 By Pepper Parr
February 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
For Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, it is all about the data. Without data – he doesn’t want to make a decision. The decisions he makes with the data tend to have an ideological tinge to them.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman is said to have his eye on the provincial seat. About a week ago a Gazette reader sent us a copy of a letter Sharman had sent out. We made a few phone calls to reliable sources and learned that a number of people got the same letter – so we did a short piece about Sharman’s apparent interest in running for higher office.
Talk about data: the comments made on the piece were numerous – which was interesting. What caught our attention was the number of people who read the story. It led the list of readers on one day and was in the top three for four days.
What gives? We’ve no idea – all we can say is that the story was read by a lot of people. A look at the comments section will give you some sense as to how some people reacted to the news.
Premier Kathleen Wynne hasn’t been in office a full year yet – and assuming she behaves, which is questionable given what we’ve seen recently – the province will not be going to the polls until 2018 – which happens to be when Burlington will go to the polls as well.
 Paul Sharman, on the right, is not an easy man to convince. Here he leaves the distinct impression he isn’t buying what former Mayor’s office Chief of Staff Frank McKeown is selling., So if Sharman is casting a covetous eye on the provincial seat the dates do align for him. The province would go to the polls in the Spring or Summer of 2018 – which would give Sharman enough time to do it all over again should he not succeed in beating Eleanor McMahon, the current member for Burlington.
Assuming a 2018 election for the province is not something I would bet on.
The Premier has two nasty pieces of business on her plate: the scrubbing of data from hard drives once she was in office and the conversation the Ontario Provincial Police want to have with her over the suspicion that a job was offered to a Andrew Oliver, a possible Sudbury candidate that the Liberals wanted to step aside so their choice could run for the seat in the Legislature.
 Mayor Goldring chats with then Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne. He wasn’t buying what she was selling then. Will the provincial police buy the story she gives them over the Sudbury scandal? Karmel Sakran, the Liberal candidate in the last McGuinty election looks on. The scrubbing of the hard drives is related to the decision to cancel the construction of gas plants in Ontario before the last provincial election. That decision was said to have cost the province millions – but they did win the election.
The squabble over who would be the candidate in Sudbury and the claim that a reward was offered to Olivier if he did not run is now the subject of a police investigation.
The candidate the Liberals wanted ran and won the Sudbury seat.
Olivier has chosen not to go quietly into the night. He recorded a conversation he had with one Pat Sorbara in which is seemed clear to me that something was being offered. The tape runs for 24 minutes – it isn’t pretty.
The police will decide if a criminal act took place and do what they have to do. Liberals in this province are looking at a situation where their Premier is being invited in for a conversation with the police who are conducting a criminal investigation. THAT is astounding – the only thing keeping a bit of a lid on all this is that the Progressive Conservatives don’t have a leader – they are going through a leadership campaign. They will choose a new leader May 9th. In the world of politics that is years away. Kathleen Wynne has two months to clean that mess up.
The Conservatives must be pulling their hair out – a great political scandal – and it looks like it is going to get away on them. I can just imagine the indignant howls that Tim Hudak would be making in the legislature.
The Liberals have always had great “operatives” – this will get buried unless there are real tough, tough cookies at the OPP – and given that the Premier chooses the person who heads up that police service. Well – you figure it out. It does smell.
Sharman’s letter to local Progressive Conservatives.
 By Staff
February 12, 2105
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service Human Trafficking and Vice Unit have charged two males with Human Trafficking offences and offences under the new Bill C36.
On Wednesday February 11th 2015, members of uniform patrol were called to a local hotel in relation to a woman being held against her will. Police rescued the woman and arrested Daniel WONG and John Cemal OZKAN at the scene.
Daniel WONG (32 years of age) of Toronto has been charged with Trafficking a Person for the Purpose of Exploitation.
John Cemal OZKAN (27 years of age) of Brampton has been charged with the following offences:
Trafficking a Person for the Purpose of Exploitation
Overcoming Resistance to the Commission of an Offence
Knowingly Advertising and Offer to Provide Sexual Services For Consideration
Procure a Person to Offer or Provide Sexual Services
Exercise Control
WONG and OZKAN will appear in Milton Court on February 12th 2015 for a bail hearing.
By Staff
February 7, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who had interactions with a teenaged female who was on her way home from school.
On February 4th 2015 at 6:30pm, a 17-year-old female student was walking in the area of Locust Street and Birch Avenue in the City of Burlington when she saw an unknown male person standing at a nearby intersection. After arriving home, she discovered that the same male had followed her home and was seen knocking at her door.
A neighbour of the complainant reported that the same male attended a nearby residence and was found in the backyard the following day.
The man is described as white, 40 years old, 6’0 to 6’2″, 185lbs, dirty blonde curly hair and he was unshaven. He wore a dark touque, plaid red shirt and dark winter jacket.
Investigators are uncertain about the intentions of this unknown male and would like to speak with him.
Anyone with information that would assist in identifying the individual in this incident is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2316, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
By Staff
February 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police are warning the public about a tax-related phone scam that has resurfaced, primarily targeting the Southeast Asian community.
The fraudsters are claiming to be members of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and are making phone calls advising the unsuspecting victims they owe the government large sums of money in taxes. If these taxes are not paid back immediately they will be arrested.
These fraudulent callers instruct the victims to purchase prepaid credit cards in the amount owed and to forward them immediately to the “CRA Agent”.
 Canadian Tax collectors do not call you and demand instant payment for outstanding taxes. Always get a phone number from anyone who calls you – and call them back. The CRA does not request personal information of any kind by email and has a formal process in place for those who owe taxes and would never demand cash payment immediately.
Halton Police have received one to two fraud reports per week from victims claiming they have fallen prey to this scam with losses from $2,000-$5,000 each. Unfortunately any investigation conducted to date has quickly led to overseas suspects.
Your best protection is to avoid taking immediate action and contact the CRA directly to confirm if in fact you are required to make a payment.
If you have become victim to this fraud please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center directly to file a report.
Further information about this scam can be found on the CRA website
Anyone with information on this scam can contact Halton Police Fraud Investigators at 905-825-4747 ext. 8739 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
February 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On the overnight hours of Jan. 15th, 2015 two unlocked vehicles parked in the driveway of a Campbellville home were entered. Cash, lottery tickets and electronics were taken from the vehicles.
An investigation by members of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau identified a male who was captured on video surveillance after the incident.
On February 3rd a search warrant was executed at a Burlington residence. The man involved the theft was present in the home and was arrested. A stolen tablet computer and clothing was recovered.
Accused:
Daniel SAUNDERS (31 years) of Burlington
Charges: Theft Under $5000, Possession Stolen Property, Fraud Under $5000, Breach Probation (3 counts)
On Feb. 4th Saunders appeared in Milton Court. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information is asked D/Cst. Pierre-Luc Saucier of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2418, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
By Staff
January 29th, 2014
Burlington, ON
During the evening hours of Sunday January 25th 2015, three residential break and enters occurred in close proximity to one another on Hammond Street in Burlington.
Entry into the homes was gained through forced doors and in one instance through a basement window. Once inside, the culprit rummaged through closets and drawers, stealing jewelry, cash and electronics.
Officers from the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau continued to investigate these entries. On Tuesday January 27th 2015, two persons were arrested and a search warrant was executed at a home on Lang Street in Hamilton where a quantity of cash, electronics and jewelry were seized.
Arrested and charged are:
Joseph Anthony ALLEN (44 yrs) of Lang Street in Hamilton(Held for Bail)
• Break, enter & theft (three counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Fail to comply with recognizance (two counts)
• Fail to comply with probation (two counts)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) under 30 grams
Elizabeth BAKER (39 yrs. ) of Lang Street in Hamilton (Released on an Appearance notice to attend Milton Court on February 18th 2015)
• Possession of property obtained by crime
Anyone with information about this investigation are asked to contact Detective Ellie Bale – Residential Crime Team at 905 825-4747 ext. 2312 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
January 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON.
This is about as dirty as it gets.
Anyone who responded to this email will lose most of what they might have had in a bank account.
The email read like this:
VALUED CUSTOMER, A new Electronic Statement is available. Click Here to sign and update your details for Year 2015.
To review or change your email notification preferences, go to “Profile and Preferences” once inside Online Banking and then select “Email address and preferences”.
Please do not reply to this email, as it was sent from an unmonitored account.
BMO Online is offered by Bank of Montreal.
The Gazette banks’ with BMO. The thief used an email address that is linked to our domain. Somehow they got into the data base that lists the email addresses we have.
Had we clicked on the link they offered – it would have been “toast” for us.
Read email that relates to your banking very, very carefully. If in doubt – don’t.
By Staff
January 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Blur Optical at 1025 Plains Rd East was robbed yesterday.
At approximately 12:20am, on Monday January 26, 2015, Halton Police responded to an alarm at the business to discover the front door glass was smashed.
 The object of the attention of a couple of thieves – for this they were prepared to go to jail? The suspects appeared to have targeted the sunglasses display case. The value of the stolen items is unknown at this time.
Suspect vehicle description:
Older model grey Dodge Caravan with roof racks.
Suspect #1 description:
Male, black, 30’S
Wearing a black toque with grey stripes, a black winter coat with unknown patch on the right shoulder, a plaid shirt and white shoes.
Suspect #2 description:
Male, black, 30’s
Wearing a blue baseball hat with a flat brim and black “NY’ logo on the front, a light grey zip up jacket with black zippered pocket on front.
Suspect surveillance photos will be provided when available.
By Staff
January 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It used to be that it was either a drug bust or a case of someone doing things that were not nice to people of the opposite sex in public place that kept the police busy – Mapleview Mall seemed to be the most popular spot for the sexual deviants.
But on the past couple of days the police have been kept busy arresting shoplifter.
Three men were arrested for shoplifting at Shoppers Drug Mart on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at approximately 7:55 pm; they had taken a large quantity of baby formula from the Shoppers Drug Mart at 1450 Headon Road in Burlington.
A store employee followed one of the suspects and was pushed from behind by a second suspect to allow both men to enter a vehicle and flee along with the third suspect and the licence plate of the vehicle was obtained.
At approximately 8:28 pm, police located the suspect vehicle near the Shoppers Drug Mart at 2080 Appleby Line in Burlington. One of the suspects was arrested near the vehicle while two other suspects were arrested after leaving the Shoppers Drug Mart with more stolen baby formula and cosmetics. Police have recovered all the stolen property from both stores.
Arrested and charged are:
Bruno ANTUNES (37 yrs) of Toronto (Held for Bail)
Theft under $5000
Robbery
Fail to comply with recognizance
Aristide CINELLI (37 yrs) of Toronto (Held for Bail)
Theft under $5000
Robbery
Flavio CINELLI (35 yrs) of Toronto (Held for Bail)
Theft under $5000
Robbery
Fail to comply with recognizance (three counts)
On Monday January 19, 2015 at approximately 8:15 PM, police were alerted by security officers working at The Bay store at the Burlington Mall, 777 Guelph Line about a theft in progress.
Security officers believed five males in the store were involved in a prior theft that occurred earlier the same day at The Bay in Oakville.
The five males exited the store through various doors with stolen merchandise. A responding officer immediately located two suspects at which time the officer was assaulted and the two males fled on foot after dropping a quantity of stolen merchandise. The officer involved was not seriously injured.
Police continued to search the area with the assistance of canine and one suspect was arrested near the mall. A short while later, police received information that two additional suspects possibly boarded a taxi which was then stopped by police in the area of Laurentian Drive and Harvester Road. These two suspects fled the taxi and one was quickly arrested while the other remains outstanding. Police recovered almost $1000 in stolen merchandise in the taxi.
It is believed the remaining suspects fled in a vehicle which was seen leaving the mall at an extremely high rate of speed.
Police are continuing to investigate with hopes of identifying these men who are described as being black males in their mid-twenties.
The following persons have been arrested and charged:
Nathan HOLDER (22 yrs) of Oakville (Held for Bail)
• Theft under $5000 (two counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
Courtney JESHURON (23 yrs) of Mississauga
• Theft under $5000
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Breach of Recognizance
It’s been a busy day for the “shoplifting squad”
 By Staff
January 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Investigators in the Criminal Investigations Bureau have identified and interviewed the individual responsible for leaving a replica hand grenade inside the Metro Grocery Store on January 10th 2015.
 Replica grenade: Why would anyone carry one in their picket? Investigation has found that there was no intent to threaten and/or cause alarm to any persons inside the store and no criminal offence has occurred.
 Police are believed to have interviewed this person about a replica grenade left on the service counter at a grocery store. Why would someone being walking and driving around town with a replica grenade in their pocket?
The Halton Regional Police Service wish to remind members of the public that if they wish to surrender unwanted firearms or weapons that they contact the Police non-emergency telephone number at 905-825-4777. Officers will attend to safely secure and take custody of these items.
Police remind the public to never transport unwanted firearms / weapons inside a vehicle or enter inside a Police station for this purpose.
Investigators wish to thank the public for their attention and interest in this matter.
By Staff
January 14, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are some phony –counterfeit American $50.00 and $20.00 bills being passed at commercial businesses throughout the Region
Halton Regional Police have issued a warning to the public regarding a rise in the number of American counterfeit $50.00 and $20.00 bills being passed,
Fraud investigators have arrested two people caught passing the counterfeit bank notes in two separate incidents.
Royal Bank of Canada – Milton
On December 3, 2014, a female suspect attempted to exchange a counterfeit American $50.00 bill for authentic Canadian currency at the Royal Bank of Canada at 232 Guelph Street in the Town of Georgetown. The bank employee examined the bank note and determined it was counterfeit and seized it. Investigators identified the suspect who subsequently turned herself into police on January 12, 2015.
Accused:
Elaine SMITH, 58 years, of Milton has been charged with Possession of Counterfeit Money and Uttering Counterfeit Money
Great Canadian Super Store – Milton
On December 22, 2014, a male suspect attended the Real Canadian Super Store at 820 Main Street East in the Town of Milton and purchased two PlayStation consoles using counterfeit American bills. Approximately 30 minutes later, the same suspect returned and purchased two more PlayStation items using counterfeit American bills. Investigators identified the suspect and he turned himself into police on January 13, 2015.
Accused:
Kevon HENRY, 28 years, from Toronto has been charged with two counts of Possession of Counterfeit Money, two counts of Uttering Counterfeit Money and two counts of Proceeds of Crime.
Look closely at American bills that are given to you.
Anyone with information about the circulating counterfeit currency is asked to call the Regional Fraud Unit at 905 825-4747 ext 8739 or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
January 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police investigators have viewed the surveillance video from the Metro grocery store at Appleby Line and Upper Middle Road and are interested in identifying and speaking with an elderly white male depicted in the attached photos.
 Police would like to identify this man. This male was seen at the customer service counter at on Saturday January 10th 2015 at approximately 1:22 pm. Shortly after the male left the counter, the inert grenade was located.
 Person of interest is believed to have driven away in this station wagon. The male was seen leaving the parking lot in a black van also depicted in the attached photo.
Last Saturday, a clerk at the Metro grocery got a huge surprise when what looked like a hand grenade was found on a counter.
The object was spotted at 1:35 pm when a store employee at the customer service desk found a replica inert hand grenade on the counter. The employee looked at the item and found that the bottom of the metal item was drilled out and was hollow. The employee took the item to an open area outside of the store.
Police services officers attended and examined the item and confirmed that the metal item was not an actual explosive device. The item is designed to look like a World War Two era hand grenade and may have been designed as a replica for training purposes only. In this incident there was no actual threat to public safety as the item is not an actual explosive device.
Police are attempting to determine if the replica item was left in the store intentionally or if it was accidentally left behind by some unknown person. There have been no threats to the store or anyone else at this time and this event is very unusual. The found item will be destroyed at a later time by the police service.
 Can you identify this person? Anyone with information that would assist in identifying this male are encouraged to contact Detective Joe Barr of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
January 10, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A clerk at the Metro grocery located at Appleby Line and Upper Middle Road in the City of Burlington got a huge surprise when what looked like a hand grenade was found on a counter.
The Halton Regional Police Service are investigating the incident that was reported to police on Saturday January 10, 2015 at 1:35 pm when a store employee at the customer service desk found a replica inert hand grenade on the counter. The employee looked at the item and found that the bottom of the metal item was drilled out and was hollow. The employee took the item to an open area outside of the store.
Replica’s of a hand grenade; they are sold in army surplus stores – you can buy them online. But you don’t leave them on a grocery store counter. Police services officers attended and examined the item and confirmed that the metal item was not an actual explosive device. The item is designed to look like a World War Two era hand grenade and may have been designed as a replica for training purposes only. In this incident there was no actual threat to public safety as the item is not an actual explosive device.
Police are attempting to determine if the replica item was left in the store intentionally or if it was accidentally left behind by some unknown person. There have been no threats to the store or anyone else at this time and this event is very unusual. The found item will be destroyed at a later time by the police service.
Replica hand grenades of this type can be purchased at military surplus stores and as on line purchases on the internet. Canada Post has placed a ban on mail delivery of these types of items as they cause unnecessary alarm when found in the mail delivery system. Citizens must be mindful that if a replica item of a weapon is used intentionally to cause fear or harm against any other person then it is a criminal offence in Canada.
Public safety is paramount in cases of this nature and citizens finding any items that possibly may be an explosive device are instructed to not touch the item. Move a significant safe distance away from the object and then notify the police via the 911 emergency communication system.
Due to heightened concern over recent world events citizens are asked to be observant and vigilant in reporting suspicious circumstances that may be a threat to public safety.
The Halton Regional Police Service is looking for any information from the public on this matter. Information can be directed to the Burlington- Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2316 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
January 11, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police report that on Saturday January 3rd 2015 at approximately 6:00 pm, a lone male suspect attended the Apple Store at Mapleview Mall in Burlington and proceeded to steal $4500 worth of Apple products before fleeing the store.
A mall security officer quickly located and chased the suspect through the mall but lost sight of the male as he ran outside.
As the security officer continued to check the parking lot, the suspect emerged from behind a vehicle and pepper sprayed the security officer in the face and made good his escape.
The investigation was continued by members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau and as a result, the suspect was identified as Qasim Mohamed CHOWDHURY (30 years) of Epps Cr. in Ajax.
On January 6th 2015, the suspect was arrested and held for bail on charges of theft under $5000, assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance.
The suspect was held for a bail hearing was put over to January 14th at Milton Court.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police or anyone with information about this investigation are asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext. 2316 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
December 20, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police need the public’s help in locating a missing 84 year old man.
 Ken Aird – missing
Ken Aird is described as a white male, approximately 5’10” weighing 200 pounds.
He has gray hair and is believed to be wearing a brown swede coat, gray cap and dark coloured pants; he walks slowly using a cane.
In addition to having Alzheimer’s, he has other medical conditions that are of concern. He was last seen several hours ago on foot leaving the Heritage Retirement Home on Kilmer Drive in the City of Burlington.
Anyone who has information or who believes they have seen Mr. Aird, please call 9-1-1 or 905-825-4777 and ask for Communications.
 By Pepper Parr
December 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
This police report was a little fuzzy right from the beginning.
A police officer is doing traffic checks on King Road. The driver of a car that was expected to pull over flees.
Here is how the police describe the event:
On Friday December 12, 2014 at approximately 10:00am, a Halton patrol officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a suspected suspended driver in the area of Plains Rd and King Rd in the City of Burlington. The suspect drove away from the officer, northbound on King Rd and subsequently struck an oncoming southbound vehicle. The driver fled on foot from the scene pursued by the officer. The suspect was arrested a short distance from the scene. The accused and officer suffered minor injuries and treated at hospital. No other injuries sustained by other parties in the southbound vehicle.
 At that time the police report: The Special Investigations Unit has been contacted and has not confirmed whether or not they will invoke their mandate and take carriage of the investigation.
King Rd between North Service Rd and Enfield Rd will be closed indefinitely for investigation.
It isn’t clear as to why the SIU would be involved. There is no mention of a weapon being discharged. A police officer chased a fleeing suspect; appears to have wrestled him to the ground in the process of arresting the man,
There appear to be some injuries; the suspect is taken to the hospital. Where is the need for the SIU?
On Saturday the driver of the car is cleared by the hospital with minor non-significant injuries. The scene of the incident is released by the police and the public can now use the road.
There is no elaboration on what the “non-significant injuries amounted to; that’s something the defense lawyer will bring up during any trial.
The police identify the driver of the car as Burlington Resident Brian Alan NAPPER – 34 years of age. He is charged with:
Drive while Disqualified
Flight while pursued by Peace Officer
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Fail to Stop at Scene of Accident
Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
NAPPER will be held for a bail hearing later today.
In a later report the police say: The Special Investigations Unit “has NOT been contacted yet”.
The police issued three different reports on this arrest. They seemed to be having a problem over whether or not they were going to involve the SIU.
Was there more to this story? Was the suspect badly hurt by the pursuing police officer? Was undue force used?
If the police pull you over – you roll down the window and give them your driver’s license. If you don’t have one – they’ve got you. If you attempt to outrun the police officer he is going to go after you – and if he has to tackle you and get handcuffs on you – then that’s what you get for attempting to flee.
The back and forth on bringing in the Special Investigations Unit is what is confusing.
By Pepper Parr
December 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Your password has been entered incorrectly three times.
The message was concerning. Was the bank telling me that someone tried to get into my account electronically? It looked that way.
A message regarding “Password Disabled” has been sent to your account inbox
Secure. Click here To Enter Scotia on Line to avoid Access lock.
The moment you click on that link – you may as well have given them your wallet.
How would you know that? Look at the address the email came from. The word scotia is before the @. The words after the @ tell you that the domain name is not that of the bank.
 If the bank wants to communicate with you they will telephone or when there is a problem with your card the banking machine will keep the card and instruct you to go to a branch where they will issue another card.
On occasion you may get an email advising you that your withdrawal limit has been set at $1 – yes one dollar. They instruct you to go to a branch and get the problem resolved. It is very awkward when that $1 message shows up late Saturday evening – but it is better than having someone suck all your money out of the account.
 By Staff
December 1, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
A house fire on Deerhurst Drive is being investigated as an arson.
The Halton Regional Police Service is investigating a residential fire that left a number of residents with smoke inhalation after 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
At 3:36 p.m. emergency services were called to Deerhurst Drive where residents were forced to flee their residence as a result of a localized fire in an upstairs bedroom. Residents were treated for smoke inhalation by responding EMS personnel.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the nature of the fire, the Arson investigators were called to the scene and have since taken carriage of the investigation.
As a result of a subsequent investigation by police, a 59 year old male resident was charged with Arson – Disregard for Human Life and Arson – Damage to Property contrary to the Criminal Code.
By Staff
November 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Are you a teen in the Halton Region who would like to understand more about the Police, Ethnicity and Culture (PEACE) in our communities?
Are you interested in a career in policing?
Have you ever wondered what the police do, how they prevent and investigate crimes and what the different units within the service are responsible for?
Would you like to have hands-on practical experience of what it’s like to be a police officer?
 If you are 15 – 18 years old and the answers to these questions are yes, maybe you’d like to check out the Halton Regional Police PEACE program!
There are still spots available for the Winter Police Ethnic and Cultural Education (PEACE) program, which runs from 6:30 – 9:00 pm every Tuesday night for twelve weeks, starting January 20, 2015 and April 7, 2015.
Each week, students will be given presentations by the different units and bureaus within the police service, with the emphasis being on practical demonstration and involvement. As well, students will learn about cultural awareness and inclusion, how the police service strives to provide equitable service for all communities within our Region and how we are educating new Canadians and recent immigrants about policing in Canada.
You can find out more about this free, voluntary program by visiting our website and clicking on Diversity.
Just complete the application form on line and Email it to the Diversity Coordinator at the contact information on the form.
By Pepper Parr
November 25, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
We got the tease piece on Monday – be ready for a biggie announcement on a major drug arrest.
They were going to have pictures and even the Chief was going to be on hand to strut and show his stiff.
The Halton Regional Police Service Drug, Gun and Gang Unit had concluded an eight month drug investigation earlier that day with assistance from Hamilton Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Niagara Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police Service and the Durham Regional Police Service. They executed a total of 15 search warrants throughout Halton, Hamilton and Toronto.
They raked in a substantial amount of drugs, cash and firearms. Further details were to follow; a press conference was planned for the next day.
It was the end of an eight month investigation into a group involved with trafficking cocaine and marihuana. The investigation revealed the network was well entrenched in the drug culture in Halton Region, the City of Hamilton and the City of Toronto.
 Modern day technology and counter-detection techniques deployed by this group presented significant obstacles to the investigative team. However, investigators were able to unravel the layers to this sophisticated drug trafficking operation. As a result, police identified the parties involved, their respective roles, drug stash locations and concealment methods.
Police arrested and charged 15 people, disrupting and possibly dismantling this drug trafficking network. Police seized the following evidence:
2.5 kilograms of cocaine
105 pounds of marihuana
1 kilogram of cannabis resin
2 semi automatic handguns and ammunition
$155,000
4 vehicles as offence related property
The charged persons are as follows:
James EVANS-O’CONNELL, 27yrs, from Burlington
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine (7 counts)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana over 3 kilograms (6 counts)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana less than 3 kilograms
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance (13 counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Garth WATKINS, 29yrs, from Burlington
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
• Obstruct Police
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Breach of Probation
• Breach of Prohibition Order
Derek JACKSON, 24yrs, from Hamilton
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine (7 counts)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana over 3 kilograms (6 counts)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana less than 3 kilograms
Erik STRONG, 29yrs, from Toronto
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana over 3 kilograms (3 counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Jessica GRANT, 26yrs, from Burlington
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
• Obstruct Police
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
James DEROSA, 27yrs, from Waterdown
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine and Oxycodone
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Breach of Recognizance
Adam DEBOER, 24yrs, from Millgrove
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
Joshua YEAGER, 29yrs, from Milton
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana
Ryan KNAPMAN, 29yrs, from Burlington
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine and Marihuana
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Sean KNAPMAN, 27yrs, from Burlington
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cocaine and Marihuana
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Amir PAREKH, 26yrs, from Toronto
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Frank GELENYI, 30 yrs, from Oakville
• Breach of Recognizance (currently on outstanding firearms charges from 2012)
• Unlawful Possession of Firearm
• Knowingly in Possession of an Unauthorized Firearm
• Possession of Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Breach of Firearms Prohibition
Greg JONES, 33yrs, from Toronto
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
• Trafficking a Controlled Substance; Marihuana
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Marihuana
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking; Cannabis Resin
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Merrick BROOMFIELD, 27yrs, from Stoney Creek
• Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance
Tristan MIGNOTT, 26yrs, from Stoney Creek
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Knowingly in Possession of an Unauthorized Firearm
• Tamper with Serial Number on Firearm
• Possession of Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
That was certainly a big bust; the lawyers in town will be busy; no word on who got bail.
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