 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON March 19, 2012 A twelve-year-old Burlington girl was robbed of her iPod at knife point in the Brant Hills community Sunday evening at 7:00 pm
The victim reported walking with a friend on the sidewalk in the area of Duncaster Drive and Melissa Crescent, Burlington (Brant Hills Park) when the two girls were approached by two teenage suspects. One of the suspects was holding a knife, but made no overt threat. The suspect demanded the iPod and the victim gave it up.
The two suspects were last seen running into Brant Hills Park.
 Having someone with a knife in their hands demanding that you give them your property is one of the most terrifying things that can happen. Two 12 year old girls stood in fear in the Brant Hills community as two men robbed them at knife point. Suspect #1 – Male, black, mid-teens, 6’, thin build very short hair. He was armed with a knife. Clothing description – grey and white patterned cloth jacket and denim pants
Suspect #2 – Male, Latin American, early teens, 5’3”, heavy build, short black hair. Clothing Description – black hooded sweatshirt, denim pants.
There are two terrified young girls out there. 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 Staff
BURLINGTON, ON March 19, 2012 The first red light camera in Burlington is up and running to remind drivers to stop at red lights. The camera, at Brant Street and Dundas Street, is the first of 12 red light cameras Halton Region is planning to install over the next two years to help improve road safety.
“Residents have told us that they’re very concerned about the issue of red light running in our communities,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The fact that there’s at least one collision every week in Halton Region caused by a red light runner is not acceptable to us. We want to save lives and make our roads a safer place to be. Running red lights is not only dangerous, it’s also illegal.”
 Halton Regional Police Chief Gary Crowley, Regional Chair Gary Carr and Mayor Rick Goldring stand at the intersection of Brant and Dundas with signs telling the public that red light runners will be photographed and fined. The cameras that catch you are up and behind these three fine civil servants With almost half of Halton Region drivers surveyed stating they worry about getting into an accident when driving through an intersection and more than 60% reporting seeing a near-miss accident as a result of someone running a red light, Halton Region has installed two red light cameras – one in Burlington and one in Oakville – to help improve road safety. In 2012 and 2013, Halton will install another 10 red light cameras at strategic intersections throughout the Region.
Cameras are currently located at Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) and Brant Street (Regional Road 18) in the City of Burlington and at Trafalgar Road (Regional Road 3) and Upper Middle Road (Regional Road 38) in the Town of Oakville.
Throughout southern Ontario, red light cameras have reduced personal-injury type accidents, helping to improve the safety of intersections and enhancing quality of life. Cameras take photos of red light runners 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but only operate when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red.
The fine for running a red light is $325. Demerit points are not issued with violations detected by red light cameras.
When you run a red light a picture of your vehicle is taken and downloaded to a processing at Metro Toronto Police who do the processing for all municipalities in Ontario. Trained officers review every picture and if it is evident that the Highway Traffic Act was breached they mail you a ticket. Hard to beat when there is a clear photograph of the car going through the red light – so you might want to take your cheque book with you should you decide to fight the ticket.
 Halton Regional Police chief Gary Crowel is gearing down and getting ready to move into retirement where he hopes he can get out and do a bit more running. As a chief of police he gets to shuffle a lot of paper and pose for pictures - the actual policing days have slowed down a bit - but they haven't stopped. The only upside to all this is that you don’t lose demerit points for an offence that was captured by a camera.. If a police office were to issue you a ticket for running a red light you would lose three demerit points.
Of the $325 fine – $265 goes to the city of Burlington and $60 is paid into the Victim Fine Surcharge. The cameras are on 24/7 and they work in the dark. The cameras are standard 35mm units and cost about $100,000 annually to install and maintain – so this isn’t a cash grab on the part of the city. This is part of a program that will hopefully convince drivers to stop for red lights or pay the price if they don’t.
For those who decide to run a red light – you’re lucky if all you get is a fine. The cost of an accident is much higher.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON March 14, 2012 An daylight armed robbery on Brant Street drugstore in February
On February 17th the Halton Regional Police Service initiated an investigation into a robbery which had occurred at the “Medexpress Pharmacy” located on Brant Street. During this robbery two suspects threatened the employee with a handgun and left after stealing a quantity of prescription drugs.
On February 23rd another pharmacy robbery took place in Milton at the Derry Pharmacy. In this instance the suspects left without obtaining any drugs.
Criminal Investigations Bureau officers from Districts 1 and 3 District initiated an investigation and determined . that the two robberies were related to one another.
On March 6th 2012 police arrested two males; Bempong and Drennan. During a search of the vehicle they were in police discovered a replica handgun which was believed to have been used during the robberies. With this information police obtained search warrants for the residences of thet two suspects as well as a hotel room they were using.
The locations of the search warrants were as follows:
1) Polonia Avenue, Brampton (Bempong’s residence)
2) 2468 Lower Base Line, Milton (Drennan’s residence)
3) 40 Chisholm Drive, Milton
During the searches investigators recovered some of the prescription drugs that were taken during the robbery.
On March 9th 2012 investigators arrested a third male (Gonsalves) in relation to these robberies.
All three accused were charged and held pending bail hearings.
The men behind bars are:
Fredrick BEMONG (31 years of age) of Brampton charged with Robbery with a firearm x 2; Point firearm; Weapons dangerous x 2, Wearing a disguise; Conspiracy to commit indictable offence, Fail to comply with a recognizance and possession of a controlled substance
Graham DRENNAN (29 years of age) of Milton has been charged with Robbery with a firearm, Weapons dangerous, Breach Probation, Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and possession of a controlled substance
Franklin GONSALVES (33 years of age) of Oakville has been charged with Robbery with a firearm, two charges. Weapons dangerous, two charges, and wearing a disguise, two charges.
Solid police work brought these three to a court room.
Pharmacy robberies have been taking place quite frequently in the Region. Drug addicts go to any length to get whatever they think will feed their addiction. Something to keep in mind as you watch the young people in your community circles. If you think there are signs of what some call “recreational use” of drugs – move quickly to get help for the drug user. There is no upside to drug use.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON March 8, 2012 The first red light camera in Halton Region is up and running to remind drivers to stop at red lights. This is the first of 12 red light cameras the Region is planning to install over the next two years to help improve road safety.
 From left to right: Halton Chief of Police, Gary Crowell; Oakville Councillor Marc Grant; Oakville Mayor Rob Burton; Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr; and Oakville Councillors Tom Adams and Max Khan. Note that the only people smiling are the politicions. The police chief is going to have to enforce this law. “The fact that there’s at least one collision every week in Halton Region caused by a red light runner is not acceptable to us,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We want to save lives and make our roads a safer place to be. Running red lights is not only dangerous, it’s also illegal.”
To help improve road safety across Halton, Halton Region has worked with the Halton Regional Police Service on various road safety programs in the past addressing issues such as speeding and drinking and driving.
Red light cameras take photos of red light runners 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but only operate when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red.
Burlington is to get its Red Light camera March 19th when there will be a photo op at Brant and Dundas.
No mention was made in the press release on how much was spent on these red light runner detectors.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON March 8, 2012 It was reported as stolen but it may have been more of a prank. A Boothman Avenue resident left a car idling in the drive way. That’s a no, no – Burlington has an anti-idling by-law.
 Sometime after 6:40 a.m. on March 6th, someone other than the owner of the car, a 2002 Hyundai, drove it out of the driveway and abandoned it later on Easterbrook Avenue. At that time of the morning I think we are looking at a commuter heading for work – he would have been late that morning.
The Hyundai Accent was not damaged. There is no suspect information as this time.
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 March 2, 2012 On February 29th around 8:30 p.m., a fifteen-year-old female walking west along Plains Road East from Maple Avenue to Spring Gardens Road noticed a vehicle that seemed to be following her. The vehicle, a van, was spotted several times travelling back and forth along Plains Road, as well as being seen parked at various commercial properties along the route. The female believed she was being followed.
As the female approached Spring Gardens Road the same van pulled into a driveway, turned around and blocked the sidewalk directly in front of the female.
The van’s tinted passenger window was lowered just a few inches and the male passenger told her to get into the vehicle.
The female replied that she was calling the police on her cell phone and the van sped away.
The passenger in the van has been described as white, with brown hair. No other descriptors are available. The vehicle is described as a white van with tinted windows. A sticker was seen on the left side of the rear window.
Anyone with information concerning 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 Staff
BURLINGTON, ON February 29, 2012 It was more than a jolt for the young woman walking south on Brant near Prospect when she noticed a silver minivan exiting from a private driveway on the east side of Brant Street near Prospect Street.
The vehicle stopped directly in front of the youth and the front passenger window was lowered. The female observed the driver committing an indecent act while staring at her.
The minivan then travelled southbound on Brant Street and may have turned westbound onto Ghent Avenue.
The driver is described as male/white, late 30’s to early 40’s in age, with a scruffy beard, big black sunglasses and wearing a black leather coat.
Brant Street has seen other criminal activity – an armed robbery took place in the same area recently.
D/Sergeant Ray Bruce, Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau, 905 825-4747 x2315 would like to talk to you if there is any information you can provide.
If you’re not comfortable with talking to the police directly use 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
BURLINGTON, ON February 23, 2012 An historic bench mark in public safety was achieved by the Halton Regional Police in 2011 with the lowest crime rate since regionalization in 1974.
Specifically, there were 1,259 fewer criminal offences reported in Halton in 2011 (13,678) as compared to 2010 (14,937), according to the Halton Regional Police Service’s year-end crime statistics which were presented at today’s Police Services Board meeting.
When Regional population growth is taken into account, this represents a significant 10.4% decrease in the overall crime rate since last year – and the lowest rate in 37 years.
 Chief of police reports lowest crime statistics since the force was regionalized in 1974. Now he can retire, which he will do in June. “When a community that is already as safe as Halton sees this kind of significant decline in criminal offences, it speaks volumes about how effectively everyone, including the police, the public, our community partners, and the media are working together for public safety,” said Chief Gary Crowell.
In more good news for home and business owners, Halton’s property crime rate dropped by 13.0%, with 10,025 offences committed in 2011. Crimes in this category include theft, breaking and entering, mischief, counterfeit currency, arson, fraud and the possession of stolen goods.
The breakdown of types of crimes committed remained virtually identical to previous years, with property related crimes comprising 73.3% of all criminal offences committed in the region; violent crime such as robbery, assault and homicide equalling 18.8%; and other crime such as prostitution and offensive weapons representing 7.9%.
One trend Chief Crowell is not pleased to see in the Region is an increase in motor vehicle collisions. Despite a 19% increase in traffic enforcement by police, motor vehicle collision totals were still 10.1% higher in 2011 compared to 2010 (up from 7,649 to 8,425). Property damage collisions were up 10.5% and injury collisions were up 8.2% year over year. Of most concern, the number of fatal collisions increased from 13 in 2010 to 15 in 2011.
“As police, we are doing everything we can by using a combined approach of enforcement, education and engineering to improve traffic safety, however far too many people are still being injured or killed on our roads,” said Chief Crowell.
“There is no question distracted drivers, impaired drivers and aggressive drivers are posing a serious risk to themselves and others. I cannot say it any more clearly: motorists must slow down, focus on the road, and do not get behind the wheel while under the influence of any substance which could impair response or judgment.”
Crime rate is the number of offences committed per 100,000 people. Statistics Canada and police use crime rate measurements to give the most accurate comparison of criminal activity between communities with different populations, and within a single community over different time periods.
The statistics paint a very satisfactory picture for a police chief heading into retirement. Chief Crowley will turn in his badge and his weapon in June .
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON February 22, 2012 Burlington Bowl at 4065 Harvester Road was broken into early Sunday morning at around 3:30 am. People as yet unknown forced open the front doors of the building and accessed the ATM machine inside. A quantity of cash was removed from the machine and suspects fled prior to police arrival.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked 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).
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON February 17, 2012 There was an armed robbery at a pharmacy on Brant just before noon on Friday. Two armed suspects entered the Medexpress Pharmacy located at 809 Brant St., Burlington.
One suspect pointed a hand gun at the clerk and demanded prescription drugs – the clerk complied. The suspects fled the store, last seen running eastbound on Prospect St..
Suspect : Description – male, black, early 40’s, over 6ft tall, medium build. Clothing – all black clothing, wearing ski or motorcycle goggles.
Suspect 2: Description – male, black late 30’s, over 6ft tall, medium build. Clothing – black coat, grey scarf over face, light coloured pants.
Neither of the victims was injured.
Anyone with information that would assist in this investigation 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 Staff
BURLINGTON, ON February 17, 2012 Police have identified a trio of Burlington youths as responsible for a number of graffiti ‘tagging’ incidents over the past month.
Beginning in the month of January, The Orchard and Millcroft communities experienced an increase in incidents of graffiti. The graffiti, in the form of spray painted ‘tags’, were popping up on park benches, Canada Post boxes, as well as cable and hydro boxes. The majority of the ‘tags’ were one word in nature.
- It isn’t public art by any stretch of the imagination. It’s kids with too much free time on their hands and parents not fully aware of what their children are doing.
In a planned response to the increased incidents of graffiti, both uniformed and plain clothed officers were utilized to patrol affected areas. This initiative included a collaborative effort with residents, school officials and students who alerted police to tagging locations, provided timelines and potential suspect information.
This resulted in the identification of three Burlington youths ages 16 and 17 years who were responsible for the vast majority of the recent tagging. The youth, whose identities are protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are all entering a pre-charge diversion program operated by the Burlington Youth Bureau.
Such acts of vandalism have significant costs associated to them and police are asking parents to be mindful of youths in possession of tagging tools such as spray paint cans, graffiti art and wide-tipped markers.
Anyone with information regarding those responsible for such acts of vandalism are asked 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).
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON February 14, 2012. It wasn’t hearts or roses yesterday for two residents on Dryden Avenue.
It was 2:00 am on Valentines Day when four armed people broke through the front door of a Dryden Avenue home and rounded up the two residents of the home – brothers who are both in their 20’s. The victims were led to the basement and restrained. The suspects assaulted one of the victims and demanded drugs and money.
The house was then ransacked and the bandits began stuffing electronics and other valuables into a duffle bag. It is believed that the presence of police in the neighbourhood resulted in the suspects fleeing and leaving all the property behind, including weapons.
One victim was unharmed and the second victim was treated for minor injuries at Joseph Brant Hospital and has since been released.
Suspects are described as:
1) Male, not white, mid to late 20’s in age, darker skin possibly Latin American, 6’3″, 260-270 lbs, covered face with dark hoodie and pulled dark shirt or scarf up over lower part of face, wore dark clothing and gloves
2) Male, white, mid to late 20’s in age, described as being a “skin head” light coloured possibly blonde short hair, 5’10”, 175 lbs, jeans with a ski jacket, no other identifiable marks, scars or tattoos, did not wear gloves or a mask.
3) Male, Asian, mid to late 20’s in age, 5’9″, 150-160 lbs, wearing brown Timberland boots, grey hoodie pulled down on head, dark shirt or scarf pulled up over lower face, blue jeans, unknown type of gloves.
4) Male, possibly Italian descent, mid to late 20’s in age, 6’0″, 220 lbs, grey hoodie, white scarf or shirt pulled up over lower part of face.
What is it that takes criminals to a specific house on a specific street at 2:00 am in the morning and assaulting the occupants and demanding drugs and cash? Because they think that’s what’s in the house? There is some detective work being done around this robbery.
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
Thursday evening the Halton Regional Police Guns and Gangs investigators along with the Emergency Services Unit raided a high risk east end Burlington residence and uncovered a sophisticated hydroponic grow-op with a hydro bypass, marihuana as well as a variety of prohibited weapons (flick knives and pepper spray) and a loaded .45 calibre pistol.
 Cst Mitchell with police dog Juno being trained. Another police dog, Storm, was used in the drug raid in east end Burlington. Police Services Dog, STORM, a general patrol dog who is also trained in the detection of firearms, was instrumental in the discovery of the pistol. The .45 calibre pistol was loaded. A gun of this size is very, very powerful and a Kevlar vest is not going to be much help. In addition to the .45 calibre pistol, investigators seized 22 other firearms from the residence.
This residence was clearly a very dangerous place that undercover police have probably been watching for some time.
The Halton Regional Police successfully dismantled a residential grow home and recovered a loaded firearm with the assistance of Police Services Dog, ‘STORM’.
Burlington Hydro took part in the raid to ensure that the lights do not come back on.
ACCUSED are: Graham ALLEN, 40 of Burlington; Grace ALLEN, 36 also of Burlington.
They have been charged with:
Theft of Hydro (consumption)
Occupants Injure Building
Produce Controlled Substance
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (5 counts)
Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
Contravention of Storage Regulations (four counts)
Careless Storage of a Firearm
The police threw every charge they could think at these two. This investigation is going to be ongoing for some time.
I’d like to add some context to this news item.. A .45 calibre revolver blows a big hole in whatever it hits. The damage it does is not something one recovers from easily. Each day men and women are sent out on a raid which their commanding officers prepare them for – but there is no preparation for a bullet coming out of a .45 calibre handgun.
When most of us go to work each day we expect to come home unharmed. The officer who took part in that raid in east end Burlington on Thursday expected to get home that night. Fortunately the handgun was not in the hands of a criminal about to be arrested. They were lucky. It doesn’t always work out that way.
Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gang or gun activity 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
Halton Regional Police laid robbery charges against an 18-yr-old man and a 16-yr-old youth, when suspicions the officers had, proved accurate.
On February 8, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. a group of youths were walking through the ravine area behind Alexander Public School, in Burlington, when they were confronted by two males. The males ordered the youths to empty their pockets, physically restraining one of the youths to search him and restricted the movements of the other youths throughout the encounter. While the one youth was being physically restrained, his glasses were broken.
The males fled after stealing two i-phones.
 Police didn't know they had their man until the robbery report came in - but they had their suspicions - which proved to be true. Subsequent to the robbery, but prior to it being reported, plain-clothed officers were in the vicinity of the school on an unrelated matter. Officers observed the suspects on school property, had conversation with them and obtained their identities.
When the robbery was reported later and descriptions of the suspects given out, the officers who were in the area “on an unrelated matter” knew who the bandits were and where they lived. The police arrested the two without incident.
ACCUSED: Akenson TELESFORD, 18 yrs, of Oakville. CHARGES: Forcible Confinement (four counts), Robbery (two counts), Breach of Recognizance.
ACCUSED: 16-year-old male from Burlington (whose identity is protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act). CHARGES: Forcible Confinement (four counts), Robbery (two counts).
The question that isn’t answered is: What was the unrelated matter that had the plain clothes officers in the ravine in the first place. Something’s up.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON February 7, 2012 – Perfectly innocent people are victimized by crime and when that criminal is a gun toting youth sticking a gun in your face and ordering you to get down on the floor – becoming a victim takes on a whole new meaning. Few people ever recover from an armed robbery. The trauma is with them for the rest of their lives.
Last Sunday at around 7:00 a.m., two men, one armed with a handgun, entered the Real Convenience Mart, located at 5353 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington.
The firearm was pointed directly at the store clerk, death threats were made and the clerk was ordered to the ground.
The men stole the cash content of the till and the ATM located inside the store – not sure how they managed to do that but that is what the police reported.
The suspects also took several cartons of cigarettes and lottery tickets, which were all stuffed into a duffel bag. The clue that these two were not in the genius category is in the theft of lottery tickets. True justice would have them stealing a ticket worth a couple of million – but these idiots wouldn’t be able to collect on it because the lottery people know where every ticket is sold – cash a winning ticket and they’ve got you.
These two geniuses were described by police as follows:
Suspect # 1
Description: male, white, 20-25 years of age, 5’9 to 6’0 tall, approximately 175 – 180 lbs, average build, short dirty blonde hair with receding hairline, fair complexion.
Clothing: Dark coloured jacket with “New York” on the back with a possible Yankees patch on the front. White hoodie underneath the jacket, dark jeans, and white runners.
Suspect # 2
Description: male, white, 20-25 years of age, 5’6 to 5’7 tall, approximately 140 – 150 lbs, slim build, with dark hair, fair complexion. Lettered tattoos on his right forearm.
Clothing: Dark coloured jacket, dark jeans, white runners.
They are believed to have fled the scene in a newer model sedan, possibly a Toyota Corolla or Camry.
Anyone with information that would assist in this investigation 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 February 3, 2012 – The chiefs all looked a little wooden but it was a great day for the two Halton Regional Police Service detectives who told how, working from a tip, they managed to break wide open a significant gang of organized criminals who were scamming automated banking machines and tucking hundreds of thousands of dollars into their own pockets.
 There were representatives from the OPP, Durham, Halton, Toronto and the Canadian Bankers Association - all basking in the glow of some fine police work done by two Detectives Det.-Constable Dwayne Perron and Det.-Sgt Brad Murray handled most of the questions during the press conference and they clearly had a firm grip on what was done and how it was done. Cases like this could be career makers for these two officers. They were the lead players in what was described as one of the larger press conferences the Halton Police have held.
The police displayed a table of currency they had seized when they raided a number of locations including a credit card lab and arrested twelve people who were part of a gang that stole at least $300,000, stolen from customers and banks in Halton and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Police also seized what they called an impressive collection of electronic devices that were part of a credit card duplication lab set up by the criminals
 Halton Detectives Murray and Perron explaining to the media how the ATM skimming operation worked and some details on the investigation they carried out that arrested twelve people. During a Friday morning press conference at the Oak Walk Drive police station, police displayed around $40,000 seized during the operation and dozens of pieces of equipment, which they said was used to capture and record people’s banking information.
The investigation became active when a financial institution investigator alerted them to the skimming in October 2011. Police had reason to believe the gang had been operating since about April 2010.
Besides the two detectives who ran the investigation there were representatives from Durham Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police, York Regional Police, and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit who were all part of the investigation and collectively executed eight Criminal Code search warrants on residences in Markham, Vaughan and Toronto.
Along with the $40,000 cash police found what they described as a credit card printing lab, instruments used to forge credit cards and numerous fraudulent credit cards. Three vehicles were also seized.
Halton Police Chief Gary Crowell said: “This particular fraud involved the suspect’s installing illegal skimming devices and hidden video cameras on bank machines and gas station credit card readers, conducting counter surveillance to ensure the devices were not discovered by the public or the police and subsequently removing these devices,”
 Police recovered camera equipment, false fronts used on legitimate ATM machines along with small electronic boards that aided in the capture of data. Also seized were a collection of blank bank cards. “Once the devices were removed by the suspects, the stolen data was then downloaded and compared to hidden camera surveillance that they had obtained, thereby revealing the PINs of the victims’ bank or credit cards. The downloaded data and the PINs were then encoded onto a variety of fraudulent cards.”
Crowell explained that with this information the suspects would then either withdraw money directly from the victims’ accounts or make direct purchases with the fraudulent cards. During the investigation some of the suspects were caught on surveillance tapes when they installed the devices.
Police estimate the suspects compromised 280 bank machines and around 10 gas station credit card readers across the GTA. Det.-Constable Dwayne Perron said 35 incidents of this fraud took place in Halton, where only ATMs were targeted. Police believe the suspects involved in these incidents are part of two separate criminal organizations who shared one credit card lab.
Charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and participation in a criminal organization are: Dmitri Chalenko, 28, Dennis Glukhov, 31, Viacheslav Glukhov, 31, Vadim Glukhov, 53, Alla Glukhov, 53, and Matvey Tchirkov, 29, all of Vaughan; Makar Tchirkov, 24, Rishan Thayalachelvam, 29, and Geevan Negendran, 32, all of Markham; and Janesmathan Vilvarajah, 22, of Toronto.
Charged with fraud over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, participation in a criminal organization, two counts of possession of instruments for use in forging credit cards and two counts of possession of credit card data are: Viatcheslav Shevelev, 27, and Maksym Gaiderov, 22, both of Toronto.
A representative from the Canadian Bankers Association told the press that this kind of skimming ATM`s was on the decline nationally and that the newer `chip and pin`cards were making it harder for thieves to get at the data on the cards. He explained that banks lose more than half a billion dollars a year on this kind of theft and that banks reimburse customers whose accounts are compromised.
 Halton Regional Police Chief Gary Crowell advised residents to put their hand over the keypad of the ATM machine and to stand close to the screen to avoid being skimmed by hidden cameras. Chief Crowell recommended people use their hand and body to conceal the keypad when entering their PIN, to check ATMs to make sure card slots all look the same, be suspicious of signs directing them to use a particular ATM, review their credit card and bank account statements regularly and contact their financial institution immediately if unknown transactions or withdrawals are present.
The banks, through a co-ordinated effort with the Canadian Bankers Association are constantly surveying transaction on the Interac network and when they spot something that seems out of the ordinary they will give clients a call and ask if they completed a particular transaction.
This reporter got two calls from the bank during the period of time this investigation was taking place. Out of the house when the calls came in I was surprised to hear the answering machine tell me that the amount available to me for withdrawal had been reduced to $1.00 and would I call the bank immediately. I live off that bank card – so I called quickly and was instructed to go to the nearest branch of my bank with my bank card, that was now no longer valid, and have two pieces of photo identification. Arrived at the bank – they took the old card issued me a new card and said my withdrawal level was back where it has been.
What if that call had come in on a weekend? I know which gas station I used that card at and I`ll be watching.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON February 4, 2012 – Jeremy Isard is looking at some new experiences and may be the first person in Burlington to get to know, in a very up close and personal way, the new plans the federal government has for criminals.
You see, Isard got caught with some cocaine in his pocket, not just once – he got caught a couple of times and now they’ve got him in a police cell awaiting a bail hearing. The Halton Regional Police used one of their undercover officers to meet up with Isard and buy some of that snorting stuff. Isard must have thought he had a great customer in the making and that maybe that customer had some friends – nothing better than a satisfied customer base to keep the cash rolling in.
 Bricks of cocaine - this stuff is produced by the ton. It is BIG business controlled in large measure by organized criminals. Isard came to the attention of police in March of last year and began to pay him more attention than he really wanted because they were pretty sure they had a drug trafficker in their sights – the sentence for drug trafficking is seven years in prison – and sentences like that bring great joy to police officers.
More importantly for Jeremy Isard is the change in the rules that determine parole eligibility – by the time Isard’s trial is over his eligibility for parole will be quite a bit different. The cost of doing business has gone up for Isard and for those who buy the cocaine he sells are going to have to look for a new supplier – because you know that the undercover police officer was not his only customer. All the drug transactions took place in the City of Burlington.
 Drug dealers can use an iPhone app to weigh the cocaine they are selling you. These guys have the cash flow to buy all the tools they need. Last Friday, the police determined they had enough evidence and arrested Isard after he sold 1.75 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer. With handcuffs firmly fitted the police searched their suspect and a residence on Longmoor Drive in Burlington and found a quantity of cocaine, scales and packaging. Jeremy was in business” but his $4500.00 of operating cash was taken in as evidence, which means Isard is going to have to find money somewhere else to pay for a lawyer. The police scooped up 72 grams of cocaine. Clearly Isard was just a distributor, hopefully the police got a look at the food chain and can now focus on where the stuff was coming from – and while they were at it – they got a good look at where it was going. So for those of you who buy the stuff – the police now know who you are, which means you are on a list you didn’t really want to be on. The police call that a “person of interest”.
Isard, 29 years of age, a Burlington resident, has been charged with two counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, six counts of trafficking in cocaine.
Police remind the public that Crime Stoppers is there to report on any illegal drug, gang or gun activity 1 800 222 8477.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON January 26, 2012 There is someone out there who has wheels that don’t belong to them. Thieves stole twelve Michelin X2E2 (G) low rolling resistance tires and twelve aluminum outer 5 hole rims. Total loss is valued at $11,000.
 The theft took place over the weekend of December 9th, 2011. The thieves gained entry to the fenced compound of Trans East Trailer Ltd., 3091 Appleby Line and removed tires and rims off a tri -axle trailer parked in the parking lot.
The police could use some help on this one. 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 January 25, 2012 A Woodland Avenue resident, returning to her home at 4:45 in the afternoon on January 23rd interrupted a break and enter in progress.
Two suspects had pried open a back door to gain entry into the house. When the suspects were alerted to the resident’s presence, they fled on foot through neighbouring backyards.
Police were dispatched to the area. Alert neighbours saw the fleeing suspects and managed to capture and detain one of them for police.
Police also seized a vehicle that had been left behind by the suspects, parked in the victim’s driveway.
Police are still seeking a second male suspect, described as 6’1”, olive complexion, with a tattoo on his neck and wearing a black coat at the time of the break-in. Two female suspects are also being sought that were seen exiting the suspect vehicle and fleeing on foot.
James Mann, 19 of Hamilton, is charged with Break and Enter, Obstructing Police. He is being held pending a bail hearing.
 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).
This is the second reported break in the community in as many weeks. Hopefully Judges in Milton handling these cases will send a message to not only the criminal element via the stiff sentences they impose but to the community as well. A statement from the bench is perhaps called for.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON January 17, 2012 It was a cold Canadian winter night with everyone in a home on Cherry Hill Crescent snuggled under their covers. The sound of breaking glass at 3:30 am was not expected – and brought the residents of the house to their feet.
 The police canine unit was brought in to track down suspects that had begun to break into a Cherry Cr home. Suspects had attempted to enter the home by smashing a rear sliding glass door, but were scared off by the occupants who witnessed two males running from the area.
Police conducted an extensive search of the area, including the use of a canine unit, but were unable to locate those responsible.
Tips related to Home and Business security can be found at www.haltonpolice.ca under the ‘Community Policing’ tab.
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 22-TIPS(8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
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