BURLINGTON, ON. March 5, 2013 There isn’t one of us that doesn’t find at some time that their computer isn’t doing what we wanted it to do and we are flummoxed in figuring out what has gone wrong. So when someone calls saying they can help – all caution gets set aside and we eagerly answer the questions we are asked by the person who called.
We don’t ask – how does this person know I am having a problem with my computer? As soon as you have answered the first two questions – they have you. All that isn’t known is how far they are going to take you and how much of your money they are going to end up with. They are not going to fix anything on your computer but, according to the Regional Police they are probably going to install a virus on your computer and then try to convince you to pay them to remove that virus.
The best protection available is you asking questions.
March is Fraud Awareness Month – use the time to think about who you let near your computer. If you don’t personally know the person calling – hang up.
The Halton Regional Police are warning the public to be suspicious of any calls they receive from people claiming to be employed by a computer company that has become aware of a problem with your computer – they will tell you it is infected with as virus they can remove.
This is known as the “Anti-Virus Scam” which has been around for several years. Between March 1st 2011 and August 31st 2012, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has received 13,842 complaints of this type with a total dollar loss of $814,511.00. In most cases, these calls are originating from call centers based outside of Canada.
As part of this scam, the call recipient would be instructed to do a series of keyboard commands that would allow the caller to remotely access the computer over the internet and actually install the “virus” to make the computer appear to be infected. The caller would then remove the “virus” and request credit card payment anywhere between $35.00 and $469.00 for their services.
In some instances, the same person will call back and report that the version of the security software has expired and request an additional $100.00 to have it re-activated. They got you once and they figure they can get you a second time.
If you receive an unsolicited call from people telling you that your computer is infected with a virus or that your version of security software is inactive or invalid, you are urged to hang up – this is someone wanting to defraud you of money to fix a problem they may have created.
If you don’t know them – don’t deal with them.
Allowing a third-party, someone you don’t really know, to remotely access your computer, puts you at considerable risk. They can install software that logs every keystroke you make and capture sensitive data , such as online banking user names and passwords, bank account information and other information to steal your identity.
Police are also reminding the public to be very careful about providing credit card and/or banking information to anyone over the phone and internet, especially in cases where the call was unsolicited.
March is Fraud Awareness Month. Police ask you to please take the time to educate yourself, your family and your friends on how not to become victims of Fraud. For further information, please visit www.haltonpolice.ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
BURLINGTON, ON. March 4, 2013 It didn’t happen in Burlington, but it could have easily happened in this city. This incidence happened in Georgetown and took place in a mall on Guelph Street.
An 88-year-old Georgetown woman has been victimized in an appalling scheme that is designed to confuse the elderly into parting with their own funds.
On February 26, 2013 the victim received a telephone call from a man claiming to be from her financial institution.
The man told the victim that $4400.00 had been withdrawn from her bank account and he suspected a bank teller was involved.
He asked her to attend the branch and withdraw $4400.00 from a ‘dummy’ account that had been set up, in an effort to catch the bank teller in the act. He instructed her not to touch the money, but to ensure it was put into an envelope so they could get the bank teller’s fingerprints.
The victim did so and returned home to await further instructions from the alleged bank employee.
Mr. Price asked an 88-year-old woman to take $4,400 out of her bank account and meet him in a parking lot to help capture a crooked teller. This happens too often – the police could work with the banks to help educate the seniors.
The man later called her and instructed her to meet him in the mall parking lot on Guelph Street and told her his name was Mr. Price. The victim waited in her vehicle and a man approached who identified himself as Mr. Price, took possession of the envelope containing the money and told her an arrest would be made.
Following the encounter, the victim returned home and in looking through her bank book, discovered the only money missing from her account was that she withdrew when told to do so by the alleged bank employee.
The suspect is described as white, approximately 60 years of age, short in stature and a slim build. He was wearing ‘casual’ clothing, dark coloured jacket and possibly a hat.
Residents are reminded that bank employees would never contact clients in this manner or seek their participation in an investigation. If you are the recipient of such a phone call, contact the police to report the incident.
There is something more than can be done here. The banks could print out notices that are given out by the tellers to every senior customer that comes into the bank branches. Seniors are known to prefer going to the bank – rather than bank on-line. It gives them a chance to get out and they enjoy talking to the tellers. There would be a really minimal cost to the bank to provide this service,
Cst Wendy Moraghan of the Halton Regional Police Service has been working with seniors for a number of years and has a great relationship with that community. The problem is that Cst Moraghan can’t get face to face with every senior to tell them what to watch out for. But senior police management could be proactive and work with the banks to help prevent bank scams.
A $4,400 hit would hurt anyone – for a senior – devastating and there is no insurance coverage and nothing the banks can do to get this senior her money back.
Something in the way of warning to the seniors would be very useful. Here’s a project for the Halton Police – communicate with all the banks and ask them to take part in this kind of effort.
We have a police officer dedicated to elder abuse; this will give her something measurably useful to do.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the One District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 x2415, 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, ON February 28, 2013 During the middle of last week, before the noon hour a break and enter occurred to a home on Cavendish Drive in Burlington.
The front door to the home was physically forced open and the individual responsible removed numerous items of jewellery from within.
A timely response and police investigation resulted in the arrest of two persons at a nearby Burlington residence and the recovery of the stolen items.
Further investigative efforts, including the execution of a search warrant at a Burlington motel led to the discovery of additional stolen items from other break-ins and locker thefts in the Burlington area.
While police have located owners for some of the seized stolen property, they are requesting persons who may have had items stolen in the preceding four months to contact Detective Donna Whittaker at 905 825-4747 x2312.
ACCUSED: Vezio CARDULLO, 31 of Burlington charged with: Break, Enter and Theft (three counts), Breach of Probation (five counts), Breach of Recognizance (five counts), Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Break-in Instruments and Theft under $5000.
ACCUSED: Christine SMERDON, 57 of Burlington charged with Break, Enter and Theft.
BURLINGTON, ON. February 23, 2013. The work police have to do can at times get a little sticky. People don’t like their names reported when the reason for the report is not one you will be putting on your resume.
Police try to ensure that victims of criminal acts are not further victimized by having their names in a publication.
Intersection of Guelph and Sinclair in Georgetown, scene of a fatal accident where driver was charged with using a hand-held communications device; a cell phone. The vehicle in this photograph was NOT the vehicle involved in the fatality.
Thus, when a very serious accident took place in Georgetown, police said in the media release that they would not be naming the victim nor would they be releasing the name of the person responsible for the accident.
The first media release went like this:
Georgetown Senior Struck by Car – Critical Condition
Halton Regional Police are investigating a serious pedestrian/car collision that occurred in Georgetown on Monday afternoon.
Shortly after the noon hour the senior, an 89 yr old Georgetown woman, was crossing Guelph Street at Sinclair Avenue when she was struck by a 2005 Ford Focus. The impact threw the senior several metres.
After being assessed by Halton EMS at the scene, it was decided that the woman be taken directly to Sunnybrook Trauma Centre in Toronto. She remains there in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car, a 36-year-old Georgetown woman, was not injured; she was taken to 11 Division where she provided a statement.
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) attended and took carriage of the investigation. Reconstructionists from the CRU and a Forensic Identification officer collected evidence, photographed and measured the scene.
Police will not be releasing the names of the pedestrian or driver.
Due to the infancy of the investigation, police will not make comment on any charges at this time. Some witnesses have come forward however investigators from the CRU ask any further witnesses to contact them at ext.5189.
A day later the police issued a second media release. :
Second media release:
Georgetown Senior Dies of Injuries
A Georgetown senior who was struck by a vehicle on Monday afternoon has died of her injuries.
Patricia McCarthy, 89 yrs of Georgetown, was pronounced at around 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Her son and daughter were with her at that time.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) of Halton Regional Police are continuing the investigation into this incident. The Toronto Coroner’s Office has assumed this case and is being assisted in their enquiries by the Halton CRU. A post-mortem has been scheduled for later this morning in Toronto.
We will not be making comment on charges at this time, however alcohol has been ruled out as a causation factor.
The driver of the car, a 36yr old Georgetown woman, has been cooperative with investigators. Police will not be releasing her name.
Any witnesses to this collision are still asked to call the CRU at ext. 5065.
This is the 11th traffic fatality to be investigated by the CRU in 2012 and the 7th involving a pedestrian.
On February 22, 2013 the police issued a third media release:
Georgetown Woman Charged in Pedestrian Fatality
After completing an investigation into the December 17th, 2012 collision that caused the death of Patricia McCARTHY, 89 years of age, the Collision Reconstruction Unit has charged a 37year old Georgetown woman with two offences under the Highway Traffic Act.
Jennifer Unsworth has been charged with one count under section 130: Careless Driving and one count under section 78.1(1) : Drive with Hand-held Communications Device.
She has been issued with a Part III Provincial Offences Act Summons to appear in Milton Provincial Offences Court on Monday March 25th, 2013 to answer to the charges.
Did the surname of the person driving a car while using a cell phone have anything to do with the way this case has been handled?
BURLINGTON, ON. February 21, 2013 Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on February 18th, 2012, unknown suspect(s) broke into the Mohawk Gardens Public School at 5280 Spruce Ave.
Kindergarten classroom trashed when punks break in. When caught, and they will eventually get caught, a Judge might find a tougher school for them
The suspect(s) smashed a window to gain entry to a kindergarten classroom on the northeast side of the school. Once inside, suspect(s) completely ransacked the classroom by overturning desks, chairs and rummaging through the contents of the closets. The ceiling and fluorescent lights were also damaged. The total damage and clean-up was estimated at $1,500.
Might these suspects show up at the next school reunion?
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to contact 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, ON. February 17, 2013 Investigators with the Halton Regional Police Service Integrated Drug, Gun & Gang Unit began an undercover operation in January that has led to the arrest of eight Burlington residents. Officers acting in an undercover capacity purchased cocaine, crack cocaine, cannabis marijuana and illegal prescription drugs (Oxycodone and Tylenol 3) from several drug traffickers.
Last Friday, the 15th, members of the Integrated Drug, Gun and Gang Unit, Strategic Support Teams and the Tactical Response Unit executed three Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants at residences within the City of Burlington.
Police seized approximately three pounds of cannabis marijuana, 14 grams of cocaine and Canadian currency as offence related property.
Three persons under the age of 18 years have been charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. One person under the age of 18 years is currently outstanding on charges of trafficking a controlled substance.
Further investigation led to the following two individuals being released unconditionally. They are not facing any criminal charges in relation to this matter: Grant KENNEDY and Andrew MORETUZO
The following persons have been charged;
Brian NAPPER (34 years) – trafficking a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance and breach of probation. NAPPER was held for a bail hearing.
Robert LODER (31 years) – trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance.
Melanie DALEJA (32 years) – possession of a controlled substance.
A group that large indicates there is a thriving drug business in the community – are our high schools a market for these drugs?
Anyone with information related to guns, drugs or other criminal activity within Halton Region, are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-878-5511 or contact 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, ON. February 15th, 2013 A Burlington man , employed by the Halton Catholic District School Board, faces a charge of Possession of Child Pornography following an investigation by the Halton Regional Police Service – Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
On February 14, 2013, Gary O’Brien, 64 yrs, was arrested at his residence and held for a bail hearing scheduled for today at Milton Provincial Court.
The accused is an Educational Assistant at Notre Dame Catholic School in Burlington and has been suspended from his duties by the Halton Catholic District School Board.
The Halton Regional Police Service is committed to the thorough investigation of child exploitation incidents. Any person with relevant information on this or any related matter is encouraged to contact the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 905 825-4747 x8984, 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, ON. February 6. 2013 We live in a society that has some very violent people. The Halton Regional Police Service Integrated Drug, Gun & Gang Unit received information recently that a handgun was being stored within a residence on Sixth Line in the Town of Oakville.
Viscous devices meant to hurt people seized during a police search of a Halton region home.
Members of the Integrated Drug Gun and Gang Unit, with the assistance of Oakville uniformed officers, executed a Criminal Code search warrant at the residence. During the search, a number of prohibited weapons were seized including the following:
• Gabilondo .22 calibre semi automatic handgun
• 49 rounds of ammunition
• 3 Shuriken
• A Morning Star
• 2 sets of Bladed Brass Knuckles
The resident at 6th Line was released unconditionally due to a number of medical issues. The investigation of the seized weapons is continuing.
Anyone with information related to guns, drugs or other criminal activity within Halton Region, are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-878-5511 or contact 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, ON February 2, 2013 Police are investigating two separate incidents that had a male exposing himself to women in Aldershot. I don’t know about you but that was both disgusting and stupid.
The suspect police are looking for lurks in underground garages and exposes himself to women. He assaults those who challenge him verbally. The photo above was captured on a surveillance system and is of a person the police want to meet with.
Very late on January 29th 2013, a male approached a female in the underground parking lot of an apartment building at 695 Surrey Lane Burlington. The male exposed his genitals to the female and then walked away without any further incident.
The suspect is described as male white, 20-30 years old, approximately 5’8″ with a slim build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light coloured track pants and black and white running or skateboarding shoes.
There was no other detail given to the police.
On January 31st 2013 at approximately 3:00 am, a male approached a female in a townhouse complex at 699 Marley Road. The male exposed his genitals to the woman who verbally expressed her disgust at his behaviour. The male then assaulted the woman by punching her in the face. He then fled the area on foot.
This suspect is described as male white, 20-25 years old, approximately 5’10” with a slim build. He was wearing a black bomber style jacket, blue baggy jeans and white running or basketball type shoes.
Police investigators believe they are looking for just one suspect.
Investigators are requesting public assistance in identifying a male party who was observed in the underground parking lot of 695 Surrey close to the time of the first incident on January 29th. A surveillance photo of this individual is attached to this release.
Anyone who can provide information pertaining to either one of these incidents is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2315. Alternatively any pertinent information can be forwarded to 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, ON. January 31, 2013 Shortly after 6:30pm yesterday Halton Regional Police were called to investigate a fatality involving a Via train and a pedestrian in Burlington.
A lone male pedestrian, in his early twenties was observed entering onto the CN tracks in the area west of Cumberland Avenue. The man was seen approaching from the south side of the tracks, crossing two sets of tracks before entering into the path of a west bound Via Rail passenger train, which was carrying passengers at the time.
The pedestrian was struck by the Via train and pronounced dead at the scene. A second west bound Go train which was travelling a very short distance behind the Via train in the middle track was also carrying passengers and delayed by the incident, although not involved. The tracks were closed for approximately two hours while police investigated the incident.
Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit attended and assumed control of this investigation. None of the passengers of either train sustained injury from this collision.
The police would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have seen the victim in the area of the incident prior to the collision . Call the Halton Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Detective Constable Oliver Caves, 905-825-4747 ext 5124 is the investigating officer.
BURLINGTON, ON January 30th, 2013 At around 6:30 a.m. Friday, January 11th, an O.P.P. officer was approached by a citizen and advised that a nearby business at #650 Plains Road E. appeared to have had its windows smashed. Upon further investigation it was also determined that the premise and a neighbouring business had been flooded by water.
Burlington Firefighters and Halton Regional Police officers were called to the site. It was soon determined that a fire had triggered the sprinkler system inside the building. Due to the nature of the origin of the fire, police have deemed the fire suspicious. No injuries were reported due to this incident.
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall has some of the best forensic minds in the country doing the investigations. They have rarely seen the kind of footage found in the Aldershot pizza store fire.
The building was secured and the Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM) notified. The Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU), which also investigates fire scenes, was called and commenced an investigation with Forensic Identification Services officers.
A joint investigation between an OFM Investigator and the CRU will be conducted.
That investigation has produced some security camera footage that is amazing. You see the crime taking place and in several places the video is taken into slow motion giving a viewer an opportunity to look carefully at the person being filmed. The footage is of an arsonist at work – seldom seen.
The arsonist is wearing hood making it very difficult but there might be enough for someone to identify the arsonist.
Halton Regional Police are appealing for anyone with information on the deliberate fire set on January 11, 2013 at 650 Plains Road E in Burlington to contact The Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905 825-4747 x 5065, 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, ON January 29th, 2013 Three thugs who didn’t want to pay a taxi driver who hauled them from Hamilton to a Woodview Avenue address in Burlington were arrested and charged with assaulting the driver of the cab.
Detectives from the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested and charged:
Paul SMITH, 22 yrs of Hagersville;
Jonathan VORICH, 20 yrs of Burlington;
Alanna-Marie VORICH, 19 yrs of Burlington,
with Aggravated Assault and Fraudulently Obtaining Transportation charges.
The crime took place Saturday January 26, 2013 at 2:30 p.m., when a dispute over the taxi fare broke out and escalated to a physical altercation, that had the taxi driver being knocked to the ground.
A passerby intervened and assisted by calling 9-1-1, however he did not identify himself to the call taker at the time.
Police and EMS responded and the taxi driver was transported to an area hospital where it was learned he sustained several fractures to his arm and face.
Halton Police would like to talk to the witness that made the 911 call. If the police happen to be people you don’t want to talk to – Call 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, ON January 24, 2013 Effective immediately, Halton residents can access neighbourhood-level crime incident data from the previous day, week, or month, or even search as far back as six months ago through a new crime mapping function that can be accessed through the Service’s website www.haltonpolice.ca.
“Providing reliable, timely crime data to the communities we serve is one of our top priorities, because an informed public is a safer public,” says Halton Chief of Police Steve Tanner. “This partnership with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in our community.”
Police dispatch data is stripped of personal information, including the exact address, and sent securely to CrimeReports.com, which hosts the crime mapping software. The public can access the data through the Service’s website, under the Crime Files/Mapping navigation button.
Each of the small coloured squares on the map indicates a crime – theft from an auto, a break and enter or an assault. Click on the graphic and you get some detail. Will you be safer with this information – probably not. Will you feel safer? Maybe – nice toy which we are paying for.
Incidents reflected on the map will be shown within 100 numbers of the address, to protect individual’s privacy, while still being within the general vicinity to give people an accurate idea of crime in their neighbourhood.
The crime mapping data will include police-dispatched calls for property damage, sexual assault, assault, robbery, break and enter, theft, impaired driving, homicide, attempted murder, offensive weapons, drug-related offences, and various traffic-related offences such as impaired driving, hit and run, and motor vehicle injuries and fatalities.
“Information is power,” Chief Tanner added. “We hope that by giving the community this information, it will help them understand crime trends and better enable them to assist us in preventing crime in their neighbourhoods.”
The public can access the free crime data through the Service’s website or through the CrimeReports iPhone app, available for free download in the Apple iTunes store. The new service even lets local citizens sign up for free customizable email updates, so they can monitor crime in their neighborhood, or click to link to the CrimeStoppers of Halton website to file an anonymous crime tip.
The HRPS asks the public to keep a few things in mind when accessing the software:
• In order to access the data, people will need to first read and click a disclaimer
• It takes a few minutes for the map data to load, depending on your internet connection. Please be patient.
• Map data is based on dispatched calls, not completed investigations so therefore incident codes may change.
“Police are often dispatched to a call that initially may be reported as a one type of crime and later turn out to be unfounded or another type of crime. In such a case, the call will appear on the map as initially reported but later be removed or changed,” explained Chief Tanner. “The crime map data is as accurate as possible, but not 100% fool-proof given the evolving nature of police investigations.”
This looks like one of the ideas Chief Tanner brought with him from Kingston where he was the top cop before he came to Burlington.
LATER: Having read what the police had to say about the service I logged in – and sure enough there is a map with little squares in different colours that tell me the kind of offence that took place. There was a drug bust over on Inglehart – not too far from me and a theft from an auto on Walkers Line but nothing on my street.
So what does this service do to keep me safer? I guess knowing that there was a drug arrest on my street would let me know there is a dealer nearby if drugs are my recreation of choice or tell me that I can keep an eye out for “suspicious” behavior and call the police. Noticing that there were a number of auto break-ins in the area might get me to ensure that my car is locked before I bed down for the night.
And of course there is an App for this too – so I can keep up to date on crime on my street while on the GO train. Or – I can add even more to my overflowing email box and get a notice sent directly to me telling me what’s happening in the “hood”.
There is no mention of what the service is costing – it can’t be free but it sure is a whiz bag toy if there is nothing on TV – I guess.
BURLINGTON, ON January 16, 2013 Earlier in the week the Burlington detachment of the Halton Regional Police Service were made aware of a threat that had been posted on Facebook.
The threat involved a youth who had posted a picture of himself on Facebook holding a high-powered rifle with a caption uttering a threat towards another male.
This is NOT the picture the police found on Facebook but it is the kind of thing that misguided young men mostly put on Facebook pages. Burlington police were able to apprehend an Oakville youth before the threat he had issued went any further.
Police investigated and were able to determine where the photo had been taken which had members of the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau seize two shotguns, shotgun ammunition and the rifle depicted in the photo. The accused was located and arrested without incident.
A 17-year-old Oakville male whose identity is protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act has been charged with Utter Death Threat; Use Firearm in Commission of an Offence and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
We all know where this picture was taken: Newton Connecticut where 20 elementary students were killed by a young man with a rifle. Has the American gun culture reached Halton Region?
Threats of violence posted to social networking sites will be actively investigated by the Halton Regional Police Service in an effort to enhance community safety.
We tend to think this kind of stuff happens south of the border – it is happening here as well. Parents need to be vigilant.
BURLINGTON, ON. January 16, 2013 On December 5th 2012, the Halton Regional Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit commenced an investigation into a motor vehicle collision outside Maplehurst Elementary School on Plains Road East in Burlington.
A five-year old kindergarten student had been struck and seriously injured by a motor vehicle that also struck the school crossing guard. Both parties had been on the crossing at the time, and both are now recovering from their injuries.
Location of the motor vehicle accident where a car struck a kindergarten student and a crossing guard.
As a result of this investigation, David Paterson, an 80-year old Burlington resident, has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with Fail to obey school crossing stop sign – Community Safety Zone.
Mr. Paterson is scheduled to appear at Burlington Provincial Offences Court in March.
As Burlington population ages, and the city is expected to have an elderly population greater than those in neighbouring communities, this kind of accident is going to take place more frequently. Seniors will insist on being allowed to drive. Public transit is such that people can only get where they want or need to by driving a vehicle.
At some point most of us will have to turn in our driver’s license – painful and many of us will fight it. But there comes a time when we should not be behind the wheel of a car.
BURLINGTON, ON. January 14, 2013 The Mountain Grove – Guelph Line – Upper Middle Road part of town took a bit of a hit from the vandals over the weekend. Two stores were broken into along with an additional six stores elsewhere in the city.
Police investigate these crimes but they can’t be everywhere all the time. Solid policing happens when community co-operates with police – if you see something that doesn’t look quite right – it probably isn’t quite right.
Give the police a call – they have enough in the way of cars on the road to get to almost any place in a couple of zip zips.
BURLINGTON, ON January 10, 2013 If there was ever any doubt on the message behind the Regional Police Lock it or Lose It campaign these photograph should convince you to lock you car and never leave valuables where they can be seen
A Beachway Park resident left a purse in a car that had a credit card inside it. The purse was stolen and the credit card used at a nearby ESSO gas station and at an area Best Buy location
On January 6, 2013 a purse was stolen from a vehicle at Beachway Park and a stolen credit card was later used at a. nearby ESSO gas station and at an area Best Buy location
Police believe these two men are responsible for thefts from cars in the Beachway Park community and for the fraudulent use of credit cards stolen from those cars.
On January 9, 2013 police were once again notified of a purse being stolen from a vehicle while parked at Beachway Park. An attempt to use a stolen credit card was made later that day at a Burlington business.
In the January 6th incident the suspects were observed in a 1999 Black Dodge Ram 1500 with an Ontario plate of AA76725 affixed. The truck had been previously reported stolen from the City of Toronto.
SUSPECT #1 – white, 30-35 yrs of age, 5’11”, average build with a fair complexion, wearing a black toque, brown plaid scarf (Burberry style), black waist-length coat, blue jeans and white running shoes
SUSPECT #2 – possibly south asian descent, 25-30 yrs of age, 5’10”, heavy build, wearing a black toque, plaid scarf, black waist-length leather jacket, blue jeans and white running shoes.
These are probably crooks from Toronto. Anyone with information that would assist in identifying the pictured individuals is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 x2315, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274627(crimes).
BURLINGTON, ON. January 8th, 2013 A serious collision on Cedar Springs Road in the Village of Kilbride, shut down traffic for a four and a half hour period while the Regional Police Collision Reconstruction unit investigated. Alcohol use is not being considered a factor.
Shortly after 6:00 pm, a white Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling north on Cedar Springs Road, approaching the intersection with McNiven Road, when the vehicle crossed the centre line and collided with a southbound VW Jetta being driven by a 36-year old Burlington woman.
Intersection on Cedar Springs Road where accident put two in hospital.
After being extricated from her vehicle by Fire Department personnel, the female was transported to Hamilton General Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Dodge Ram, a 58-year old Puslinch man was transported to Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington with less serious injuries.
Police will not be releasing the names of the involved drivers, and due to the early stages of the investigation, no comment will be made on charges, although alcohol is not being considered as a factor.
Anybody with information regarding this collision, who has not already spoken to police, is asked to contact the CRU at (905) 825-4747 ext. 5056 or 5065.
BURLINGTON, ON January 7, 2013 Is it because we are the second nicest city in Canada to live in? Is it because we perceive the city to be a safe place so there is nothing to worry about. OK, so there are a few break ins, some small thefts but we don’t have a crime problem do we? Our homes are safe places and our cars are safe in our driveways – aren’t they?
Apparently not. Halton Police recently arrested a man and charged him with 17 offenses – all related to breaking into cars – and there wasn’t much breaking in to do – most of the cars were left unlocked.
On January 3, 2013 at 3:30 a.m., an alert citizen, in Acton, contacted police to report a man breaking into vehicles on his street.
A concerted response by uniform officers resulted in the quick arrest of an Acton man who when apprehended, was in possession of several stolen items.
The investigation to date has determined multiple vehicles were entered on Greenore Crescent, Cameron Street, Kingham Road, Church Street East, Gould Crescent, Wright Avenue and Birchway Place all in Action. If it is happening there – it can happen here as well
Jeffery McBEAN, 26 has been charged with 17 counts of Theft under $5000 and two counts of possession of stolen property.
Deputy Police Chief Andrew Fletcher (he’s the one with all the gold braid) and Auxiliary police officer Voorberg putting a notice on a vehicle that had objects of interest to thieves. This was the kick off of the Lock It or Lose It campaign.
The vast majority of the incidents involved vehicles that were left unlocked, this despite a recent Provincial Campaign, ‘Lock it or Lose it’, aimed at urging motorists to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.
These particular crimes are largely preventable by simple crime prevention techniques including:
– Parking in an enclosed garage OR well lit area.
– Never leave valuables in plain sight OR remove from vehicle entirely.
– LOCK your vehicle.
Residents in the Alton Community, north of Dundas and west of Appleby Line, have a system that allows one person to tell others electronically that something is going on. The Alton resident’s, who have organized themselves with an electronic service that gets word out on problems in the community, sort of like an electronic Neighbourhood Watch, recently sent out an alarm and the person breaking into cars was nabbed.
This reporter was taking part in the media event at which Halton Police launched their Lock It or Lose It drive and got a notice from police on the spot that he had left a purse sitting in the front seat of the car and got a warning notice.
It is surprising that cars being broken into are not stolen as well.
Lock it or Lose It – these guys are out their – 17 charges – that’s going to keep this one off the streets for a period of time – hopefully.
BURLINGTON, ON January 5th, 2013 A 39-year-old Burlington resident didn’t wait to be identified by those who knew him; after robbing a Burlington convenience store New Year’s Eve and being captured on a videocamera, waving a long knife and tapping it on the store counter, Adam Craig Cipolla walked into the Waterfront Hotel on Lakeshore Road at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 5th, 2013, approached the reception clerk and demanded money
He left empty-handed after learning that there was no money accessible. The clerk immediately called the Halton Regional Police. No weapon was seen and the clerk was not injured.
Minutes later, the man was seen nearby and was arrested by uniform patrol officers
Look closely – that is a very large knife this robber is threatening a store clerk with. Police believe the robber to be Adam Craig Cipolla who later attempted to rob a desk clerk at the Waterfront Hotel.
Adam Craig Cipolla, 39 years, of Burlington has been charged with: Robbery, Robbery with a Weapon and is being held for a Bail Hearing.
Police released security camera footage on Friday and asked the public for help in identifying the convenience store robber. The footage is shown below.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905) 825-4747, extension 2315; 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 Pepper Parr
