Regional police officers now carrying Tasers - little public discussion on the need and nothing in the way of notice.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

June 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The use of Tasers by police forces across Canada has been an issue for many – whacking someone with a massive jolt of electricity is better than shooting them – but a number of people die from the electrical shock from a Taser.

Taser’s are not cheap and a police force needs time and money to train its staff.

Why does all this matter – because the Halton Regional Police Force is now arming some of its officers with Taser’s.

There hasn’t been any public discussion about the need for the weapon. Burlington’s representative on the Police Services Board hasn’t said a word and we have not seen a media release on the introduction of Tasers.

The Gazette was given a heads up a number of months ago that the Halton Regional Police had placed an order for 400 units.

HRPS taser

That yellow object just above the police officers right hand is the pistol grip of a Taser. Burlington is reported to have ordered several hundred of the devices.

We realized the order had been placed and that officers were now armed with the deadly weapon device when we saw one of the devices on the hip of asn officer investigating a disturbance complaint in front of a local pub.

A Taser isn’t meant to kill but the piece that follows – which came from the CBC – makes it pretty clear that they do and that many police forces are not properly trained.

Tasers are hand-held weapons that deliver a jolt of electricity through a pair of wires propelled by compressed air from up to 10.6 metres away.

The jolt stuns the target by causing an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue. The target is immobilized and falls to the ground — regardless of pain tolerance or mental focus.

Taser stands for “Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle.” It is named after a series of children’s science-fiction novels written in the early 20th century featuring the young genius inventor Tom Swift.

Who makes them?
Arizona-based Taser International makes virtually all of the stun guns being used today. The technical term for a stun gun is a “conducted energy device” (CED) or “conducted energy weapon” (CEW).  Taser International says more than 16,200 law enforcement agencies in more than 40 countries use its devices. Since early 1998, more than 543,000 Taser brand immobilizers have been sold to law enforcement agencies.

There are five main types of stun guns made by Taser used by law enforcement agencies:

M26: A high-powered weapon marketed to police forces to stop “highly combative individuals.” A burst of compressed nitrogen launches two small probes attached to the device by conductive wires. From as far as 10.6 metres, the device transmits electrical pulses through the wires to immobilize a person. Also has a laser sight for aiming.
X26: A smaller model introduced in 2003. Launches two small probes as far as 10.6 metres.
X3: A triple-shot semi-automatic introduced in 2009. Capable of deploying three separate sets of two small probes as far as 10.6 metres as a backup shot in the event of a miss or to stop up to three separate targets.
X2: A double-shot semi-automatic introduced in 2011. Capable of deploying two separate sets of two small probes as far as 10.6 metres as a backup shot in the event of a miss or to stop up to two separate targets.
XREP: A CED projectile deployed by a pump action 12-guage shotgun round capable of hitting targets as far away as 30 metres.

What is ‘excited delirium?’
Excited delirium has been cited as a factor in the deaths of several people who were shocked by stun guns.
According to some psychologists, a person with excited delirium acts agitated, violent, sweats profusely and is unusually strong and insensitive to pain. Then, the victim’s heart races and eventually stops beating.

In the United States, Tasers are not considered firearms and are legal for civilian use in most states. Some cities, counties and states do restrict — or ban — their use by people who are not police officers. The company will not ship its product outside the United States unless the person placing the order holds a valid import/export permit.

In Canada, however, Tasers are a prohibited weapon. Only one company can import them into Canada under a special permit, and they can only sell the devices to law enforcement agencies, said RCMP Cpl. Greg Gillis, who trains police officers in how to use Tasers. Each Taser sale is registered and tracked, much like a handgun, he said.

Tasers are supposed to allow police officers to subdue violent individuals without killing them. A police officer can “take down” a threatening suspect without worrying that a stray bullet might kill or injure an innocent bystander.

“There’s no question that there are certainly lots of documented examples in Canada where had we not had the Taser and had to respond with more traditional options, that it could have resulted in a higher level of force,” said Gillis. “For example, the firearm: … with a firearm, there are only two outcomes … it’s going to be a permanent injury or a loss of life.”

“We don’t speak often enough about the number of lives that have been saved, the number of people that are up and walking around today that might not have been had it not been for a Taser,” says Steve Palmer, executive director of the Canadian Police Research Centre. The CPRC is a partnership among the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the RCMP and the National Research Council of Canada.

Amnesty International says that between 2001 and August 2008, 334 Americans died after Taser shocks. The stun gun was deemed to have caused or contributed to at least 50 of those deaths, Amnesty says, citing medical examiners and coroners. Most suspects were unarmed, and many were subjected to repeated or prolonged shocks, according to Amnesty.

On Oct. 14, 2007, Robert Dziekanski, 40, of Pieszyce, Poland, died at Vancouver International Airport after being shocked five times with a Taser by RCMP officers.  Airport security called the RCMP for help after Dziekanski allegedly was pounding on windows and throwing chairs and computer equipment.

Initially, the Mounties speculated that he died from a rare condition called excited delirium. Excited delirium is described as an agitated state in which a person experiences an irregular heartbeat and suddenly dies. It can happen to psychiatric patients and people using drugs such as cocaine. But critics charge that excited delirium is not a valid medical term.

A coroner concluded Dziekanski died as a result of the stress from both the Taser stuns and the struggle with police as they pinned him to the ground and handcuffed him.
How much electricity does a Taser use?  News reports will often quote the voltage delivered by a Taser — up to 50,000 volts. That sounds like a lot of electricity, but it’s a misleading way of expressing the power a Taser uses.

Voltage and current:  Electricity is the flow of electrons through a wire or other conductor. Voltage and current are two separate ways of measuring electricity.  Voltage is the amount of force that is driving a flow of electrons. If you imagine electricity as water flowing through a pipe, the voltage is the water pressure in the pipe.   Current, measured in amperes or amps, is the rate of flow of electrons through a wire, similar to the rate of water flow in a pipe, measured in litres per second.   It’s possible for an electrical circuit to have high voltage, but low current. It would be analogous to a dentist’s water jet used to remove plaque: high pressure, but low flow.   A low-voltage, high-current circuit would be analogous to a storm sewer. A great deal of water passes through but at low pressure.

Tasers work by passing electricity through a pair of wires. Weighted barbed hooks at the ends of the wires are propelled toward the target by compressed air.  Tasers are designed to incapacitate a person through up to five centimetres of clothing. Taser International says the electrical pulse is delivered at a high voltage because the electric current has to pass through clothing and air — neither of which is a good conductor of electricity — to make a complete circuit with the target’s skin.

Taser International also says that while its device can deliver up to 50,000 volts in an open air arc only, it does not deliver that much voltage to a person’s body. The company says its Taser X26 delivers an average of 1,200 volts.   As well, the high-voltage pulse of a Taser is said to carry only a small current, typically 0.002 to 0.03 amps.

By comparison, electrical outlets in Canada deliver 120 volts of electricity, and the current they carry depends on the appliance that’s plugged into them. A 60-watt light bulb, for example, pulls 0.5 amps, while a toaster pulls about five amps.   It’s possible to suffer a fatal shock from a household electrical socket, at just 120 volts with 15 amps, if enough current passes through the body.

The procedures, conducted by U.S.-based lab National Technical Systems, found that 10 per cent of the X26 model Tasers produced more electrical current than the weapon’s specifications.

In some cases, the current was up to 50 per cent stronger than specified. The X26 Tasers were manufactured before 2005 and are one of the most commonly used models.

Taser International said CBC made scientific errors by failing to spark-test the weapons before firing them, a process the company recommends police officers do on a regular basis. But engineers who reviewed the testing protocol for CBC said the tests were based on solid practices.
What’s the Canadian perspective?

Since Dziekanski’s death,Taser use in Canada has come under intense scrutiny.

The RCMP in May 2010, released new stun gun restrictions, indicating officers are only permitted to use the weapons in cases where a person is causing bodily harm or an officer has “reasonable grounds” to believe a person will “imminently” harm someone.

RCMP officers must also give a verbal warning “where tactically feasible” before using their stun guns, according to the new policy.

In December 2009, Paul Kennedy, head of the Commission for Complaints Against the RCMP, the RCMP watchdog agency, had released a damning report on the conduct of RCMP involved in the Dziekanski’s death. Specifically, Kennedy criticized the RCMP’s training practices and use of force guidelines, saying the force appears to have dropped historic guidelines directing officers to minimize intervention and use the least amount of force required to get the best results.

A provincial public inquiry into the use of Tasers and the death of Dziekanski began on May 5, 2008, in Vancouver under commissioner Thomas Braidwood, a retired B.C. Appeal Court justice. In a preliminary report made public July 23, 2009, he concluded that stun guns can be deadly and that the B.C. provincial government had abdicated its responsibility to establish province-wide standards for their use.

After the release of the first report, the B.C. provincial government said it would act immediately to adopt Braidwood’s recommendations.

The Braidwood Inquiry in its final report, released in June 2010, concluded the RCMP was not justified in using a Taser against Dziekanski.

“This tragic case is, at its heart, a story of shameful conduct by a few officers,” Braidwood said.

The report called for an independent provincial body to investigate police actions and warned that public confidence in the RCMP was flagging.
How many police forces use stun guns?

Across Canada, 129 law enforcement agencies were using CEWs by the end of 2010.

In 2008, the RCMP, which introduced Tasers into its arsenal in 2001, had 2,800 Tasers and 9,100 officers who were trained to use them.

Figures compiled by the Canadian Police Research Centre suggest that most mid-size police forces use stun guns between 50 to 60 times a year on average. They were used 51 times in 2006 by police officers in Quebec.

Statistics prepared by RCMP officers show that Mounties drew or threatened to draw their Tasers more than 1,400 times in 2007, up from 597 in 2005.

Public concern is growing over the increasing use of Tasers in light of mixed reports on their safety and the lack of details surrounding incidents of Taser deployment by law enforcement agencies. Many of the incident reports released publicly by the RCMP are incomplete, with several key areas left blank.

That was probably more information than you wanted or needed – given what we now know does Halton really need Tasers?

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Citizen spots man with knife in his waistband - calls police - arrest made; not the first arrest for this man.

Crime 100By Staff

June 5, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Thursday June 4th 2015 at about 8:00 PM, a citizen observed a male concealing a knife in the front of his waistband in the area of Hurd Street and Caroline Street in Burlington.

Police responded to the area, located and arrested the male a short distance away. The male was found to be in possession of a small quantity of marihuana as well as two knifes concealed in his waistband.

After further investigation, it was learned the two knives had just been stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Hurd Street.

Police also located a pair of sunglasses and an iPod on the ground in an area where the male had been observed hopping a fence on Hurd Street. The owner of this property has not been located. Anyone missing such items are encouraged to call the investigating officer.

Arrested and held for bail is:

Wayne Gordon PUNTER (38 yrs) of Maple Crossing Boulevard in Burlington

Charges:

Theft under $5000
Breach Probation X 3
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)

The Gazette gets a news feed from the police regularly. We are amazed at the number of arrests made by the police based on a call they got from an observant citizen. It would be interesting to note what the conviction rate was.

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).

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Province gets tougher on drivers who insist on using their cell phones - fine could reach $1000.

News 100 redBy Staff

June 4, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Yacking away on your cell phone while driving could cost you a fine of $1,000 and the loss of three demerit points – and probably a boost in your insurance premium.

Cell phone while driving

This kind of behaviour will cost three demerit points and a possible $1000 fine. Let’s hope judges decide not to be timid when handing out the fines

An amendment to the Highway Traffic Act — one of several new road safety measures — is to become law this fall. The legislation to make this happen received unanimous support.

Before the police begin their crack down the transportation ministry will be launching an education campaign to make sure motorists get the message that distracted driving is eclipsing drunk driving for causing fatalities.

“People have to be constantly reminded that it is crucial to keep their eyes on the road,” said the Minister of Transportation, adding that what is really needed is “cultural transformation” that drives homes to motorists that driving requires 100 per cent of their attention.

Police and officials with safety organizations have been urging government for years now to toughen up the penalties for distracted driving, which currently only carries a fine.

Police have “seen a disturbing trend with needless deaths on the rise. They are totally preventable. Since distracted driving laws were introduced in 2009, 505 lives have been lost in OPP-investigated collisions in which driver distraction was a causal factor.”
Brian Patterson, president and CEO at Ontario Safety League, said distracted driving “is not just a bad habit, it’s a deadly habit,” adding there are many patients at Toronto’s Sunnybrook hospital who bear witness to that.

“As people get the message the roads will become safer,” said Patterson, adding that sometimes it also takes a ticket to get a driver’s attention.

Cycling driver dooring a cyclist

Fines for drivers that “door” cyclists to be increased + increase in demerit points.

The Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act will:

Increase fines for distracted driving from the current range of $60 to $500 to a range of $300 to $1,000, assign three demerit points upon conviction, and escalate sanctions for novice drivers who are convicted.

Apply current alcohol-impaired sanctions to drivers who are drug-impaired.

Require drivers to let pedestrians completely cross the road before proceeding at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers.

Increase fines and demerit points for drivers who “door” cyclists, and require all drivers to maintain a minimum distance of one metre when passing cyclists where possible, as well as allow cyclists to use the paved shoulders on unrestricted provincial highways.

Help municipalities collect unpaid fines by expanding licence plate denial for drivers who do not pay certain Provincial Offences Act fines.

Allow more qualified medical professionals to identify and report medically unfit drivers and, clarify the types of medical conditions to be reported.

The new fines and measures will come into force over the coming months, the transportation ministry says.

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Guitar thieves arrested day after news story appears - two charged with theft over $5000.

Crime 100By Staff

June 4, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Well that didn’t take very long did it?

The Gazette posted a short news story on two people caught on camera at Long & McQuade stealing two guitars.

The two persons were arrested in Hamilton with the assistance of uniformed officers from the Hamilton Police Service.

Female suspect Long and McQuade

Amber FISHER

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Stephen FRASER

Both entered the store carrying empty guitar cases. The suspects were observed on video surveillance to select two high end guitars and place them in the cases. The suspects then exited the store making no attempt to pay for the concealed items. The two stolen guitars are a GIBSON ES 345TDC and a GIBSON USA LP Traditional.

Both persons were returned to Burlington for further investigation which resulted in the recovery of both stolen guitars.
Stephen FRASER (27-yrs) and Amber FISHER (21-yrs) both of Hamilton are charged with theft over $5000 and will appear in Milton Court on June 24th 2015.

They won’t be strumming the strings of those Gibson’s at the Sound of Music Festival.

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Two suspects caught on camera stealing high end guitars - police would like to know if you recognize them.

Crime 100By Staff

June 1, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It was brazen and except for the video that was taken they got away with it – so far

Two people stole two high quality Gibson guitars from the Long and McQuade Musical Instruments location on Mainway

The Halton Regional Police are seeking the public’s assistance in catching the thieves.

Female suspect Long and McQuade

Female suspect – caught on camera stealing a guitar

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Male suspect caught on video stealing a guitar.

Early in an afternoon, two suspects, one female and one male entered Long and McQuade Musical Instruments located on Manway. Both entered the store carrying empty guitar cases. The suspects were observed on video surveillance to select two high end guitars and place them in the cases. The suspects then exited the store making no attempt to pay for the concealed items. The two stolen guitars are a GIBSON ES 345TDC and a GIBSON USA LP Traditional.

Both were captured on video.

Brazen indeed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Erin Cooper of 3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 825-4747 ext 2313 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).

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Police hold contest for elementary school students - asking them to help name the new canine recruit.

News 100 blueBy Staff

June 1, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Halton Police Getting Help from Halton Elementary Students to Name our New Canine Recruit

Halton Regional Police is looking forward to the addition of a sixth Canine team; this new four-legged recruit is due to join us in late summer.

Police service dog

Regional police are asking all the elementary students in Halton to take part in a contest to give this police pup a name.

The new Police Service Dog will join PSD Tracker, PSD Storm, PSD Parker, PSD Bishop and PSD Nero in their efforts to protect and serve the communities in Halton.

The retired Police Service Dogs are: Chase, Kingston, Sniper, Justice, Honour, Gage, Kruz, Baron, Titan, Juno and Valour.

The Regional police have invited all the elementary schools in Halton to take part in this name the K9 contest. They have until Friday June 5, 2015 to submit their chosen name.

The police are encouraging the children to be original and imaginative and to come up with one name entry for each school. A single syllable is preferred; however a maximum of two is accepted. A gender neutral name is also suggested.

How the community can get involved:

Beginning June 10, 2015, the community will have two ways in which to vote for their favorite name.

A hashtag campaign will be run on the @HaltonPolice and @HRPSK9 Twitter accounts and non-Twitter users can go to our website at www.haltonpolice.ca.

The name that collects the most hashtags and online votes will be the winning name which will be revealed on Monday June 22, 2015.

The school who nominated the winning name will receive a visit from Chief Tanner, the new K9 handler and new Police Service Dog when its training is completed in the Fall.

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Regional police are looking for Michael John RAMSAY.

Crime 100By Staff

May 29, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It is week #6 for the Halton Regional Police Service “Fugitive Friday” initiative that has the Halton Regional Police, Burlington station reaching out to the public to help 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.

Ramsay Michael Fugitive Friday

Michael John RAMSAY

In this edition of Fugitive Fridays the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for Michael John RAMSAY, 40 years old, of Burlington, ON.

In May 2014, the accused was involved in an altercation and subsequently charged with assault.
In December 2014, the accused fail to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest for the charges of:

Assault

Breach of Recognizance
Fail to Appear Court

The accused is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for:

Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Refuse – Breath Sample
Fail to Attend court x 2

Michael RAMSAY is described as 5’10”, 230lbs, blue eyes and brown hair. RAMSAY has several tattoos (Left forearm – Warrior Demon, Dragon with a Scottish shield and a Heart with name in the centre of it, Right arm – sleeve with a Dragon, Family Crest, Demon and a Heart.
RAMSAY has ties to Halton, Hamilton, Toronto and the surrounding areas.

Anyone who may have witnessed this male or has information that would assist investigators in identifying him are encouraged to contact Det. St. Denis – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2305/2342 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).

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

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Regional police will lose both deputy chief's by the end of 2016; Police Services Board decides to do both an external and an internal search.

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 28, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There will be new brass to polish at Regional Police headquarters in Oakville.

The two deputy chiefs will have either turned in their badges or will be doing so in the not too distant future.
Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher retired earlier this year to take on the role of Deputy Chief for the South Simcoe Police Service. Deputy Chief Bob Percy announced he will not be seeking reappointment at the end of his current contract which expires in 2016.

Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher and Detective Donna Whittaker answer media questions during the display of all the cash and other valuable recovered during a bank break-in where the bad guys almost got away.

Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher on the left and Detective Donna Whittaker answer media questions. Fletcher leaves Halton for Simcoe in the near future.

The Halton Regional Police Services Board is embarking on a search for two Deputy Chiefs of Police. Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher retired earlier this year to take on the role of Deputy Chief for the South Simcoe Police Service. Deputy Chief Bob Percy announced he will not be seeking reappointment at the end of his current contract which expires in 2016.

The Halton Police Services Board decided that to ensure the Police Service continues to be led by innovative and progressive leaders, and the community continues to receive excellent and efficient service, applications from both internal and external candidates will be sought for these two positions.

“The Board recognizes the outstanding strength of leadership experience and expertise which currently exists internally in the Service. The Board believes only by undertaking a full internal/external search can the public be certain the very best are chosen, and a full internal and external search will give the successful candidates the greatest credibility in these positions as they will have been measured against a larger pool of candidates,” Mayor Rob Burton, Police Services Board Chair said.

The selection process will revolve around skills and abilities of candidates in continuing the successful implementation of the Service’s Business Plan and Goals and Themes. This is important to the Board in ensuring the current and future needs of the Service and the community are met.

Deputy Chief Bob Percy has handled some tricky situations in Burlington while he did his best to bring competive cycling to the Region.  He currently runs the Operations side of the Regional Police Service.

Deputy Chief Bob Percy has handled some tricky situations in Burlington He did his best to bring competitive cycling to the Region a number of years ago. He has announced that he will leave the Halton Police |Service in 2016.

To assist the Board in the selection process, the consulting firm Odgers Berndtson has been engaged. Burton noted they are highly qualified and have considerable experience in the selection of senior police executives across Canada”. The selection process will begin immediately with successors being identified by early fall.

The Halton Regional Police Services Board is a seven member civilian Board that oversees the Halton Regional Police. Under the Police Services Act, the Board is responsible for the Police Service operating and capital budgets; strategic planning; policies and priorities.

The Police Board’s fundamental responsibility is to ensure adequate and effective police services are provided to the citizens of Halton Region.

The Police Services Board now has an opportunity to place female police officers into senior positions. Chief Tanner, who holds a degree in psychology, sits on the Board.  How influential will he be in directing the choice of the two new deputies?

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Gas being pumped into vehicles with stolen plates - driver pulls away without paying.

Crime 100By Staff

May 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Now there is an interesting – even if criminal idea.

You steal the license plate off a car.

You put the stolen license plate on your car just before you drive in to fill your gas tank.

When the tank is full you drive off without paying for the gas you took.

Gas theft suspect

Looks pretty relaxed doesn’t he? Recognize him – call it in.

The plates on the car you are using might get caught on camera – not to worry – the plates are not yours. You might get caught on the camera as well but it wouldn’t be too hard to effect a disguise

The Regional police have run into this problem – early in April a suspect in a suspect was driving a grey Pontiac Grand Prix GT with stolen licence plates attached to it. The suspect filled the tank and fled without paying for the fuel.

The most recent case was at the Petro Canada Gas Station located at 5600 Mainway in the City of Burlington; a quick flip to the QEW where traffic will hide you.

Any person who may have information that would assist police in identifying this suspect (PHOTOS Attached) are asked to contact D/Cst. Dave Ardrey of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2306 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Regional police cracking down on distracted drivers - asking for public to help.

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Friday May 22, 2015 between 6:00am and 6:00pm, officers from the three regional District Response Teams collectively worked together to target the Big 4 driving behaviours that are responsible for placing road users at most risk, namely;

impaired driving
 distracted driving
 aggressive driving
 failure to wear a seatbelt

Officers focused their efforts along the Dundas Street commuter route in the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville.

Small click here - blackDuring the one-day education and enforcement project, a total of 197 Provincial Offence Notices were laid. The majority of these charges consisted of speeding and distracted driving offences.

Officers also provided several warnings and cautions regarding driving behavior.

Halton Regional Police would like to remind motorists that holding a cell phone when driving a motor vehicle is likely to become the leading cause of traffic fatalities by 2016. As such our Service remains committed to targeting motorists who commit this offence and doing all that is possible to ensure a safe commute.

The next Regional Safe Commute initiative will take place in the Towns of Milton and Halton Hills.

Anyone can report a traffic or driving concern by visiting our website and making a ROAD WATCH complaint.

ROAD WATCH is a community driven program encouraging anonymous reporting of incidents involving dangerous and/or aggressive driving. This program is an opportunity to bring an aggressive driver to our attention. Be the extra eyes and ears and learn more here:

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Fifth Friday fugitive wanted for eight break and enter offences.

Crime 100By Staff

May 22, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Every Friday, the Burlington Offender Management Unit shares information on a wanted person hoping the public can assist in locating the individual.

Aubertin Friday Fugitive

Mark AUBERTIN is described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, brown eyes and brown hair.

The program is in its fifth week and to date two of the four wanted persons has been apprehended.
This week the police would like your help in locating Mark Lloyd AUBERTIN, 42 years old, of Hamilton, ON.

Facts:
– During 2013 the accused committed numerous Break and Enters in Halton and Hamilton Regions by smashing car windows and stealing items from inside

– The accused was located and arrested in possession of several Break and Enter instruments in September 2013 at which time he was released on an Appearance Notice on a plethora of charges

– The accused was investigated again in December of 2014 at which time he was found to be in possession of Break and Enter Instruments, Stolen Property and a small quantity of drugs as well as being in breach of several of his court imposed conditions of bail

– The accused was released on a Recognizance and was required to attend court on May 4th, 2015 in Burlington which he failed to do and a warrant was issued for his arrest

– The accused has previous convictions for Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, Drugs, Break and Enter Commit, Thefts, Mischief and Escape Lawful Custody and is now wanted on a total of 34 charges.

He is wanted by Halton Regional Police Service 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
Fail to Attend Court

The accused is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for:

Fail to Comply Recognizance x 4
Fail to Re-Attend Court
Possession of Burglary Tools
Possession of Marihuana

Mark AUBERTIN is described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, brown eyes and brown hair. AUBERTIN has piercings in both ears and is known to frequent Hamilton, Burlington as well as the surrounding areas.

Anyone who may have witnessed this male 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).

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Property Manager Charged in 4.1 Million Dollar Condo Management Fraud

Crime 100By Staff

May 21, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

After a lengthy investigation by the Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit, a St. Catharines man has been arrested and charged for his involvement in defrauding thirteen local condominium corporations of 4.1 million dollars between March 2009 and September 2014.

Brett Mackenzie LEAHEY, 45 yrs, acted as the owner/operator of Integrated Condominium Management (ICM), a property management firm responsible for servicing and managing the finances of ten condominium corporations in the City of Burlington and three in the City of Hamilton.

Among several of the allegations, Mr. Leahey forged property maintenance invoices and contracts, fraudulently charged the condominiums for work not completed and re-distributed assets from the corporations to his business accounts for personal use.

“Our investigation would indicate that Mr. Leahey clearly took advantage of the position entrusted to him by these corporations for his own personal gain,” stated Detective Constable Derek Wilson of the Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit.

Leahey will appear for a bail hearing at Milton Provincial Court on Thursday May 21st, in relation to the following charges:

• Defraud the Public
• Fraud Over $5,000 – 7 Counts
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime – 3 Counts
• Utter Forged Document – 11 Counts
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime – 2 Counts

The condominiums involved were not named in the police report.

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One of two wanted individuals arrested in Peel - police ask the public not to approach Lorne General but to call 911 instead.

Crime 100By Staff

May 20, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

One down, one to go.

Alannah MARACLE was arrested on May 19th in the Peel region.

Lorne GENERAL managed to evade police and remains at large.

The Halton Regional Police Service had asked the public to assist in locating Lorne General.

The duo are wanted in connection with a residential break and enter, theft of motor vehicles, police pursuit and motor vehicle collisions which occurred in the City of Burlington on May 11th 2015.

Lorne GENERAL (28 years) is wanted for 22 charges and Alannah MARACLE (21 years) is wanted for 8 charges in relation to the incident in Burlington. Further charges are anticipated.

If a member of the public has knowledge regarding the whereabouts of GENERAL, they are encouraged to phone police. Personal safety is the #1 priority, please call police and do not approach these parties. Any person with information that can assist in this investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau – at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316/2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Friday Fugitive initiative is working - police have captured two out of the four fugitives that were being sought.

Crime 100By Staff

May 19, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

“Pressure, pressure, pressure that was definitely the theme this week” for the most recent Friday Fugitive.

Scottie Ryerson was arrested in Hamilton Friday evening after Halton police were able to contact him at which time he surrendered. He was under intense pressure from family and friends as a direct result of the media coverage as soon as articles were posted.

A previous Friday Fugitive, Curtis Komp remains in custody in Ottawa; he has been charged with 13 counts of False Pretences, two counts of Breach of Probation and two counts of Fail to Comply with Recognizance. Curtis is to appear in Ottawa court on May 19th where a guilty plea is anticipated.

French - Fugitive Friday

Raymond Lloyd French – still on the Friday Fugitive list

Fugitive Friday Moodie

Kenneth Lorne Moodie – there are people who want to talk to you

The count for this initiative is now two out of four back in police custody.

Still on the list are Kenneth Lorne Moodie and Raymond Lloyd French

French

Moodie

 

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Two wanted by police on a total of 30 criminal offense charges

Crime 100By Staff

May 17, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Detective Ellie Bale, 30 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau wants very much to meet up with two WANTED PARTIES.

The duo are wanted in connection with a residential break and enter, theft of motor vehicles, police pursuit and motor vehicle collisions which occurred in the City of Burlington on May 11th 2015.

Lorne GENERAL (28 years) is wanted for 22 charges and Alannah MARACLE (21 years) is wanted for eight charges in relation to the incident in Burlington. Further charges are anticipated.

If a member of the public has knowledge regarding the whereabouts of MARACLE and/or GENERAL, they are encouraged to phone police.

These two look like they may at some point qualify for Fugitive Friday recognition.

Personal safety is the #1 priority, please call police and do not approach these parties. Any person with information that can assist in this investigation is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau – at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316/2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 8477 (TIPS), or through the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Romance scam defrauds Burlington woman of $37,500

Crime 100By Staff

May 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A 61-year-old Burlington woman was defrauded $37,500 in an increasingly common romance scam targeting individuals who frequent online dating sites.

The female met an unknown individual in February 2015 on a popular dating website and began an online relationship with them. The individual persuaded the female to wire transfer funds overseas to DUBAI, United Arab Emirates to assist with the purchase of horses and then several days later continued to convince her to send more money for the care of the horses.

When staff at the wire transfer business suspected the activity was fraudulent, the female continued to send additional money through her own bank. The female victim was devastated to learn that the relationship was deceitful and she had been victim to this scheme.

Halton Regional Police are reminding residents to be vigilant when communicating with anyone online, especially using online dating sites.

Please be cognizant of romance scam relationships and be suspicious of the following scenarios;

• Anyone you are not familiar with wanting you to send them money via wire transfer or through your bank.
• Asking to communicate with you outside the dating service or email.
• Requesting your address to send you flowers or gifts. Never give out your address or personal information.
• Claims they live in Canada or the U.S., but they are currently travelling, living or working abroad.
• Refers to your relationship as “destiny” or “fate.”
• Soon after initiating the relationship, outlines an emergency situation pleading you to assist them financially.

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).

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Police officer spots stolen car - arrests the occupants and discovers identity documents belonging to other people.

Crime 100By Staff

May 15th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

If there was ever any doubt that thieves regularly steal your identity any way they can – read on.

On Wednesday May 13, 2015 at 6:45am a Halton Regional Police uniform officer on patrol at Motel 6, located at 4345 North Service Road in the City of Burlington observed a motor vehicle that had been recently reported stolen by Ottawa Police. The vehicle was stopped and the occupants subsequently arrested.

Further investigation revealed the two female occupants in the vehicle were also in possession of several pieces of counterfeit government identification, stolen credit cards and a small quantity of marihuana.

Accused:
Line PHRAND, 55 years, from St.Andre D’Argenteuil, Quebec
Cynthia GILBERT, 38 years, from Montreal, Quebec
have both been charged with:

Possession of Stolen Property over $5000
Unauthorized Possession of Credit Card Data
Possession of Identity Theft Documents
Possession of Counterfeit Mark
Possession of a Controlled Substance

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).

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The police would like to talk to Scottie Ryerson; the Courts keep releasing him on bail and he fails to show up for his hearing.

Crime 100By Staff

May 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It is week #4 for Halton Regional Police, Burlington station “Fugitive Friday” initiative. This is the police reaching out to the community and asking for help in locating wanted persons and holding 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 hoping the public can assist in locating the individual.

Scottie Ryerson Friday Fugitive

Scottie Ryerson. Burlington police detachments Friday Fugitive

In this edition of Fugitive Friday the 3 District, Burlington Offender Management Unit is searching for:

Scottie Patrick RYERSON, 28 years old, of Hamilton, ON.

It is alleged:
– In December of 2014 the accused was investigated during a traffic stop for operating a Motor Vehicle while his licence was suspended
– Upon arrest a quantity of Heroin and Methamphetamines were located in the accused’s possession as well as a Machete.
– Further investigation revealed the accused was already on a form of release with Hamilton Police Service for Possession of Drugs – Methamphetamines as well as Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
– The accused was released on an Undertaking and was required to attend court on April 24th, 2015 in Milton which he failed to do and a warrant was issued for his arrest

He is now wanted for:

Possession of a Schedule I Drug (2 counts) – Heroin and Amphetamines
Breach of Undertaking (3 counts)
Fail to Appear Court

The accused is on an alarming pace racking up 11 current charges before the courts since December of 2014.

The accused is known to frequent areas of Halton Region as well as Hamilton and the surrounding area.

Scottie RYERSON is described as 5’8”, 165 lbs, blue eyes and brown hair.
RYERSON has several tattoos (Left forearm – Punisher skull, Right forearm – blade, skull with flames and the name Kaylee-Ann, Neck – Chain around his neck.

Anyone who may have witnessed this male 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).

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Two city employees struck by vehicle while working are reported to still be critical; third is not in any danger..

News 100 redBy Staff

May 14, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Three City of Burlington employees were engaged in landscaping work on a centre island median on Walkers Line, south of Berton Avenue.

At 9:30 am, the driver of a northbound Nissan Pathfinder lost control of the vehicle and mounted the island median.

Walkers Line at Berton

Scene of the accident that seriously injured three city employees who were working on the median island.

The Nissan struck all three landscapers, then came to rest on the grass at the east side of the roadway.

Two males, age 19 and 22, were transported to Hamilton General Hospital with critical injuries. They are presently in stable condition.

The third worker, a 34 year old female, was transported to Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The 51 year old male driver was not injured.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, but police have ruled out alcohol and cellular device usage. The police have not released the name of the driver of the Nissan.

This investigation is continuing and police are requesting anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Greg Cormier at 905-825-4747 ext. 5066.

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Latest bank scam - be vigilant, pay attention - and if in doubt - don't.

 

Identity theft - many faces  By Staff

  May 12, 2015

  BURLINGTON, ON

 

It looks like it could come from the Bank of Montreal – and we all make little goofs logging in. Did I make that many I might ask.

BMO scam - failed log ins

It might look legitimate – it isn’t.

This kind of scam is an attempt to get you to click on the link they want you to go to – then they begin to gather information. It doesn’t take them very long to get to the point where they have enough information to begin sucking money out of your bank account; your credit card or any number of places where you have funds that are accessible on line.

The sent from address used is a little confusing – this isn’t from a bank.

The basic rule is always be vigilant and if in doubt – don’t.

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