 By Staff
November 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The cops need some help and so does the Arctic Spa – they are missing a 16 feet long by 8 feet wide Hudson Swim Spa valued at $25,000. The Halton Regional Police are looking for any information that will help identify the person(s) responsible for the theft of Swim Spa.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2014 shortly after 10:00 pm a dark coloured pick-up truck with silver trim at the bottom and towing a 20 foot trailer with a forklift, pulled into the parking lot of Arctic Spa located at 990 Fraser Drive in the City of Burlington.
The forklift was used to load the Swim Spa valued onto the trailer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst. Dikran Tokat, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau – Commercial Crime Team at 905 825-4747 ext 2333, or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
November 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
News reports will make mention of video the police obtained to identify a suspect. Where do they get that video?
From people who have video cameras installed. Most commercial establishments now have video cameras – as well as many homes.
 The Halton Regional Police have created a new data base that will list all the known video camera set ups in the city.
If you have a security video system at your home you can register that camera and system with the Halton Regional Police. All the police do is make a note of your address and the fact that you have a video surveillance system around your house.
The police don’t have access to your system – they just know it is there because you voluntarily registered it with them.
In the event that there is an accident or a crime committed within range of your system the police know that you have cameras and will ask if they can have access to that video.
Called the Security Camera Registration and Monitoring (S.C.R.A.M.) Program; it is seen as a new crime prevention and investigative tool.
In 2013, the Region of Halton was named the safest Canadian regional municipality with a population of more than 100,000. In fact, it was a record year with the crime rate dropping to the lowest it has been since 1974. There are many reasons why Halton enjoys this status; one of which is the reciprocal relationship that the Halton Regional Police Service shares with the community it serves.
This partnership between community and police has allowed Halton to experience a declining crime rate, despite a growing population.
Private home security is a priority for many residents in an effort to protect their home and family. As our population is growing, so is the number of residential video surveillance cameras being installed in neighbourhoods throughout the region. As the number grows, so does the opportunity for police to have access to video/photo evidence that can assist with criminal investigations and lead to suspect identity and a conviction in court.
The new S.C.R.A.M. Program is a community based crime prevention opportunity and investigative tool that enlists the help of Halton residents and can help prevent crime on three levels. Residential video surveillance cameras can deter criminals from entering the area, can prevent crimes from occurring and can help solve crimes by providing valuable evidence to the police.
The S.C.R.A.M. program enables community members to voluntarily identify and register their residential video surveillance equipment through a simple, secure, confidential, online form located on the Halton Regional Police Service website.
Once registered, a database of surveillance camera locations will be available for officers when investigating a criminal offence. The database will provide officers with a more efficient manner of locating surveillance evidence in the critical initial stages of an investigation when time and public safety are potential factors. The program is an innovative and cost-effective way to increase resources that help solve crimes.
Currently when officers are involved in an investigation their only method for locating surveillance evidence is through a physical canvass which is both time consuming and resource heavy. The S.C.R.A.M. database will allow officers access to registered video surveillance in a particular area by utilizing an interactive crime mapping tool.
This program is a creative way of empowering the Halton community to take action against crime in their neighbourhoods. The program facilitates secure information-sharing between the community and the police, and promotes a united response to crime prevention. Because participation in this program is voluntary, S.C.R.A.M., in essence is a community-led initiative and encourages people to become part of the solution, while providing the police with a valuable investigative tool.
 By Staff
November 18, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON –
Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd., also known as GO Packaging, has pleaded guilty and has been fined $70,000 after a worker suffered fractures and other injuries after being caught in machinery.
On June 7, 2013, a worker was learning how to thread multiple strands of plastic strapping material at the company’s workplace at 735 Oval Court in Burlington. The worker was participating in peer-to-peer job advancement training with a senior, experienced operator who was also a lead hand. The task involved running four strands of plastic strapping repeatedly back and forth the full distance of the production line to allow the hot, freshly extruded plastic strapping to cool by air.
The trainee worker was instructed to shut down the machine and, while reaching for a side stop control panel near exposed rollers, one hand and forearm became entangled in plastic strapping. As the worker tried to use the other hand, it also became caught.
The lead hand witnessed the event and stopped the machine. Co-workers used a hack saw to cut through the accumulation of strapping material and extricated the worker. The worker suffered bruising, sprains and bone fractures as well as amputation of the tip of one finger. A Ministry of Labour investigation followed.
Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. pleaded guilty in court to failing to appoint a competent person as supervisor when it appointed the lead hand as the supervisor.
A ‘competent person’ is defined as a person who is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance; is familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to the work; and has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.
The employer had not made the lead hand familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act or the Industrial Establishments Regulation, which applied at the workplace; the lead hand was thus not a competent person as defined by law.
Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd. was fined $70,000 by Justice of the Peace Eileen Walker in Provincial Offences Court in Burlington. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
 By Staff
November 14, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police have completed their month long firearms and weapons amnesty. It is evident our communities in Halton are that much safer due to the partnership between the community and police.
Between October 15 and November 15, 2014, Halton officers took in approximately 180 firearm were turned in, approximately 40 knives and 200 pounds of ammunition.
Police invited people with a firearm to turn it over to police who would destroy the weapons. When the announcement of the amnesty was made police cautioned anyone asking to have a weapon picked up to:
DO NOT BRING ANY WEAPONS OR FIREARMS TO A POLICE STATION.
DO NOT TRANSPORT FIREARMS OR WEAPONS IN YOUR VEHICLE.
DO NOT GREET OFFICERS AT THE DOOR WITH FIREARMS/WEAPONS.
Officers assigned to pick up the weapons“ said the announcement will provide police identification and will require a signature for destruction. They added that “This Amnesty is an opportunity for everyone to take part in removing these firearms and weapons from the community, reducing the risk of them falling into the hands of criminals.`
Today there are 180 fewer guns in the community.
The police make as much use of photo-ops as the politicians and have invited media to attend a photo opportunity at HRPS Headquarters, 1151 Bronte Rd, in the Town of Oakville on Monday November 17th at 10:00am in the Community Room.
Related story:
Police offer an amnesty to owners of guns and other weapons
 By Staff
November 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The old timers used to call them “Holsteins” by which they meant those black and white marking that used to be on the Ontario Provincial Police cruisers.
 In about four years the complete patrol fleet of 110 vehicles will be done up in this black and white colour scheme. Chief Tanner apparently loves the vehicle assigned to him – especially the gas peddle. Halton’s Regional Police seem to have a hankering for those days: their fleet of 110 cruisers are in the process of being done up in the new colours.
While the police have a healthy budget – they tend not to just throw money at projects. When new cruisers come into the fleet they are painted the new black and white.
The fleet coordinator advises that “on average, we cycle through 20 cruisers a year. We anticipate having the full fleet turned over in 3 to 4 years.
 By Pepper Parr
November 13, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It is a tough day when the Chief of a police force has to give the nod to criminal charges being laid against one of his officers.
Earlier this week David Mennie, an eight year veteran with the Burlington detachment, was arrested and charged with one count of Fraud Under $5000
After receiving complaints from the police service’s benefits provider, the Halton Regional Police Fraud Bureau commenced an investigation into an 8-year member of the Halton Regional Police Service.
The officer has been charged with one count of Fraud Under $5000 in relation to fraudulent submissions of benefit claims.
The officer was charged on November 13th, 2014 and was released on a Promise to Appear.
He is scheduled to appear in Milton court on Tuesday December 16, 2014 at 9:00am.
Charged: David MENNIE, 34 yrs
Charges: Fraud Under $5000
The officer, a constable, has been suspended from duty with pay.
By Staff
November 4, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
 Elizabeth Nugent died as the result of knife wounds to the neck.
Police were called to an apartment building on Pearl Street in the City of Burlington on October 28th
After arresting a barricaded suspect, the body of Elizabeth Nugent was located inside the apartment.
The accused, Malcolm Copeland, has been charged with second degree murder.
By Staff
November 1, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) hold an Annual Crime Prevention Week campaign. This year, the Halton Regional Police Service is focusing on the increasing issue of Distracted Driving.
One only has to drive around to see the number of distracted drivers either talking on their cell phones or with their heads down, texting in their laps.
In 2013, distracted driving caused more deaths than impaired driving in Ontario. It is also a direct cause of 30-50 percent of collisions, yet people continue to ignore the warnings and choose to drive distracted putting not only their lives at risk but everyone around them.
 The markers on the map will show how many people in each community actually signed the pledge on line – were you one of them? Halton Regional Police issued a total of 6,857 distracted driving tickets in 2013. From January through to October 2014, 6,916 tickets have been issued. Drivers are not getting the point.
Our “Thumbs Up Against Distracted Driving” campaign is an educational initiative that serves to create awareness and encourage dialogue between drivers of all ages in hopes of getting people to take the pledge to put the phone down.
High School Liaison officers will be engaging youths in high schools around the Region to break the habit and put their phones down while driving. A thumb band with the reminder “W82TXT” will be handed out to be worn.
The Regional police are going close to all out on this educational initiative and have set up a section of their web site where people can “take the pledge” not to text while driving.
They have created a map showing how many people in each community within the Region have taken the pledge.
 “We encourage people to go to our website and take the pledge. A friendly challenge between municipalities can be followed on the map. Take the HRPS Pledge and watch the numbers in your municipality grow” suggest the police. Click here to take that pledge.
Let’s all help make Canada’s, more specifically, Halton’s roads the safest in the world!
Follow @HaltonPolice on Twitter and join the conversation using the following hashtags: #HRPSPledge and #W82TXT.
By Staff
October 31, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Last Wednesday a male suspect entered the underground parking lot at 421 Maple Avenue, in the City of Burlington. It was 4:30 am
 Early in the morning this man entered two underground garages and smashed the windows of a total of 18 cars to steal the contents. The man targeted parked vehicles and smashed the windows to gain entry. Seven vehicles were damaged and property taken.
The suspect proceeded to another underground parking lot located at 1249 Northshore Blvd in the City of Burlington at approximately 5 am.
Here the male damaged and entered eleven vehicles and made his escape around 5:30 am.
Suspect Description:
Male, white
Approximately 40-50 years of age
Thin build with medium length brown hair
Wearing a black hat, blue “puffy” winter jacket and black cargo pants.
Anyone with information on these incidents are asked to contact Detective Ellie Bale or D/Cst. Lorena Mallinson, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau (905) 825-4747 Ext. 2312, ellie.bale@haltonpolice.ca or ext 2334, lorena.mallinson@haltonpolice.ca
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
October 31, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Janis Ozollapa has been missing since September 30, 2014 at approximately 2 pm.
On Friday October 10, Mr. Ozollapa’s vehicle, a 2002 black
 Janis Ozollapa has been missing since September 30, 2014 Video surveillance of the area revealed an unidentified man running from this area at 5:25 am on Wednesday October 1, 2014. Police have yet to release the video they are working with.
Police are still searching for three possible witnesses that may have seen this unidentified male running westbound on Cross Avenue.
 Chevrolet Avalanche bearing a personalized licence plate “OZOLLAPA” was located in the area of The Lighting Centre on Cross Avenue in the Town of Oakville. Police are reaching out to speak with the drivers of a motorcycle, a pick-up truck and a taxi cab that were driving eastbound at the time and may assist in identifying this unknown male.
Police investigators have no indication of foul play and remain concerned for Mr. Ozollapa as his disappearance is extremely out of character.
Mr. Ozollapa is described as male/white, 6’0”, 170 lbs, medium build, grey eyes, bald, goatee and speaks with a heavy Latvian accent. He was wearing a t-shirt, blue jeans, brown Crocs and had a black laptop briefcase.
One wonders why the police don’t make the video they are working with available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Sergeant Ron Hansen, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2315, or anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
October 29, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
A man police believe was responsible for a sexual assault that occurred two months ago in the City of Burlington has been arrested
On Friday, August 29, 2014, a 16-year-old female was working alone at the Bronze Beach Tanning Salon on Brant Street. The accused was in the salon and engaged the female in conversation. The accused convinced the female to go into a tanning room where he inappropriately touched her.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2014, the accused was arrested by members of the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit.
Accused:
Colin TYLEMAN, 45 years, from the City of Hamilton has been charged with Sexual Assault, due in court on November 26, 2014 at 9 am.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst Wendy Clayton of the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 8980 or anyone with information on this or any other crime is also encouraged 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
October 29, 201`4
BURLINGTON, ON.
The woman found deceased in that Pearl Street apartment on Monday was Elizabeth Nugent, 32 years of age; she resided in the apartment building.
 Nugent was found deceased after a barricaded suspect incident in the City of Burlington on Monday October 27th, 2014.
The victim and the accused were involved in an intimate relationship.
The cause of death has not been confirmed at this time.
The accused, Malcolm Copeland, 41 years from the City of Markham has been charged with Second Degree Murder and will return to Milton court on October 30th, 2014.
 The police were called to the scene at around 10 am when loud voices were heard. When they arrived they found a suspect barricaded in the apartment. Negotiations took place but proved fruitless and police battered the door and entered the apartment in the afternoon.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation by Homicide investigators, anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Blair Moroso, Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
October 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The Halton Regional Police have charged Malcolm Copeland, the suspect in the barricaded incident on Pearl Street in Burlington, with Second Degree Murder.
The accused is scheduled for his first appearance in Milton court today, Tuesday October 28th.
Investigators are continuing efforts to confirm the victim’s identity.
Police responded to a noise complaint Monday at around 10:00 am and found an armed person barricaded in an apartment.
After several hours of negotiations police broke into the apartment and arrested a male person and then found the body of a female who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The police investigation kept people on Pearl Street out of the homes and places of business until early in the afternoon.
Link to previous news story.
By Staff
October 27, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
At around 10 am this morning police were called to 478 Pearl Street responding to a verbal altercation in one of the apartments.
Police found a person barricaded in an apartment. He told police he was armed.
Police started negotiations with the barricaded suspect and at approximately 2 pm, Tactical Rescue Unit officers forced entry into the apartment and arrested the accused.
While searching the apartment, the body of a deceased female was located. The investigation is continuing in efforts to confirm the victim’s identity.
Accused:
Malcom Copeland, 41, from City of Markham
Officers are continuing to investigate this incident and charges are yet to be determined.
A resident reported the following:
“When I attempted to return home at 11:15 a.m. I was met with police vehicles blocking off entrance to my street and I could see police officers with guns drawn peaking around Elizabeth Manor Apartments looking up at the Wellington Place apartments on Pearl Street.
“The officer posted at the end of my street indicated that they were searching for a gunman and it was prudent to leave the area. What?! It was hard to believe this was happening in ‘my’ lovely downtown Burlington. Our little City is starting to experience serious and very scary big City issues.
“It is 4:30 p.m. and we’ve been allowed to return home. However, the police presence is still significant, there is a SWAT Van in the Lions Club parking lot and many cruisers scattered along the downtown streets.
“There are detectives taking photographs and detectives measuring various areas around the building. It is hard to believe this is downtown Burlington. I only hope no one was seriously injured in whatever horrible situation transpired.”
Our resident was unaware that the body of a female was found deceased in the apartment.
Anyone who has any information are asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Homicide Unit at 905 825-4747 ext 8769, or, anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Staff
October 24, 2014
Burlington, ON
In the early morning hours of October 24th 2014, The Halton Regional Police, Burlington Strategic Support Team (SST), concluded a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in five arrests and the execution of Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at two Burlington residences.
Seized as a result of the Investigation:
647 grams of marihuana (approximately 22.82 ounces/ 1.43 pounds),
37 grams of cocaine
6.2 grams of cannabis resin
$270.00 in cash
.32 Calibre revolver with serial number removed
Four rounds of .32 calibre ammunition
Brass knuckles
Sheathed buck knife
Digital scales
Packaging material
The drugs have an estimated street value of $8,500
 More than a pound of marihuana – it was the weapon that made the police edgy about this raid. Taylor BIXBY (23 yrs) of Woodview Rd. in Burlington, Madeline SIMON (18 yrs) of Guelph Line in Burlington and Alexander BROWN (20 yrs) of Guelph Line in Burlington were arrested and held for bail charged jointly with the following offences:
Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Careless storage of a firearm
Possession of firearm with serial number removed
Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
Possession of a prohibited firearm
BIXBY is also charged separately with the following offences:
Possession of a controlled substance (cannabis resin)
Carry a concealed weapon
Careless storage of ammunition
Possession of ammunition while prohibited
Unauthorized possession of prohibited ammunition in a motor vehicle
Fail to comply with probation
Police also arrested Dylan MENKES-COSTA (19 yrs) Dundas St. in Burlington and Rachel PLAYFAIR-SIMON (19 yrs) Guelph Line in Burlington. They were released on an appearance notice and will appear in Milton Court on November 24th 2014 for the following charge:
Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) for the Purpose of Trafficking
The origin of the handgun is still being investigated.
Investigators remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal drug, gun or gang 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 Pepper Parr
October 22, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police will hold a media conference this afternoon at 3:00 to assure the public that are no imminent threats to area within Halton Region.
This is in response to the tragic and unfolding events that have taken place this morning in Ottawa and specifically at the seat of our government.
Chief of Police Stephen J. Tanner will be present with Halton Chairman Gary Carr, Police Services Board Chair and Oakville Mayor Robert Burton and other municipal mayors and officials.
Halton Regional Police would like to reassure the public that the current events in Ottawa are being monitored and that at there are no imminent threats to area within Halton Region.
Police are working within our established partnerships with other in law enforcement and government agencies and continue to be vigilant in all matters of public safety and security.
The soldier shot at the War Memorial in Ottawa this morning was a member of the Argyles in Hamilton.
 By Pepper Parr
October 17, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
If you are a loyal Burlington Gazette reader and you are using an Android based tablet – you may not get through to us. Someone has hacked into our site and installed a bug of some sort that re-directs people who use an Android device to reach us.
 This is not what we are about. Someone wants us off the air. Libel suits didn’t work. We have people working on the problem. One reader was kind enough to suggest a particular piece of clean-up software that will fix this particular problem and do continual sweeps to catch future attempts to interrupt the flow of news.
We are clearly ticking off someone somewhere. It used to be that people would sue us for libel hoping that would shut us down. Now they are resorting to really sneaky dirty tricks – we must be doing something right.
Legal counsel for the Burlington Air Park has asked us to clarify our comment on who might have hacked into our site. We don’t think the Air Park did this – we have no evidence that they did so.
One reader said: “Since yesterday when I try to open www.burlingtongazette.ca on my Android powered tablet, I’m re-directed to any number of porn sites not your newspaper.
 Someone is using malicious software to re-direct people who use Android driven devices to filthy web sites. “I uninstalled and re-installed Chrome (my browser on the tablet) and still got the same result. I installed a completely different browser (Mozilla Foxfire) and got the same unfortunate redirect result.
This is not happening on my PC computer version of Chrome. When I enter your URL on my computer I get to the Gazette.”
We are grateful for the comments and the alerts. We note that no one has commented on the porn sites they were re-directed to.
We are on top of it – it just takes longer than we expected to source the appropriate software; install it and then give the people who operate the software the permissions they need to get into our server and do their clean up.
 By Staff
October 16, 2104
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is reaching out to the public for possible witnesses in the disappearance of Janis Ozollapa who has been missing since September 30th.
 Janis Ozollapa – missing since September 30th On October 10th 2014 the Halton Regional Police, acting on information received from a member of the public Police discovered his vehicle with vanity plates in a parking lot behind a business at 157 Cross Avenue, Oakville, opposite the Oakville GO station.
From video surveillance seized, on Wednesday October 1st, 2014, at approximately 5:25am, an unidentified male was seen running westbound on Cross Avenue from The Lighting Centre.
Also seen on the video surveillance were three separate vehicles travelling eastbound at the same time the unidentified male was running westbound. Police are reaching out to speak with the drivers of these vehicles.
One vehicle was a motorcycle, the second, a pickup truck and the third, a taxi cab.
Police investigators have no indication of foul play and remain concerned for Mr. Ozollapa as his disappearance is extremely out of character.
Fifty year old Janis OZOLLAPA was last at his work place on Weeping Willow Drive in Oakville on September 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. He has not made contact with his family or friends and police are concerned for his well-being.
Ozollapa’s vehicle was discovered parked close to the Oakville GO station. Ozollapa is described as male/white, 6’0”, 170 lbs, medium build, grey eyes, bald, goatee and speaks with a heavy Latvian accent. He was wearing a t-shirt, blue jeans, brown Crocs and had a black laptop briefcase.
Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Sergeant Ron Hansen, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2315, or,
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
There is more to this than a missing person event.
By Staff
October 15, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
A ring of sophisticated car thieves is being rounded up with additional charges being laid.
Back in June a male was arrested and charged with several counts of theft of motor vehicle relating to his involvement in a sophisticated and organized auto theft group operating in the Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
The continuing investigation has resulted in additional charges against the accused.
Yusuf OMER (22 years of Toronto)
Charged with:
Theft of Motor Vehicle (2 counts)
Possession of Instruments of Forgery
Possession of Identity Documents
OMER has been in custody since his arrest on June 30th, 2014. He now faces a total of 30 criminal charges, including 23 counts of theft of motor vehicle. The value of the stolen vehicles related to the charges is approximately $750 000.
In the fall of 2013 Halton Police identified a trend in auto thefts that were occurring within the Towns of Milton and Oakville within Halton Region. During these incidents, a number of vehicles had been stolen from residential driveways during the night.
In each instance, there was no apparent forced entry to the stolen vehicles while the keys remained in the possession of the rightful owners. An extensive investigation into these vehicle thefts was started that involved members of the Milton and Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau along with several external partnering agencies. The investigation into these thefts identified a number of high-end vehicles that had vanished from driveways in Milton, Oakville, York Region, Peel Region and Toronto.
Over the course of this lengthy investigation, officers worked in cooperation with representatives from Toyota Canada, local car dealerships within the community, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (I.B.C.) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (N.I.C.B.) in the United States. Auto Theft Investigators from the Peel, York and Toronto Police Services also assisted in the case. This collaborative investigation eventually led to the identification of several suspects alleged to be involved in an organized network of auto thieves from across the GTA. Halton Police estimate the total approximate value of the stolen vehicles related to the charges against these individuals to be in excess of $700,000.00.
Four Toronto men have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of vehicle thefts that occurred in Oakville, Peel Region and the City of Toronto from December 2013 to March 2014.
Yusuf OMER (22 years) of Toronto
Charges: Theft of Motor Vehicle (21 counts), Attempt Theft of Motor Vehicle, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Possession of Break In Instruments, Breach of an Undertaking, Fail to Appear Court
Yusuf MUSE (21 years) of Toronto
Charges: Theft of Motor Vehicle (Attempt), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Possession of Break In Instruments, Breach of Probation
Abdulkadir ABDIRASHID (21 years) of Toronto
Charges: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 (2 Counts), Breach of Probation
Manuel BOADU-TWUN (35 years) of Toronto
Charges: Theft of Motor Vehicle, Attempt Theft of Motor Vehicle, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Possession of Break In Instruments.
Do you want to guess where the stolen vehicles were going?
The accused males were arrested in March and April and have made appearances in Milton Court.
On June 30th Yusuf OMER was arrested for additional offences including 21 counts motor vehicle theft.
Halton Police are continuing to investigate this matter and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Bob Lester, 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4747 ext 2455.
Police remind the public to utilize Crime Stoppers to report any illegal activity at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637(crimes).
For additional information about community concerns in Milton and Halton Hills, follow us on Twitter @HRPSMiltHH. Additionally, for the latest crime data, news releases and general information, visit the Service’s website www.haltonpolice.ca.
 By Staff
October 15, 2104
BURLINGTON, ON
They just never quit.
This one crossed our desk. There are occasions when your bank will send you a note saying there is a problem but those occasions are rare – and when they do send you a note they ask you to go to a branch of the bank or call someone at a number they give you.
When you get something like the following – delete it and move on.
One of the reasons the fraudsters continue to do this is because some people respond – and that often proves to be very expensive.
Dear Scotia OnLine Customer,
For your protection, you must verify and update your Scotia card online,
before you can use it!
We will verify that the update has been performed and remove the restrictions placed on your Scotia card.
If you choose to ignore this message does not leave us no choice but to temporarily block your card Visa / Mastercard for your safety!
Sincere greetings from Scotia Bank Online
Background links:
Her is how they do it – identity theft.
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