Crime « Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community

Gas station robbers arrested and held for a bail hearing.

By Staff

January 14th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

That was fast.

The Esso Station on Guelph Line at Derry Road was robbed early Wednesday – before the sun had set on Thursday two males were in custody and heading for a bail hearing.

Two males were arrested and have been charged in relation to an early morning robbery at the Esso Gas Station. The accused persons are:

Jacob DEMARSH (age 27) of Milton, Ontario
Andrew SMITH (age 25) of Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Charged with:

Esso gas station at Guelph Line and Derry Road robbed – two males arrested less than 36 hours later.

-Robbery
-Theft of Motor Vehicle
-Possession of Stolen Property- Over $5000
-Wear disguise with intent (DEMARSH only)

DEMARSH and SMITH have been held for a bail hearing and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on Friday January 15th 2016.

The same gas station was robbed in July of 2011

Anyone with further information in this case is encouraged to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel at 905 825-4747 extension 2343 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).

Esso gas station in rural North Burlington robbed yesterday and in 2011

By Staff

January 14th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

Early yesterday morning, a lone male entered the Esso gas station located at 6783 Guelph Line in Burlington and demanded money from the clerk while having his hand in his pocket insinuating a weapon being present.

This Esso station seems to be a favorite with the robbers – held up yesterday and in July of 2011

The clerk complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash from the till to the suspect who fled North out of the store and out of sight.

No vehicle observed by the clerk and the clerk was not injured.

The suspect is described as:

male/Caucasian, 20-30 years of age, 5”3-5”6 in height, approximately 140-150 pounds, slim build, blue/green eyes and light colored facial hair (approximately 2-3 days growth). The suspect was wearing a black/white plaid scarf around his face, red toque with a “Hockey night” blue emblem on the front, black jacket with hood and black pants.

The same gas station was robbed in July of 2011. A light blue box pick was used as the getaway vehicle then and we asked if there was a video. Was there a video this time?

Anyone with information that would assist in locating the suspect vehicle or identifying the suspect are encouraged to contact Detective Phil Vandenbeukel at 905 825-4747 extension 2343 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).

Burlington resident arrested for trafficking a person under the age of 18 years.

By Staff

January 11th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

The Halton Regional Police Service Human Trafficking and Vice Unit (HTVU) have arrested a Burlington male for trafficking a person under 18 years of age.

On January 8th 2016, the HTVU arrested Troy Terrance TAYLOR (21 years of age) for several human trafficking offences. The investigation revealed that TAYLOR had been trafficking a female minor for the purposes of sexual exploitation for a prolonged period of time.

Troy Terrance TAYLOR was charged with the following offences:

• Forcible Confinement – Section 279(2)
• Utter death threats – Section 264(1)(a)
• Assault with a Weapon – Section 267
• Trafficking in persons under 18 Section 279.011(1)
• Living on the avails of prostitution under eighteen – Section 212(2)
• Receiving material benefits – Section 279.02
• Receiving financial material benefits (child victim) – Section 286.2(2)
• Exercise control – Section 212(1) (h)
• Knowingly advertise – Section 286.4
• Make child pornography – Section 163.1(2)
• Sexual exploitation of a young person – Section 153 (1) (b)

TAYLOR will appear in Milton Court on January 11th 2016.

Investigators believe that TAYLOR is not involved with trafficking any unknown victims at this time.

Police report vehicles in Walkers Line and Medland Drive part of the city broken into. Arrest made

By Staff

January 11, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

Revised with additional police information.

It was cold out there last night – police report that a male was seen breaking into cars in the area of Walkers Line and Medland Drive, in the City of Burlington.

Police responded and after a short foot pursuit an adult male was taken into custody. A quantity of property was recovered, but officers are unable to determine how many vehicles in the area may have been entered.

The first call to the police was at 12:55 AM, when a resident of Medland Drive as woken by a sound outside and looked to see a male wearing a black hooded jacket rummaging through his vehicle which was parked in the driveway.

The male then exited the vehicle and walked away in a southbound direction at which time police were called.

As a result of a canine track, the male was located hiding behind a tree on Walkers Line where he attempted to run from police however he was quickly apprehended after a brief physical confrontation where he tried to resist being arrested.

The male was found to have a significant amount of property in his possession that was believed to have been stolen from other vehicles. This property consisted of change, metal cigarette container, sunglasses, several bottles of cologne & aftershave, gift cards, blue headband, silver pendant and a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey puck. The owners of this property have yet to be identified. Anyone missing such items are encouraged to call the investigating officer.

Arrested and held for bail is:

Michael Kenneth MORSE (34 yrs) of Main Street West in Hamilton

Charges:
Trespassing by night
Assault with intent to resist arrest
Possession of property obtained by crime
Breach probation.

Anyone with information are asked to contact Det. Ellie Bale of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Residential Crime Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2312 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The Halton Police are continuing their investigation – they may well be getting calls from drivers who have discovered their cars were broken into last night.

If you have any information regarding this theft investigation, or you may be a possible victim, call us at 905-925-4747.

23 of the 37 Friday Fugitives have been arrested - the question now is - how many of them were released on bail and failed to appear for their day in court?

By Staff

January 8th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

The Halton Regional Police Service, Burlington station, reached out to the public for help locating wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions. The results of this initiative were impressive.

Week 1 – Raymond FRENCH (WANTED)
Outstanding charges for stealing $15000 from a senior’s home whom he befriended

Week 2 – Curtis KOMP (ARRESTED FOUR DAYS AFTER THE RELEASE)
Located and arrested in Ottawa as a result of several tips to police from the public
Remains in custody awaiting trial

Week 3 – Kenneth MOODIE (WANTED)
Several outstanding charges for Drinking and Driving related offences

Week 4 – Scottie RYERSON (ARRESTED SAME DAY OF RELEASE)
Accused turned himself in to Halton Police as a result of the media release and attention

Week 5 – Mark AUBERTIN (ARRESTED IN HAMILTON)
Several outstanding charges in Halton for Break and Enter Commit x 8, Mischief under $5000 x 8, Fail to Comply Recognizance x 6, Possession of Break and Enter Instruments x 2, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Fail to Attend Court

Week 6 – Michael RAMSAY (ARRESTED)
Accused turned himself in to Halton Police as a result of the media release and attention, arrangements made through his lawyer.

Week 7 – Milan SUCHY and Blanka DOLEZALOVA (WANTED – PARTIES RESIDING OUT WEST, ONGOING EFFORTS TO EXECUTE WARRANTS)
Accused have outstanding charges for Fraud Under $5000, Theft Under $5000, Possession of Stolen Property x 2 and Fail to Re-Attend Court.

Week 8 – Sean KELLY (WANTED) and Jessica HAYNES (ARRESTED)
Jessica was located and arrested in Waterdown by Burlington CIB officers as a result of information received.

Sean remains wanted on outstanding charges for Fraud Under $5000, Theft Under $5000, Personation with Intent and Fail to Re-Attend Court.

Week 9 – Bryon BULLIED (WANTED)
Several outstanding charges in relation to stealing from an elderly male who was confined to his home

Outstanding charges include Theft under $5000 x 3, Unauthorized use of a Credit Card x 3, Fail to Comply with Undertaking, Breach of Probation Order
Accused is also wanted by Ottawa Police for Possession of a Substance x 2, Breach of Probation x 2 and Fail to Appear

Week 10 – Brennen BOWLEY (ARRESTED)
Accused turned himself in to Hamilton Police.
Accused had several outstanding charges with Halton Police, Hamilton Police and Niagara Police
Outstanding charges include Break and Enter Place, Dangerous Operation Motor Vehicle, Fail to Re-Attend Court, Fail to Comply Recognizance x 12, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession under $5000 x 3, Possession over $5000 x 2, Fail to Comply Probation x 2, Break and Enter Commit x 2, Theft under $5000 and Theft of Motor Vehicle

Week 11 – Corey Rodgers (ARRESTED)
Wanted for Assault with a Weapon, Assault and Fail to Attend Court

Week 12 – Marcin SYDOR (WANTED)
Wanted for Theft over $5000, Theft under $5000 x 3, Break and Enter with Intent, Mischief under $5000 x 2, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Breach of Probation and Fail to Re-Attend Court

The accused is also wanted by Hamilton Police for Fraud over $5000, Fraud under $5000 x 7, Breach of Probation, Fail to Comply Recognizance x 2, Breach of Undertaking x 2, Possess – Use of Credit Card x 29

Week 13 – Michael CRICK (ARRESTED), Ashley JACOBS (WANTED) ( JACOBS currently residing in Quebec, efforts on-going to execute her warrants)
JACOBS is wanted for Assault, Breach of Probation, Fail to Comply Undertaking and Fail to Attend Court

CRICK was wanted Theft under $5000 x 2, Fail to Re-Attend Court and Fail to Comply Probation

Week 14 – Ahmad ALAMI (ARRESTED)
ALAMI was located and arrested by Niagara Police as a result of tips received

Week 15 – Beth MICHAUD (ARRESTED)
MICHAUD surrendered to Police as a result of pressure associated with her media release

Week 16 – Darnell PARCHMENT-YATES (ARRESTED)
PARCHMENT-YATES was wanted for Theft under $5000 x 4, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x 2 and Fail to Appear Court

Week 17 – Korde HILL (WANTED)
HILL is wanted for Theft of Motor Vehicle and Possession of Stolen Property

HILL is also wanted by Six Nations Police Service for Possession of Break and Enter Instruments, Occupy Motor Vehicle without Consent and Possession of CDSA

Week 18 – Matthew PARSONS (WANTED)
PARSONS is wanted for Theft under $5000 x 2, Possession of Schedule III x 2, Fail to Re-Attend Court and Fail to Appear Court x 3

Week 19 – Ryan Andrew WOOD (WANTED) (Believed to be in BC, efforts on-going to execute warrant)
WOOD is wanted for Trafficking Schedule I, Fraud under $5000, Public Mischief, Fail to Comply with Recognizance x 2, Fail to Re-Attend Court x 2

He is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule II, Production Schedule II – Marihuana and Fail to Re-Attend Court

Week 20 – Joshua WEEDMARK (WANTED)
Weedmark is wanted for Mischief – Interfere with Law, Mischief under $5000, Fail to Comply with Probation and Fail to Re-Attend Court

Week 21 – Christian Stuart DRENNAN (ARRESTED)
Possession of a Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Care or Control – Impaired, Fail to Re-Attend Court

Week 22 – Brennan HOWE-PATTISON (ARRESTED)
Assault with a Weapon, Assault, Mischief under $5000, Breach of Probation

Week 23 – Trevor Grant ADAMS (ARRESTED)
Assault with a Weapon, Assault, Mischief under $5000, Breach of Probation

Week 24 – Michael DAWE (ARRESTED)
Possession of a Weapon – Dangerous Purpose, Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy to Commit and Indictable Offence, Fail to Re-Attend Court

Week 25 – Vezio CARDULLO (ARRESTED)
Theft under $5000 x 3

Week 26 – Beth MICHAUD (ARRESTED)
Fraud under $5000 x 2, Uttering Forged Documents x 2 and Fail to Appear Court x 2

Week 27 – Jordan MILLER (WANTED)
Possession of Stolen Property under $5000, Breach of Probation Order x 2

Also wanted by Brant OPP and Brantford Police

Week 28 – Donald Ray McGILL (ARRESTED)
Driving while Impaired, Driving over 80mgs, Fail to Re-Attend Court

Week 29 – Scott MacDONALD (ARRESTED)
Theft under, Fail to Comply Undertaking x 2, Fail to Comply Probation

Week 30 – Nicholas SAWADSKI (ARRESTED)
Theft under $5000, Fail to Comply Probation, Fail to Re-Attend Court

Week 31 – Samantha Rose DUNLOP (WANTED)
Theft under $5000, Fail to Comply Undertaking x 2, Fail to Comply Probation

Week 32 – JASON KEARNS (ARRESTED)
Possession of Ammunition while Prohibited, Possession of a Firearm while Prohibited, Knowledge of Unauthorized Firearm, Possession of a Prohibited/Restricted Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Breach of Firearms Regulation, Possession for the Purpose – Cocaine

Week 33 – Rob NELSON (ARRESTED)
Drive Impaired, Fail/Refuse Breath Sample, Fail to Appear Court

Week 34 – Benjamin BRZEZINSKI (ARRESTED)
Theft under $5000 x 2, Fail to Comply Probation x 4

Week35 – Kerry Lee HENWOOD (WANTED)
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

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.

The police share “Fugitive Friday” information on their website and via social media through Twitter @HRPSBurl and @HaltonPolice.

“The 2015 Fugitive Friday project has been a success as the sharing of information publicly has led to numerous wanted person being arrested and brought to court to answer to the charges against them. It is due to our concerned community, those that helped spread the wanted information via social media, that we have affected 23 arrests out of 37 wanted persons” said Detective Constable Calvin Bulbrook, the officer who brought the idea to Burlington..

Anyone who may have witnessed these wanted persons or has information that would assist investigators in locating them 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).

Comment on the Fugitive Friday initiative and the role media plays.

The Friday Fugitive initiative results were impressive - do we keep the news story on the web site once a person has been apprehended?

By Pepper Parr

January 8th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

The Halton Regional Police released the results of their Friday Fugitive initiative today – the results are impressive – 23 of the 37 people they were looking for were arrested.

Pictures of each of the wanted people, provided to us by the police, were published by the Gazette.

Publishing this picture now is entertainment.

Some of these people had very long criminal histories and would appear to still be living the life of a criminal. Several were preying on older people unable to protect themselves. Many of the people the police were looking for were wanted for failing to appear before a judge once they were released on bail.

Is publishing this picture also entertainment – the person happens to be a very dangerous individual.

The police spend a lot of time and financial resources apprehending the people wanted for committing criminal acts. They get to court and are released on bail – which means the police have to go looking for them all over again.

Jails are expensive places to operate. Should we jail people who fail to appear for a court hearing? If we don’t – what happens to public respect for the justice system?

Keep them in jail would seem to be the sensible thing to do. Problem with that is keeping people in jail is an expensive proposition. The criminal justice system seems to prefer to let them out and then have them re-arrested. Cheaper – but it also impacts on the respect the public has for the criminal justice system. For the rule of law to be effective there has to be strong public respect for that rule of law. Without it – we slide into anarchy and that is not a pretty picture.

Commonly called “super max” it is a provincial jail in Penetang where dangerous people are kept for long periods o time. There are frequent riots at this jail.

We are a civilized society with some very intelligent people working at the justice ministry – the public deserves to have the problem of how we handle people who consistently fail to appear in court when they are released on bail.

Our member of the provincial legislature might want to tackle this problem and see what she can get done.

As we reviewed the Fugitive Friday initiative, looking at the pictures of the people the police wanted to apprehend we were struck by the number of very young men who had run afoul of the law. Some of them were not much beyond boys and we wondered if we were serving a useful purpose by publishing their pictures know that once on the internet they are there for a long time – a long long time.

The Gazette has heard from several of those the police arrested in the past asking us to take down their picture. Is that our role?

Are we to be the judges of whose picture stays up and whose picture does not remain in the public domain?

One young man had several people write on his behalf – and we took the picture off the internet – but that really isn’t the role media plays.

At some point some prominent personality will have a relative or a family member that got themselves into a spot of trouble, made it into the media and asked if we could just quietly delete what was written.

It troubles us – is that our role? We don’t think so.

Do we remove all those who have been arrested and just keep those the police are still looking for?

Whose interests did we serve by publishing the results of the 2015 Fugitive Friday successes?

Do we know if the people who were wanted were actually found guilty?

What if they were acquitted – do we have the right to keep the “wanted by the police” information on the Gazette web site?

Police looking for a pick up truck involved in a hit and run on Fairview yesterday afternoon.

By Staff

January 7, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

The suspect vehicle in this matter has been located in the area of Woodland Avenue and New Street in Burlington.
Shortly before 12:00 PM on this date, an observant citizen located the vehicle unoccupied and contact police.
The vehicle involved was reported stolen to the Stratford Police Service. The theft and subsequent fail to remain are still under investigation.

Halton Regional Police are seeking public assistance in locating a vehicle involved in a hit and run that occurred at 1225 Fairview Street in Burlington.

On January 6th 2016 shortly after 3:10 PM, an unknown male operating a blue Chevrolet Silverado dually 4X4 with stolen licence plates, cut off another motorist which resulted in the motorist following the pickup truck to a mall parking lot where it came to a stop.

As the motorist was about to exit his vehicle, the dually suddenly reversed into the other vehicle at a significant speed to cause considerable damage including airbag deployment.

The pickup truck then fled the lot and was last seen travelling west on Fairview Street towards Maple Avenue.

The suspect driver is described as a white male, 35 to 44 years of age, 190lbs, average build, scruffy brown hair, teeth are stained and possibly missing a tooth. He was wearing a black baseball hat, light and dark brown leather jacket.

Anyone with information that would assist in locating the suspect vehicle or identifying the suspect are encouraged to contact Constable Phil Bibawi at 905 825-4747 extension 2305 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).

Fewer arrests for driving while under the influence; more warnings given. Are people getting the message?

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.

This is not the government trying to help you - this is someone wanting to steal your money.

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.

Police swear in two new members to the canine team - public school students named one of the dogs Arrow

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.

Police are looking for offender with 87 convictions beleived responsible for the theft of personal property at the hospital.

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.

Police investigating a fire om Artreva Court. Fire Marshall determines fire was criminal in nature.

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).

Halton Police R.I.D.E. Checks in Full Force - You can lose a lot more than your licence.

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.”

Police are looking for a fugitive who has failed to comply with four probation orders - wanted for theft as well.

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).

Halton Police Investigate String of Break and Enters in Oakville and Burlington

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).

Two thieves use drug sniffing dog and walkie talkies while breaking into a storage unit - police report that drugs were stolen

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).

Crime Stoppers set a new record - more than 1000 tips called in so far this year. That is good news - isn't it?

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.

Police arrest woman who they believe stole cash and credit cards from retirement home rooms while the residents were at a meal.

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

Music teacher arrested on three sexual assault charges at public schools.

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).

Thief goes into rooms of seniors while they are having dinner and steals their cash and bank cards.

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.

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