By Pepper Parr
February 11, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It turns out it wasn’t the butler –it was the cleaning lady.
A Burlington couple had used the same home cleaning service for about a year and never had any concerns – until January. .
They noticed fraudulent cheques had been written and cashed on their bank account and jewelry / cash had gone missing from their bedroom.
Investigating officers utilized bank video surveillance to positively identify the suspect. The home cleaning service cooperated with the police and assisted in identifying the suspect.
Accused:
Arruda TORRES, 21 years of Milton is charged with Theft, Fraud, Forgery and Possession of Property by Crime (under $5000.00).
“Our elderly community members are at a high risk for victimization and anytime we can take steps such as this to hold people accountable for preying on seniors we prevent future victimization.” says D/Sergeant Ron Hansen.
The Halton Regional Police would like to take this opportunity to remind people, particularly our elderly community to be alert and vigilant when dealing with in home services and to call the police if anything suspicious occurs.
Anyone with information on 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).
We must always be vigilante. Remember March is Fraud Awareness Month: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/2013/03-01-fpm-mpf-eng.htm
By March we have all recovered from the year end holidays and the criminals are thinking we are back into routine and not looking any more. Always be vigilante.