 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON October 10-12 Just before midnight last Friday two teenagers, male and female – aged 15 and 14 years respectively, were walking west along St. Frances Road near Guelph Line, in Burlington.
A thief ran up behind the pair, pushed the male to the ground at which point the thief was joined by two accomplices. The suspects punched the victim in the face and demanded his backpack and cell phone. The three assailants took the back pack and the cell phone and fled. They were last seen running towards Guelph Line.
Approximately forty minutes later another robbery occurred on the north side of New Street near Rossmore Boulevard, in Burlington.
The 19-year-old male victim was walking along New Street when he was approached by three males. One suspect stated that they were going to rob the victim and then all three suspects forced the victim to the ground and removed a cell phone and wallet from the victim’s pant pockets. The suspects were then seen getting into a vehicle and fleeing east on New Street.
 Thieves will sneak up behind you in broad daylight or stalk you at night. There is a ready market for stolen cell phones In both incidents the suspects are described as follows:
First incident
All three suspects were male, black.
One suspect was 6’0” tall, with a slim muscular build and wearing a black hoodie.
A second suspect was wearing a black hoodie with a white stripe on the back.
Second incident
All three suspects were male, black, short hair, ranging in height from 5’9” – 6’0” tall.
All three suspects were wearing black shirts with yellow stripes around the arms and down the sides of the shirt.
Suspect vehicle: A red four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda.
Both victims received minor injuries during these confrontations.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the suspects involved 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 274637(crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON October 3, 2012 A Burlington man faces sex-related charges following an investigation by detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit. The male victim was in his teens when the alleged incidents took place from 1987 to 1992.
 Sexual assault is a crime – report it and end the shame. The investigation began when a young man worked up the personal courage to overcome the shame and humiliation and report the incidents to the police.
Daniel CAMPBELL, 65, of Burlington has been charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Invitation to Sexual Touching. He is to appear in court, October 24, 2012.
Society is at a point where sexual abuse is no longer hidden. People are being helped to realize they do not have to continue to suffer and that they can get help and that people will understand.
The police have a sexual abuse unit you can reach and the Kids Help line is available.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON October 1, 2012 Halton Police want to warn residents to be on the lookout for phony telephone solicitations to repair your computer.
There are variations to the scam, according to police, but generally the caller identifies themselves as a representative of a computer service or repair firm and professes to know the resident is experiencing computer problems. The resident is tricked into accessing a particular website, providing personal information and eventually the caller gains access to their computer. The purported fee for ‘assisting’ the resident ranges, but in one recent case, a victim paid a few hundred dollars.
 An offer to repair your computer by someone you don’t know is like giving them your wallet. Police offer the following advice to avoid becoming victimized by persons claiming to be computer company representatives.
DO NOT purchase any software or services.
Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the ‘service’. If there is, hang up.
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
Take the caller’s information down and immediately report it to your local police.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from a computer technical support company.
Good advice.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 25, 2012 while sitting on a bench late in the evening with a female friend a 20 year old Burlington male was assaulted while trying to recover a backpack a thief had snatched.
Shortly after midnight on September 23rd, a man and woman were seated at a bench in the area of Brant Street and Ghent Avenue, Burlington. A backpack belonging to the female was placed on the ground next to the bench.
A man, unknown to the man and the woman, approached the two, stole the backpack and began to run. The male gave chase, and caught up with the thief and tried to recover the backpack.
Moments later, three accomplices jumped out of a car parked nearby and began beating up on the male who was trying to recover the backpack.
Four to one is tough to handle – the thieves beat up on the male and then took off and fled in the car.
The victim suffered minor injuries.
The ‘Element’ backpack contained a quantity of cash, identification and some small personal items.
The vehicle the thieves fled in was an older model, black, four door sedan.
The suspects were described as male, black in their 20’s, wearing dark clothing. The first suspect was described as having short hair.
Anyone with information regarding this incident 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 274637(crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 21, 2012 The Halton Regional Police have been tracking a person they suspected of being a drug dealer. Late in August, an undercover officer contacted the male and arranged the purchase of 1.75 grams of cocaine. The transaction was completed in the City of Burlington.
On September 20th 2012, an undercover officer contacted the male and again arranged the purchase of 1.75 grams of cocaine. The male attended the pre-arranged location where he was placed under arrest by members of the Drug and Morality Unit and Guns and Gangs Unit. The police then seized a quantity of cocaine, currency and other evidence of drug trafficking.
 Oxycodone is a visicioulsy addictive drug. Intended for pain relief the drug was soon abused and became a favourite for drug addicts Subsequently, police conducted a search warrant at a residence in the City of Hamilton and located a sophisticated indoor cannabis marihuana grow operation. The grow operation contained 678 cannabis marihuana plants in various stages of growth. Also located was a quantity of Ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis resin along with , Oxycodone and Psilocybin. Investigators estimate the street value of the controlled substances to be $695,000.
In addition $16,800 in Canadian currency, $1000 in Euro and $280 in U.S. currency was also seized. A further search revealed a restricted firearm with ammunition, 1400 volt Taser, 3 shurikens (throwing stars) and a set of nunchaku.
Three members of one family have been charged along with a fourth individual.
Radomir ACAMOVIC (22 years) of Hamilton has been charged with:
Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts)
Trafficking in Cocaine
Production of Cannabis Marihuana
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Ecstasy
Possession of Oxycodone
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (three counts)
Also charged was Dragomir ACAMOVIC (24 years) of Hamilton. Those charges were:
Possession of Cannabis Resin for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana over 30 grams
Possession of Psilocybin
Possession of Ecstasy
Production of Cannabis Marihuana
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
Dalibor ACAMOVIC (48 years) of Hamilton was charged with:
Production of Cannabis Marihuana
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of Cocaine
Improper Storage of a Firearm
Possession of a Restricted Firearm without a Licence
Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition Readily Available
Diogo CARRUCO (30 years) of Scarborough was charged with:
Production of Cannabis Marihuana
Possession of Cannabis Marihuana for the Purpose of Trafficking
CARRUCO was released with a court date in October 2012 with conditions. Radomir ACAMOVIC, Dragomir ACAMOVIC and Dalibor ACAMOVIC were held for a bail hearing on today’s date.
Police investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report on any illegal drug, gang, or gun activity 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
BURLINGTON, ON September 11, 2012 This morning at 9:35 a.m., an employee of a Burlington CIBC bank, located at 575 Brant Street, contacted police to report a suspicious bag left in the ATM vestibule.
Police attended and a determination was made to enlist the assistance of the Explosives Disposal Unit.
Appropriate measures were enacted to minimize any risk to public safety and established procedures were utilized to ‘disrupt’ the package.
Which is the police way of saying the bag was removed from the premises. Halton Regional Police have a robotic unit that can be used for such situation
At this time, investigators are unable to determine whether the bag was innocently left behind by a customer or deliberately placed to resemble a threat. Further investigative efforts are being undertaken.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 7, 2102 It was blatant. Three woman walked into a store at the Burlington Mall August 13th, and began taking baseball caps off the shelves and stuffing them into the large shoulder bag one of them was carrying.
The police did what police do and earlier this week one of the three suspects was arrested and is being held for a bail hearing later today.
The crime took place at the ‘Lids’ store located at the Mapleview Mall.
One woman has been arrested; two others are being sought. The suspect threatened to cut the employee if he did not let go of the purse. The victim complied and all three suspects fled the scene. Estimated value of stolen property is $1600.
As the suspects were leaving the store, a store employee confronted them and grabbed the purse containing the stolen property. The suspect responded by brandishing a utility knife that was concealed in her bra. The suspect arrested, is believed to have been the one armed with the knife. The other suspects are still being sought.
Arrested is:
Alicia CALDERON, 32 years, of Brampton. CHARGES: Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
The two additional suspects are described as:
#1 – non-white, 5’6″ – 5’7″, 160-170 pounds, long black hair, wearing a short sleeved t-shirt, beige shorts, pink or white baseball cap and yellow flip flops
#2 – non-white, 5’6″ – 5’7″, 160-170 pounds, short black hair, wearing a black and white handkerchief wrapped around her head, grey pants or possibly blue jeans and a black short sleeved t-shirt
Anyone with information 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 274637(crimes).
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON September 4, 2012 It was more of a love in than a change of command – even though one guy gave the other guy a sword. Steve Tanner had come home and they were lined up to give him hugs or salute him. The Region was swearing in its new Chief of Police at the Burlington Convention Centre where it was a standing room only event.
 It was standing room only for the Change of Command and Swearing in of the new Chief of Police at the Burlington Convention Centre Tuesday. While not a very useful picture, this one shows just how packed the room was. There was a Pipe band, a choir, a colour party and an invocation from the Chaplain, and everyone reminding the audience that the Region was the safest in the country for the past five years.
Steve Tanner, who started his career as a Constable in Burlington, was back 17 years later as the Region’s Chief of Police. Along the way he was a deputy chief in Guelph and Belleville and then a Chief in Belleville and Kingston.
 The swearing in turned into a reception with Chief Tanner accepting congratulations and a few words of advice from all those who chose to shake his hand. The Chief wanted to “shake” while the citizen wants to make a point. There were accolades galore but there wasn’t much about what the new Chief was going to do.
But before the new Chief took command the event took the time to recognize the job Chief Crowell did during his command.
Crowell brought in a focus on women in the police service that was not as evident before he arrived to serve as the fifth chief of police. Crowell introduced new budget and cost controls. He introduced a higher level of transparency and efficiency. He also recognized the changing make up of the community and ensured that the different faiths were recognized and accommodated. Child and female abuse were aspects of policing that he paid particular attention to as well.
Gary Crowell turned the sword of office over to Steve Tanner, saluted the new Chief and became part of the history of the Halton Regional Police Service.
While being sworn in Steve Tanner promised to be loyal to the Queen, loyal to the constitution of Canada and both faithful and impartial in carrying out his duties as police chief.
It was clear from the background on Tanner that he is a good administrator and he is going to get every new toy the police service needs. Much mention was made of the growth of the police service – an additional 369 officers since Tanner left. But not a word about the budget or the crime issues the community faces.
Identity theft is rampant and it is our seniors that take the hardest hits on that one. Armed robbery is consistent – not very high but consistent.
Mention was made of transparency and the need to respect each other. All the words that the spin masters use were trotted out.
Tanner made mention of the people in Burlington who were formative in the development of his career. There were a number of people he chose to remember very fondly.
We don`t yet know what kind of police chief Tanner will be. Is he part of the new breed that understands and can work with the technology that wasn’t even thought of during his days as a Constable? Is the shift in the demographic makeup of the community something he is really tuned into? Does he understand the mentality of the young people that grow up in Burlington? Does he have a solid grip and understanding of how devastating the drug trade is and the role it plays in the crime in the Region?
In the next year we will gain a better understanding of the man who now leads our police service.
 One of the only people in the room carrying a weapon was this officer from the Tactical Rescue Unit. Wasn’t sure about the look he was giving me. For the most part Burlington has an excellent police service; one that is seldom challenged because the community is close to crime free. No mention was made of the number of officers we sent to the G20 conference in Toronto and what part they may have played in that event.
Domestic abuse doesn’t seem to be a problem in Burlington. We don’t hear a word about pedophiles. We do hear quite a bit about drug busts and Burlington got swept up in a banking machine scam that was taking place everywhere but the arrests were done by Burlington – so we got the TV coverage on that.
Every chief officer brings their own style to the job. Steve Tanner has solid roots in the community and understands it well – what we are getting is a man from the community who brings back solid experience gained elsewhere in the province. He also sports a mustache he didn’t appear to have in earlier pictures.
That and a badge (the same one he wore 17 years ago # 1214) should have him settled in his office nicely. Time for us to take a look at the current police budget and business plan.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON August 31, 2012 Halton Regional Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Rogers Wireless store in Burlington. On August 30th at approximately 1:10 pm three masked suspects entered the Rogers Store located at 3455 Fairview Street Burlington.
One suspect produced a handgun and ordered staff and customers to lie on the floor. The suspects demanded cash and access to the store safe where they stole a quantity of cell phones. They then left the store and fled the area in a waiting vehicle. No staff members or customers were physically injured during the incident.
The suspects are described as follows:
3 black males aged 18 to 25 years old. They were of average height and slim to medium in build. Suspects were wearing dark clothing that included hoodies and balaclavas. They fled in a Silver 4 door Sedan, last observed headed westbound on Fairview Street.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext 2315, Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222 TIPS (8477), online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON August 23, 2012 The Halton Children’s Aid Society has investigated a complaint against a Halton Board of Education teacher thought to be sexually exploiting a student. Halton Regional Police recently arrested Carol Shepherd, 48, of Burlington, Ontario and charged her with one count of Sexual Exploitation and one count of Sexual Assault in connection with incidents which occurred between 2005 and 2010.
 Former Halton Board of Education teacher charged with sexual exploitation During this time, the accused was employed as a teacher for the Halton District School Board. As of June 2012, the accused was no longer employed by the HDSB.
Police do not believe there are further victims attributed to the accused.
Anyone with additional information is requested to contact D/Cst Charlotte Zarowny at 905-465-8979, or an investigator in the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at 905-465-8970.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON August 23, 2012 It was just after 1 am in the morning when the fire trucks raced up Longmeadow Drive in Burlington to find no one but two cars ablaze.
It didn’t take long for police to extinguish the fire; nor did it take very long to determine that an accelerant had been used to start the fires.
 Burlington Fire fighters quickly extinguished a blaze on Longmeadow Drive, Arson is suspected. The fire was quickly extinguished with no further property damage and no injuries. Total damage is estimated at $15,000.00.
This appears to be an isolated incident and the Halton Police are investigating this matter as an act of arson. There are no suspects at this time and the investigation is continuing by the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747, Ext. 2305, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON August 18, 2012 The Riviera Motel, empty for at least six months was found ablaze late Friday night.
Burlington fire crews responded just after midnight to the Riviera Motel on Lakeshore Road near Brant Street to find flames engulfing the second storey of the building. There were no injuries. Arson is suspected and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office has been notified.
 A long time landmark along Lakeshore Road set ablaze Friday night – arson is suspected. The building is due for demolition before the end of the year The motel which has long been a landmark along Burlington’s waterfront, was badly damaged by the flames. It is slated for demolition before the end of the year to comply with a change in a Conservation Authority requirement that calls for a greater set back form the lake that is currently required.
The site has a height and density that will allow for a 22 storey building and two seven storey buildings. The owners of the property are currently working with the city to permit an eighth floor on the building that will be a hotel. The developers wanted seven floors for hotel accommodation and an eighth floor for administrative and marketing use.
If the eighth floor is permitted the building will be higher than the Waterfront Hotel which is just to the west of the Riviera site.
The intention is believed to be to have a hotel in place for the Pan American games which take place in 2015.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON. ON August 17, 2012 Halton Regional Police are reminding the public of the perils associated with social media platforms after notice of a Burlington house gathering resulted in several unwanted youths attending.
On Thursday August 16th at 10:55 p.m., police were called to a disturbance at a home on Silvan Forest Drive. A child of the homeowner had invited a few friends over and word of the gathering was inadvertently posted on various social media sites.
 Surprise – we heard about your party and we want in. Police were called – it got “unruly” The posting resulted in several unwanted youths attending the home, causing damage and removing items from within. Despite the unruliness of the attendees and having objects tossed at them, police were able to quell the disturbance and restore order.
Despite its many benefits, the advent of social media has its downsides and incidents such as these are becoming all too common within our community. The police in conjunction with school board officials continue to work on educating both youth and parents of the need to be cognizant of the potential implications associated with social media applications.
This Social Media can cut both ways. The Mayor of Burlington recently sent out the following:
| Hi Pepper,Rick Goldring has invited you to like his page The Mayor’s Cabaret.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team |
The Mayor wants you to show up at the Performing Arts Centre and attend the fund raiser he is sponsoring for the Centre – which remind us – what have they been up to at the Centre lately and is their agreement with the city signed yet?
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON August 16, 2012 The Regional Police got a call from the Fido store at the Burlington Mall to report a theft. This was slick – they’ll get caught – eventually.
On August 12th, mid-afternoon, an unknown female suspect entered the Fido cellular phone store at the Burlington Mall. The store clerk began assisting the woman. Soon after, an unknown black male suspect and an unknown white male suspect entered the store. The white man approached the store clerk and told her that the black man required assistance picking out a phone. While the store clerk spoke to the black man with her back to the white male and female, the white man entered the back room with the female’s black and white striped bag and proceeded to grab numerous cellular phones and place them in the bag. When the white male exited the back room, he handed the bag back to the woman and the three suspects left the store together.
 4S iPhones – a popular item.. If you get an offer of a good deal – think twice. This crew had obviously “cased the joint” and knew where the inventory was.
Stolen items include: Five 16 Gigabit 4s white iPhones; four 16 Gigabit 4s black iPhones; and one 64 Gigabit 4s white iPhone.
Suspect #1 is described as: female, possibly of aboriginal descent, approximately 5ft5, approximately 140 lbs, with a heavy build. The suspect appeared to be approximately 30 to 35 years of age, with black hair. She was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, brown knee high boots, with a black and white bag on her right shoulder.
Suspect #2 is described as: male, black, approximately 6ft, with a slim build. The suspect appeared to be approximately 20 to 25 years of age, dark haired, with a shaved head. He was wearing a grey long sleeve zipper hoodie, blue jeans, dark shoes, and a large wrist watch on his left wrist.
Suspect #3 is described as: male, white with a tanned complexion, approximately 6ft, with a heavy build. The suspect appeared to be 200 lbs, 25 to 30 years of age, dark haired, with a shaved head. He was wearing diamond earrings in each ear, a white golf shirt with a diamond pattern, white and neon striped shorts, and a loafer style dark shoe.
 Those are pretty good descriptions. When the police eventually apprehend this crew – they will be identified. If you get an opportunity to buy a cell phone that seems too good to be true – now you know where that telephone may have come from.
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
BURLINGTON, ON August 9, 2012 A 42 year old Burlington resident, driving without a valid driver’s license, struck a pedestrian who was crossing Brant Street between North Service Road and Mount Forest Drive
The event took place at approximately 12:30 am on August 9, when the 25 year old male pedestrian was crossing Brant Street, eastbound, in an uncontrolled location of the roadway. He was struck by a northbound Honda Prelude and was knocked to the pavement.
 Police lay charges against unlicensed driver of car that struck pedestrian on Brant Street The pedestrian was removed from the scene by paramedics and transported to the local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
There was no indication that either the pedestrian or the driver had consumed alcohol.
Jason MURDOCH, age 42 years, of Burlington has been charged driving a motor vehicle with no licence contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
The investigation is continuing relating to actual causes of the collision.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON August 6, 2012 Just after 9:30pm, Sunday, an east end Burlington home was invaded by two males.
One of the two residents in the home at the time, heard a knock at the door, opened it and was immediately shoved aside as two males forced their way in to the house.
The two men then ran to a second occupant of the home, assaulted him and demanded cash and jewellery.
Upon receiving a small, as yet undetermined, amount of cash the two males fled the residence. The male resident of the home suffered minor injury and was taken to hospital. The female resident was attended to at the scene by Halton EMS.
The two male suspects are described as; white, approximately 30 years old and slim. They were wearing dark hoody style sweatshirts with the hood pulled up over their heads.
The Halton Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying these two males.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
D/Cst Brad SImpson at (905) 825-4747 x2329,
D/Cst Phil Vandenbeukel at (905)825-4747 ext 2313,
The investigation is continuing by officers in the #3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON July 31, 2012 The Bank Investigator Scam is back. And as they usually do- they target vulnerable trusting seniors who have savings they need tucked away. Some slickster wants to take that money from you and will call saying he is an Inspector with the bank and needs your help.
Tell him you’d love to help him and then ask which branch you can meet him or her at. Then call the police.
The Halton Regional Police Service is warning seniors about a “Bank Investigator Scam”. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly known as Phone Busters) recently reported over 100 complaints with reported losses to victims of 1/2 million dollars.
This scam is predominantly targeting female seniors and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says that the fraudsters sometimes use the obituaries to obtain personal information about their potential victims.
 Constable Wendy Moraghan works with seniors in the Region as the Elder Services Coordinator. If you think there is something fishy about a phone call you get – call Wendy, she’s there to help. The fraudsters contact seniors by phone advising that they require their assistance to catch a bank employee that “has been stealing money”. The person is instructed to go to their bank and make a cash withdrawal, usually in 100 dollar bills, for amounts in the $5000.00 range. The person is told not to tell the bank teller what they are doing because the teller may be involved.
 When anyone asks you to to withdraw cash from your bank account and meet them in a parking lot – let them know you would prefer to meet in the parking lot of the police station and hang up. The senior is instructed to place the cash in an envelope and meet the “investigator” in a nearby parking lot where the cash is turned over. If successful the “investigator” attempts a further request for funds to ensure the investigation is a success. On one occasion the “investigator” also asked if the senior had any cash at home because the employee had been handing out counterfeit money.
The senior turned over $6,000.00 in cash from her residence which the “investigator” confirmed was counterfeit by looking at the serial numbers. The fraudsters will represent various different financial institutions. The public is reminded that this is not the way banks operate. If there is an investigation it is done by the police.
Police constable Wendy Moraghan (Elder Services Coordinator) with the Halton Regional Police Service is as far away as a telephone call – if you’re suspicious – give her a call -905-825-4777 ext. 5064 She’s a real sweetheart and will answer every question you have – she’s there to help you.
Moraghan will tell you to never give out personal information on the telephone to anyone. Constable Moraghan attends many seniors events in the Region.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON July 27, 2012 Based on federal government statistics, the Region of Halton is the safest place to be in all of Canada when compared to other cities with the same 100,000 or more population.
The Region is using the Statistics Canada’s 2011 Crime Severity Index released earlier this week.
According to the report, when compared to the 49 communities with populations greater than 100,000 across Canada, Halton has:
The lowest overall Crime Severity Index (33.6 in 2011, down from 37.0 in 2010);
The lowest Non-Violent Crime Severity Index (35.7 in 2011 down from 40.0 in 2010), and
The second lowest Violent Crime Severity Index (28.2 in 2011 compared to 28.0 in 2010).
Halton’s lower index values are consistent with crime trends across Canada, as Statistics Canada reported that the overall national Crime Severity Index was the lowest it has been in 40 years.
“These latest figures from Statistics Canada speak volumes about the effective partnership between our Service and the community to prevent, deter and reduce crime,” said Acting Chief Andrew Fletcher. “It is an honour to have our Maclean’s magazine ranking as the safest regional municipality in Canada be confirmed by hard crime data provided by every police service in the nation.”
Statistics Canada introduced the Crime Severity Index in 2009 as a measure of severity of crimes committed in Canada. Crimes are assigned “seriousness weights” which are determined by the number of people convicted of the crime who spend time in jail, and how much jail time those individuals serve. To calculate the Crime Severity Index, the number of incidents for each offence is multiplied by the weight of that offence.
Acting Chief Fletcher said that despite Halton’s low crime severity, there is always room for improvement. In particular, he cited traffic safety, the victimization of seniors, youth crime, consumer fraud, and domestic violence as particular areas of focus for the Service.
While good police work is the biggest component of keeping a community safe, the demographic make up of the population plays a very large part as well. Halton has some poverty and some ethnic diversity but nowhere near what the Region of Peel has nor anything close to the make-up of Metropolitan Toronto.
 Stephen Tanner will get a new badge and a new office in September when he takes charge of the Halton Regional Police Service. Halton is a very easy part of the province to be a police officer in – traffic is close to the biggest problem we have to deal with. So while the statistics are good – they should be.
We have a new police chief taking office in September. Stephen J. Tanner gets his new badge early in September. Is there any major work to be done to whip the Halton Police Service into shape? Is there anything pressing that needs immediate attention? Is he going to be asked to come up with a budget that requires a little less than the HRPS has been spending in the past?
This posting is going to be a pretty easy gig for Tanner. The statistics should be about the same in 2012 and for a number of years out into the future.
“Statistics don’t always reflect the very real impact crime has on people in our community every day. That’s why as a Service, we don’t simply rely on the numbers, but rather we focus on building positive relationships with the people we serve as one of the best indicators of how well we are serving this community.”
That`s a decent quote; says the right thing, leaves the right tone. Not sure what it means.
 Redcoats salute a fallen soldier buried at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Cemetery as part of the War of 1812 celebrations. By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON July 26, 2012 Halton Regional Police Service is investigating damage to headstones at St Luke’s Anglican Church and Cemetery.
A lone suspect entered the property on July 15th at approximately 3:18 a.m. and was captured on surveillance video toppling two headstones.
The suspect is described as male, white, muscular build, short hair or possibly bald, wearing light coloured cargo pants and running shoes. The suspect was shirtless, but carrying a shirt in his hand.
Special machinery will be required to reinstate one of the heavy headstones at a cost of approximately $1000.
 Previous cemetery desecration in August 2007 resulted in a $12,000 repair bill.
(Photo courtesy Hamilton Spectator) The headstones at St. Lukes have been damaged in the past. In August of 2007, 22 headstones were damaged. Previously to that damage was done to the cemetery on at least three other occasions.
St. Luke’s parish was built in 1834 on land given to First Nations Chief Joseph Brant for his services to the British crown during the American Revolution. His daughter later donated some of the land to the church.
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
BURLINGTON, ON July 25, 2012 It didn’t take long for the Halton Regional Police to make an arrest in the July 22nd break-in to the Cedar Springs Health and Racket Club, located at 960 Cumberland Ave.
The suspect used a rock to smash the front window, and then used tools to break into the ATM located on the premises, stealing the cash inside.
Investigation quickly identified a suspect that led to an arrest the next day. A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence, where police found stolen cash and tools used to break into the ATM.
 Bandit left with just the cash from the Cedar Springs Health Club – but left something behind that allowed the police to arrest him the next day. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for a June 27th attempted break –in at the Burlington Professional Centre located at 3155 Harvester Rd. On that occasion the suspect disabled the alarm system, but was not successful in gaining entry.
The suspect clearly polished up his skills and got the cash but also got his picture taken or left a fingerprint. Probably enough evidence to send him off to a different club – where he will probably further improve his skills.
Isaac Lucas, 34 years, of Stoney Creek is charged with: Break and Enter; Attempted Break and Enter; Mischief Under $5000; Possession of Burglary Tools and Breach of Probation (four counts). This fellow doesn`t seem to be able to take advantages of the second chances he is given.
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