det. Craig of the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2255 or Det. Bale (ext 2312) or Det. Couce (ext 2307) of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
December 10th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two males, who are responsible for breaking into a storage unit in the City of Burlington in October 2014.
 Recognize the man or the dog? Call Crime Stoppers – possible reward.  Can these suspects be identified from this picture? It is believed the two males stole a quantity of cocaine from the storage unit and may be responsible for other similar thefts from storage units.
The suspects are believed to be professional, as one of the males was equipped with a lock pic set, a digital camera with an expandable lens to fit under the storage unit door and was accompanied by a drug sniffing springer spaniel dog.
During the incident, the males communicated using portable radios.
Anyone with information that would assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Ron Wright at 905-825-4747 ext 8718 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
December 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A sign of the times?
It is certainly news- Halton Crime Stoppers received more than 1,000 tips so far this calendar year – and it isn’t over yet.
The 1,000 mark was reached in mid-November and more than 100 additional tips have been received since then on a variety of unsolved crimes in the area. From 2012 to 2014 Halton Crime Stoppers recorded roughly 900 tips per year.
 Detective Constable Paul Proteau, coordinator of Halton’s Crime Stoppers program, said various promotional campaigns throughout 2015, including public service announcements in Cineplex theatres this past summer and efforts to acquaint high school students with Crime Stoppers, have greatly improved awareness of the program.
“Statistics show an increased number of tips almost every month from last year’s figures with a record161 tips received in June,” Proteau said. “People obviously have confidence in the Crime Stoppers program and it is through information they provide anonymously that an increasing number of crimes are being solved.”
Because of the confidential nature of Crime Stoppers, he said it’s impossible to be specific, but the program has received calls related to homicides, drugs, sexual assaults, fraud, impaired driving, and thefts, just to name a few. Crime Stoppers also takes non-criminal information on driving offences, cruelty to animals, contraband tobacco and mental health.
Proteau said the program’s full year-end statistics will be released at the official launch of Crime Stoppers Month scheduled for January 11 at the Halton Region Centre.
At that time Halton Crime Stoppers will also highlight some of the partners from the police, media and community who have worked closely to ensure the success of the program to assist in keeping communities safe and secure.
 Crime Stoppers get out into the community to meet the public and talk about the role they play. Crime stoppers is just one of a number of media channels that are effective. The Crime Stoppers use of advertisements in theatres was a great idea – kudos to them for that one.
The Burlington Fugitive Friday feature is working so well that some of the people the police are looking for are calling in to surrender before they get featured in a media release.
Very recently – one fugitive’s lawyer asked if the media release in the gazette could be pulled – the lawyer was in the process of arranging for his client to meet with the police.
Even more recently there were two cell phone calls to police advising them of people driving in an erratic manner – police caught up with the drivers and arrests were made for driving while under the influence.
It is observant and vigilant citizens that make police work effective. Keep it up.
By Staff
December 2, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Karen FRANKLIN, 45 yrs of Hamilton was arrested at her Hamilton residence and charged with five counts of break, enter and theft and two counts of possession of credit cards obtained by crime. She was released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on December 30th 2015..
 Karen Franklin – arrested The Gazette first reported on the thefts that took place at a Burlington retirement home while the residents were out of their rooms having a meal.
The police were able to provide a photograph which the Gazette published. The police report that “assistance from members of the public led to the identification and arrest of Franklin.
Police are appreciative of all public assistance and encourage further reporting of any crimes or identifying those involved in criminal activity by contacting police or utilizing crime stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
The Regional police have set up a “Caught-on-Tape“ page on their web site.
They also Twitter @HRPSBurl
By Pepper Parr
November 30th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
These stories are tragic.
The moment names are put into the public domain there are hundreds of people who lose.
Sexual assault is so damaging to the victim, to the school at which it took place, to the families of the person charged with the crime – the damage and the personal pain is never ending – lives are destroyed.
The Halton Regional Police Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau have concluded an investigation involving allegations made against a teacher in Burlington.
On Friday November 27, 2015, a Burlington man was arrested after receiving complaints of physical abuse and inappropriate sexual touching by several students.
Dennis CONNOLLY, 58, of Burlington, has been charged with:
Assault
Sexual Assault x 3
Sexual Interference x 3
During the time of these incidents, the accused was employed with the Halton District School Board as a music teacher at Alexander’s Public School in the City of Burlington, he is not currently working at the school.
Investigators suspect there could be additional victims and are encouraging them to contact Detective Constable PRESCOD of the Halton Regional Police Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8977 or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
November 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It doesn’t get more foul than this – a female sneaking into the rooms of seniors at a retirement home while they are away for meals and stealing cash and banking cards.
The Halton Regional Police have responded to reports of a female going into two retirement homes at scheduled mealtimes, gone into residents rooms and stolen cash and banking cards. Both of these incidents occurred on November 19th between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
 Female is believed to have entered the rooms of seniors while they were in the dining room having their meals – police would really like to find this person – can you help? Police are following up on these incidents and need the public’s assistance in learning the identity of this female.
If anyone has information that will assist police in identifying this female please contact D/Cst Nadine Clarke of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Halton Regional Police at the contact information listed below.
Alternately members of the public may also call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The female is described as:
– white
– early to mid 40’s in age
– blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail
– about 5’8″ to 5’9″ in height
– Thin build (in these incidents a black puffy jacket was worn concealing the thin build)
– Black near knee high boots
– Light coloured pants
– Female carrys a black purse.
– This female appears clean cut and well dressed.
By Staff
November 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Most police work is day to day drudgery – driving around with eyes peeled for behaviour that looks to be out of the ordinary.
Standing in cold weather doing RIDE checks.
There is nothing glamorous about the work – and in the Region of Halton things for the most part are pretty quiet.
The Halton Regional Police 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau partnered with the Hamilton Police B.E.A.R. Office and the Niagara Regional Police Grimsby Criminal Investigation Branch in a joint investigation into a series of armed robberies that took place across three jurisdictions – Burlington, Hamilton Grimsby. One suspect remains outstanding.
On October 18, 2015, the suspects that have been arrested robbed The Super Convenience Store on Plains Rd in the City of Burlington.
On October 18, 2015 the suspects robbed the Big Bonus Convenience in the area of Upper James in the City of Hamilton
On October 21, 2015 the suspects robbed the Husky Gas Station in the area of Limeridge Rd East in the City of Hamilton
On October 24, 2015 the suspects robbed the Husky Gas Station in the area of Mohawk Rd W. in the City of Hamilton
On October 27, 2015, the suspects robbed the Husky Gas Station on Plains Road East in the City of Burlington.
On October 27, 2015 the suspects robbed the Husky Gas Station in the area of Gray’s Rd. in the City of Hamilton
On October 28, 2015 the suspects robbed the Husky Gas Station in the area of Hwy #5 in the City of Hamilton
On October 29, 2015, the suspects robbed a pharmacy in in the Town of Grimsby.
That is a crime spree.
 The police have arrested the person in the red sweater – they are still looking for the person in the grey hood.  Person in the grey hood added a disguise but the eyes are pretty clear. Is this someone you recognize? Police are appealing to the public to assist in identifying one of the suspects caught on video surveillance in Grimsby. Police have identified the male in the red sweater and are looking to identify the suspect in the grey hooded sweatshirt who remains outstanding.
On November 19th 2015 two suspects were arrested for the above robberies. There is a third suspect the police have not yet located.
 A close up of the suspect in the grey hood – police want to find this person. Following the arrest of the two suspects, Hamilton and Halton officers executed search warrants on two homes and one vehicle. Several items were seized further strengthening the case.
Charged with the following offences are:
Ali TAHSEEN ALI, 20 years of Stoney Creek has been charged with:
10 counts of robbery
9 counts of wear disguise
1 count of weapons dangerous
1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery
Luai ASALIEH, 21 years of Glanbrook has been charged with:
1 count of wear disguise
1 count of weapons dangerous
1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery
The Gazette reported on the two robberies on Plains Road and commented at the time that these two events had all the sign of having been committed by the same people. We were right.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det/Cst Ryan Hay of the Hamilton Police BEAR office at 905 546 8938 or to remain anonymous, please contact Hamilton Crime Stoppers at 1 800 522 8477.
You can also contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2316 or call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
Anyone with any further information about any Hamilton related crimes is asked to contact Detective Constable Ryan Hay of the Hamilton Police BEAR office at 905 546 8938 or anyone wishing to remain anonymous is asked to contact Hamilton Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477.
Anyone with any further information about any Niagara related crimes is asked to contact The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at 905-688-4111. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Niagara https://niagaratips.ca/
By Pepper Parr
November 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There isn’t a parent out there that encourages their child to smoke. Some may tolerate the habit but by now we know that smoking is not going to improve your health – and while some think it is “cool” there is now far too much evidence telling even those who move their lips when they read that smoking will shorten your life span.
And yet cigarettes still sell – for $80 a carton which keeps many people away from the habit. Taxes have put a social habit out of reach for many, particularly young people who don’t have all that much disposable income.
But – the tobacco is addictive and there are those who have not been able to kick the habit. Create a market that is highly profitable and addictive enough and someone will find a way to serve the need.
Enter the criminal element – there are a reported 175 gangs in Canada peddling illegal contraband cigarettes at $8 to $10 for the equivalent of a carton. And targeting young people.
The hit to the federal coffers is bad enough – more than $2 billion a year in taxes that don’t get collected.
 Norm Bellefontaine on the left and Gary Grant on the right with demonstration packages of illegal cigarettes that are being sold by criminal gangs to young people. Some see the selling of illegal cigarettes as a “victimless crime” – that $2 billion that is not collected in taxes is money the governments cannot spend providing you with services.
So we have a product that is not healthy for you and expensive and is addictive as well. And now the criminals have put themselves into the business of selling the cigarettes.
Where is the pinch point? How do the police put a stop to the sale of cheap cigarettes and how do they get public support?
Enter Crime Stoppers – they provide an anonymous way for a parent to place a call telling where their child buys cigarettes. If enough people call Crime Stoppers the police begin to have enough data to figure out where the cigarettes are being sold and can do what they do best – apprehend criminals.
The crime of selling the illegal contraband is a difficult one for police to do all that much about – the selling of a product without collecting the tax is seen as a tax problem – it has only recently been made a part of the criminal code – and truth be told it isn’t one that many people get excited about.
Guns and hard drugs keep the police busy enough – who is going to bother with someone selling bags of illegal cigarettes?
That has been the problem – knowing that 42% of the cigarettes sold are contraband and illegal gives you some idea as to how big the problem is – the profits from the sale of contraband cigarettes becomes the seed money for other criminal activities.
Gary Grant is the national spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco. He is also a decorated retired police officer with the Toronto Police Service and current director and founder of Toronto Crime Stoppers.
 Crime Stoppers is a safe anonymous way to inform the police that you believe a crime has taken place. Gary’s career in policing started in 1968 when he joined the Toronto Police Department right after high school. His passion for community policing saw him assume a wide range of positions while working in law enforcement including stints as Staff Sergeant with the Public Complaints Investigation Bureau, Co-chair of the Toronto Police Chinese Consultative Committee and Aboriginal Consultative Committee as well as Staff Superintendent of Operational Services.
As his career grew, his leadership and success saw him assume roles with increasing responsibility including that of Interim Deputy Police Chief for the Toronto Police Service in 2005. Gary is a passionate supporter in the fight against contraband tobacco, and has been a vocal proponent of increased government intervention and involvement in the cause.
The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco is a Canadian advocacy group formed with the participation of businesses, organizations and individuals concerned about the growing danger of contraband cigarettes. They share the goals of working together to educate people and urge government to take quick action to stop this growing threat.
The Halton unit of Crime Stoppers is working with the Coalition and running an educational program and using the Crime Stoppers service as a platform parents can use to pass along information.
Hopefully it will work. The telephone number to call should you learn that your children are buying illegal cigarettes from criminals is on the poster above
By Staff
November 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Regional police working out of the Burlington detachment seem to have a brigade of citizens working for them.
On Saturday November 21, 2015 at 10:20 pm, a citizen observed a Ford motor vehicle being driven in an erratic manner in the area of Guelph Line near the intersection of Woodward Avenue. The citizen telephoned the Halton Regional Police Service because they suspected the driver of the vehicle may have been impaired.
Moments later the citizen observed the Ford motor vehicle lose control and strike a small traffic sign on a median at this intersection and then drive away.
The Halton Regional Police Service attended several minutes later and determined that the 35 year old female driver of this vehicle had previously consumed a quantity of alcohol.
The police officers arrested the female motorist and brought her to the 30 Division (Burlington) police station for breath testing. She subsequently refused to provide breath samples for testing.
Kelly Ann Broderick, 35 years old of the City of Burlington, was charged with:
1. Impaired operation of a motor vehicle.
2. Failing to provide breath samples upon demand of a police officer
She will have a court appearance on December 16, 2015 at the Town of Milton. There were no injuries in this incident and minor damage to the motor vehicle.
A citizen once again makes the right call and reports an impaired driver that struck a traffic sign.
The notification of this incident by the citizen was instrumental in the arrest of this impaired driver. On Friday November 20, 2015, a different citizen reported a similar event which resulted in an impaired driving arrest of another person.
The Halton Regional Police works diligently to reduce incidents of impaired driving. The police service is about to begin its annual holiday RIDE campaign to attempt to prevent impaired driving.
Citizens are encouraged to report motorists who are driving in a manner that is a risk to public safety or if it is known that their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Citizens can call the emergency line of 911 if the event is in progress or can call the main police number at 905 825-4777. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637
By Staff
November 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Citizen makes the right call and reports an impaired driver who drove into a ditch (Burlington)
Friday night, just a little before 9:00 pm, Karie Ann Benham, 40 years old of the Town of Oakville drove her car into a ditch.
A citizen observed a Hyundai motor vehicle being driven in an erratic manner in the area of North Service Road near the intersection of Guelph Line in the City of Burlington. The citizen telephoned the Halton Regional Police Service as they were concerned that the driver of this motor vehicle may have been impaired.
Moments later the citizen observed the Hyundai motor vehicle lose control and get stuck in a ditch at the side of the North Service Road. There were no other motor vehicles involved in this incident and no person was injured after the vehicle became stuck in a ditch. There was only minor damage to the Hyundai motor vehicle.
The Halton Regional Police Service attended several minutes later and determined that the 40 year old female driver of this vehicle had previously consumed a quantity of alcohol. The police officers arrested the female motorist and brought her to the 30 Division (Burlington) police station for breath testing.
The breath testing results indicated that her blood alcohol concentration was excessive and over three times the legal limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Karie Ann Benham, 40 years old of the Town of Oakville was charged with:
1. Impaired operation of a motor vehicle.
2. Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over 80 mgs.
3. Failing to comply with a prior bail release condition.
The accused was held for a video remand hearing on Saturday November 21, 2015.
The Halton Regional Police works diligently to reduce incidents of impaired driving. Citizens are encouraged to report motorists who are driving in a manner that is a risk to public safety or if it is known that their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Citizens can call the emergency line of 911 if the event is in progress or can call the main police number at 905 825-4777. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
November 20th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police are issuing their 31st “Fugitive Friday” request to the public seeking help from the public to locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions.
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit shares information on a wanted person in hopes that the public can assist in locating the individual.
 Samantha Rose Dunlop 26 years old of, Sault St. Marie ON was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance in The City of Burlington: released under a promise to appear – doesn’t show up. The 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for Samantha Rose Dunlop 26 years old of, Sault St. Marie ON.
In October 2015, the accused was arrested for two counts of possession of a controlled substance in The City of Burlington. She was released from custody on a Promise to Appear and failed to attend her scheduled court date in November.
The accused is also wanted for several other offences in Sault St. Marie, including: Assault, Unlawfully in a dwelling, Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fail to Attend Court X 5, Transportation Fraud, Break and Enter and Theft.
Police have made numerous attempts to locate the accused with negative results and a warrant has been issued for her arrest.
She is wanted by Halton Regional Police Service for:
Possession of a Controlled Substance X2
Fail to Attend Court
DUNLOP is described as 5’7”, 125 lbs with brown hair and hazel eyes. DUNLOP has a tattoo on the back of her neck, Thai symbol – “STRENGTH”. DUNLOP is known to frequent the areas of Burlington, Sault St. Marie and the surrounding areas.
The police share “Fugitive Friday” information on their website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.
Anyone who may have witnessed this person or has information that would assist investigators in locating her are asked to contact D/C Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
November 19th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Personal Best has always meant achieving a time better than anything that she had achieved before for Kerry Halcovitch.
That personal best takes on a new dimension for Halcovitch who celebrates one year as a pancreatic cancer survivor.
Her next personal best? To compete in Ironman, Mont Tremblant, in June 2016 as a pancreatic cancer patient!
 For Kerry Halcovitch – personal best is a daily triumph. Pancreatic Cancer is a devastating diagnosis. 75% will pass within 3-9 months from diagnosis. 92% will not survive 5 years. These grim statistics have essentially remained relatively unchanged for over 40 years. In fact, research indicates that incidences of pancreatic cancer are in fact on the rise.
On Sunday, November 22nd, 2015 Burlington resident, Kerry Halcovitch, will kick off her Ironman training by inspiring 150 runners and walkers with her story of courage. She will then lead the 5km “Light Up the Lake” run starting from the Burlington Waterfront Hotel.
She will be speaking at 5:45 – it will be worth listening to.
Kerry and her husband David Halcovitch both work in law enforcement. Kerry is the Executive Assistant to Stephen Tanner, the Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service.
Kerry has run the Boston Marathon and is an Ironman athlete. David is a retired police officer, who completed his policing career with the Hanover Police Service as the Chief of Police. He presently is an international security specialist.
By Staff
November 19th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Anyone interested in learning more about the Forensic Identification Unit, the Tactical and Rescue Unit, or the Collision Reconstruction Unit of the Halton Regional Police Service might want to follow up on a really interesting opportunity.
Are you curious to know what it’s really like to be a police officer? Want to know about fraud and identity theft prevention?
The Halton Regional Police Service still has spots available for the upcoming session of the Citizen Police Academy. This informative and innovative program runs from 7-10 pm every Tuesday night for twelve weeks, between January 26th and April 12th 2016.
 How do the police choose dogs for the canine unit and how does the police officer handle the actual training – and where does the dog go at night? Each week participants are given presentations on various aspects of the Police Service. Just a few of the areas of the Police Service that are covered include Recruiting, Hostage Negotiations, Major Crime Investigations, Police Training Unit, Polygraph, Morality/Drugs, and the Communications Bureau.
This voluntary program is designed for anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of their local Police Service, and policing in Canada in general.
 How do the police get video from crime scenes and how do they analyze the information? Preference is given to persons who reside in, work in, or own a business in the Region of Halton.
For more information go online:
A current email address is mandatory for communication purposes and correspondence.
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