 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. June 4, 2013. Yesterday five homes were entered in rural Milton as a result of day time break and enters. All of the entries are believed to have occurred before 1:00 PM and may be linked to another break and enter in Burlington.
Two homes were entered on the Sixth Line south of Derry Road, two more homes were entered on Bell School Line north of Derry Road and also a home on Tremaine Road south of Derry.
 A lot of country roads down there. The police will do as much as they can – neighbours might want to get out on the roads as well – keeping an eye on things. All of the homes were unoccupied at the time of these entries. Access was gained in a variety of ways including forced entry through front, rear and side doors as well as windows. Unknown culprits ransacked each home taking valuables such as cash, electronics and jewellery.
The Halton Police are requesting residents to be extra vigilant in reporting any suspicious persons or vehicles in your area and if they observe a crime in progress to call 9-1-1.
An Our Burlington reporter was driving along Bell Line a few days ago and had paused to look at a piece of property when an HRPS cruiser was about to pass and slowed down and gave us that questioning look. So the police are out there doing their part.
There are a lot of roads and only so much money in the gas budget.
when they catch a few of them – let us hope the judge who gets the case fully appreciates the damage, not only financial but psychological, that is done when someone returns home and finds the house has been broken into.
It takes some people a long time to get over the feeling that they are not safe.
Catch these guys – quick.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. June 4, 2013 Halton Regional Police are asking residents in rural Burlington to be extra vigilant after a series of daylight home entries in the north end of the city.
Late in May several homes were entered in the rural area, north of Dundas Street. Entries occurred on Britannia Road, Blind Line and Walkers Line near #2 Side road.
In each case the homes were unoccupied at the time of entry, suspects forced their way in and the contents of the residence were strewn about. Jewellery and small electronics were taken.
 Rural Burlington is going to need to see more of these on the back roads. Thieves are now prowling those roads and forcing their way into homes whose occupants are out for part of the day. Police are asking residents of the rural communities to report any suspicious persons or vehicles promptly and if they observe a crime in progress to call 9-1-1.
In the suburban areas there are “eyes on the street” – nothing like that at the end of a long laneway. Once the thieves realize there is an opportunity it won’t take them long to exploit it.
Higher and more visible coverage is the solution. Maybe HRPS could take some of the cars that sit behind the bushes waiting to catch speeders and have them drive up and down the side roads.
Inexpensive video cameras hooked up to the internet are the safest thing residents have going for them.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. May 23, 2013. They grow this stuff because people buy this stuff. Who is doing the buying?
Early this morning police, using a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant raided a home at 940 Glen View Avenue, Burlington.
Found: 34 Cannabis Marihuana Plants in various stages of growth and 30 grams of dried Cannabis Marihuana. Also found: 12 firearms and ammunition that was stored in an unsafe manner.
Police have arrested and charged the following persons:
Christopher Kyle SILVERTHORNE, 39 years of age:
1) Production of a Controlled Substance
2) Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance.
3) Careless Storage of Ammunition
Zorica KRASULJA, 34 years of age :
1) Production of a Controlled Substance
2) Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance.
3) Careless Storage of Ammunition
SILVERTHORNE was released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on June 18th 2013.
KRASULJA was released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on June 18th 2013.
What is both surprising and disturbing is accused people being released on their own recognizance – no bail or surety required, with criminal code charges that involve 12 weapons. We aren’t talking about BB guns here. Wrong message being sent here
Anyone with information in relation to these or any other crimes is asked to contact the Integrated Drug, Gun and Gang Unit at 905-825-4747- ext 8732, 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. May 17, 2013. I’ve got one – it was given to me as a gift and every couple of weeks I go on-line to see if MY number won. So I might listen to anyone calling to say they were from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and telling me that I had won a prize.
Halton Regional Police Service are asking seniors to be cautious when receiving phone solicitations from people claiming to be calling on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Lottery or Mega-Millions.
Police have received information that a male caller is phoning seniors, claiming to be with one of these two lotteries, and stating that the individual has won $2.5 Million dollars and a 2013 Mercedes.
 Regular Heart and Stroke Lottery players would have known a call for a $2.5 million dollar prize was a scam. That $2.5 million prize would have alerted me. Heart and Stroke doesn`t have prizes in that range – they have daily prizes of $5000 and a weekly prize of $10,000 – so I would have known right away that this was a scam.
The anonymous male gives the victim a claim number and instructs them to go to the closest Western Union Outlet. He often offers to provide a phone number to the victim so they can locate the nearest Western Union outlet to their location.
The victim is then instructed to send $300 to another party in West Mooreland, Jamaica, get a receipt and then call the male back so they can arrange for the phony prize to be delivered. The male party asks for personal information about the victim, such as their name, age, marital status, and address.
Seniors are reminded to not provide anyone with personal information over the telephone unless they themselves initiate the call. If you’re ever in doubt – call the police or speak to a friend. If it sounds to good to be true – that usually means it isn’t true.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON May 16. 2013 Earlier in the week just past mid-afternoon a resident arrived home to find a vehicle in the driveway and a man descending a flight of stairs from his apartment area. Once at his apartment he recognized it had been broken into and property had been stolen.
The man he had seen on the stairs had taken off running down the street and the suspicious vehicle had hurriedly backed out of the driveway and was seen to pick up the man a short distance away. The victim recalled seeing the same man the day prior when he appeared at his door attempting to sell him CD’s.
The victim had a television and Apple IPOD stolen from his apartment and he recalled seeing a television in the rear seat of the suspicious vehicle when he passed by it.
Suspect #1 (driver) – male, black, 30 years of age, 6’2”, 180 lbs, thin build and dark hair in dreadlocks or braids
Suspect #2 – male, black, mid 20’s in age, 5’5”, 160 lbs, short buzzed hair, wearing a black sport jacket with a green t-shirt and dark blue jeans
Suspect vehicle – beige in colour, possibly a Ford Contour with structural damage to the driver’s front bumper and passenger door area
The scam for these two appears to be going door to door trying to sell DVD’s and checking out a residence then going back and breaking in. Alert your friends to this one.
There are an increasing number of daylight break-ins taking place. Police advise residents to not even attempt to apprehend anyone you see breaking into your home. Stay as calm as you can and look for details you can give the police – but call 911 first.
Look for facial details, license numbers, clothing details. It is this kind of information that helps police catch the culprits.
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. May 9, 2013. A former employee of Royal Botanical Gardens was arrested today for a series of fraudulent transactions committed during her tenure.
 What do you do with a 70 year old who used a corporate credit card for their own use over a period of five years? Jail? Between May 2007 and May 2012, over $350,000.00 in unauthorized cash advance transactions were drawn on Royal Botanical Gardens – Corporate Credit Card.
Ethel GALLANT, 70 yrs, of Hamilton faces three counts of Fraud over $5000 and will appear in Milton Court on June 5th.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. May 9, 2013, All those pennies they told you were now close to worthless turn out to be worth a decent dollar – just as long as the copper in those coins is smelted out and rolled out into sheets or pressed into ingots.
Someone figured this out and between May 4th and May 6th broke into Tallman Bronze on Industrial Road and made off with copper valued at $250,000.
 We were all savings our pennies – thieves didn’t want to save – they just stole a truck load of copper – worth a cool quarter of a million dollars. Burlington detectives are seeking public assistance with their investigation into the break-in. Investigators believe a large truck would have been needed to transport the copper from the site.
Police are appealing to area businesses and local residents who may have noticed any suspicious activity occurring in the area of 2220 Industrial Street over the weekend of May 4th to May 6th.
Anyone with information pertaining to this matter is asked to call Detective Andy Forde of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 x2385, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS(8477), through the web or by texting ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637(crimes).
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON May 8, 2013. It took four months but the members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau were able to arrest a suspect who would target vehicles left for repairs at auto body shops, smashing out the windows of the vehicle and removing property from within.
The accused, Mark TRAVIS, 44 yrs, of Burlington was arrested and held for a bail hearing.
Next the police can focus on the series of thefts from the contents of vehicles in the Alton Village and Orchard Park communities. That people have left their cars unlocked has made it easier for the bandits but police will eventually catch these guys as well.
 By Staff
HAMILTON, ON May 7, 2013. Tim Bosma was selling his truck.
Two people showed up at his door to look at the truck. They wanted to take it for a test drive. Bosma decided to go with the two men. That was on May 6th. Bosma hasn’t been seen since.
 Friends created a Facebook page and are using social media to get the word out and find Tim Bosma The truck, a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 with license plates 726-7ZW has not been seen. Hamilton police Detective Steve Pacey is leading the investigation
A source told Our Burlington that Bosma was a little suspicious about the men who showed up to buy the truck and decided to go with them.
Family and friends are using social media to get the word out and to spread the license number far and wide.
If you see the plates on a black pick up call 905-546-4930
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. May 6, 2013 A Mississauga man faces multiple charges for his involvement in a series of recent break and enters in both Burlington and Oakville.
During the night of May 3, 2013 the accused and other suspects stood in front of Appleby Opticals, 2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington, smashed through the front door and stole a quantity of glasses frames.
Later, at 2:19 a.m., the accused and associates broke into the Walkers Medical Centre, 1821 Walkers Line, Burlington, and stole a quantity of medicinal items.
At 2:35 a.m., a break and enter occurred at the Bell Store, 2475 Appleby Line, Burlington. The accused and other suspects smashed through the front door and stole cash.
At 2:45 a.m., a break and enter occurred at the Telus Mobility Store, 2501 Third Line, Oakville. Again, the accused and associates smashed through the front door and removed tools and cash from within.
It was a uniformed police officer, in a marked police cruiser, conducting commercial premise checks who came across the incident. An interaction took place between the lone officer and multiple suspects who drove their vehicle towards the officer, and colliding with it. During the life-threatening encounter, the officer discharged his firearm.
One individual was arrested at the scene while the accused and the other suspect fled on foot. The vehicle utilized by the suspects had been previously stolen from Oakville in April.
The accused, Jonathan MARUCIO was arrested in Peel Region and additional investigation to date has implicated him in at least two prior Oakville entries on April 25th:
Bell Store – 2525 Hampshire Gate and Telus Mobility Store – 2501 Third Line in Oakville
ACCUSED: Jonathan MARUCIO, 31 yrs, of Mississauga has been charged with:
Break, Enter & Theft (six counts)
Theft of Motor Vehicle (two counts)
Breach of Recognizance (two counts)
Wear Disguise While Committing Offence (two counts)
Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000
Possession of Break and Enter Tools
The individual arrested at the scene of this incident, a 25-year-old female, has been released unconditionally.
After investigating further the police had a suspect they very much wanted to talk to whom they identified as Jesse RIGO, 21 yrs, of Mississauga
Mid afternoon on Saturday Rigo surrendered himself to police at #20 Division, Oakville Police Station with his lawyer at his side.
He has been charged with:
Aggravated Assault, Endangering the Life of a Peace Officer
Dangerous Driving
Break, Enter & Theft (six counts)
Theft of Motor Vehicle (two counts)
Wear Disguise While Committing Offence (two counts)
Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000
Possession of Break and Enter Tools
Breach of Probation (two counts)
Breach of Recognizance (two counts)
The accused was accompanied by his lawyer at that time. The police report that the accused did not suffer any injuries as a result of the original incident when the car the thieves were using rammed into the police cruiser. Rigo was held for a bail hearing and will be appear at the Ontario Provincial Court in Milton.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. April 29, 2013. A drug arrest leads to a firearm seizure.
The two District Strategic Support Team concluded a three-week investigation into a suspected drug trafficker operating in Oakville. On April 26th, three males were observed engaging in a drug transaction in the parking lot of an Oakville apartment building.
Two of the males were subsequently arrested and found to be in possession of approximately 5.5 ounces of cocaine, 69 oxycodone tablets, 4 grams of heroin and over $1,000 in Canadian currency. The third male was arrested shortly thereafter outside of his residence.
 They are safe, they are dry not all that expensive either. Great place to store stuff you don’t need or don’t want other people to get at. Most of these storage places have video surveillance – which the police will now go over with a fine tooth comb. That’s when things got even more interesting for the police who obtained two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants; one warrant was executed at a residence in Oakville where a small quantity of cocaine was seized. The second warrant was executed at a storage unit in Burlington and investigators seized the following items:
Ruger .357 caliber handgun with six rounds of ammunition
Approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine
7 pounds of cannabis marihuana
11.5 ounces of heroin
310 oxycodone tablets
15 grams of methamphetamine (crystal meth)
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $180,000. Additionally, approximately $45,000 in Canadian currency was seized. Thy would have been wiser to have put that cash in a sock and buried it somewhere.
Charged in relation to the investigation are:
Adam PINKUS (22 years old) of Oakville
Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine)
Kyle VANDERPLOEG (29 years old) of Oakville
Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine), three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine, oxycodone, heroin), two counts of Breach of Probation
 Highrise storage lockers are safe, dry and easy to acces, Problem crops up when the police get the key. Both PINKUS and VANDERPLOEG are scheduled to appear in Milton Court on June 4th in relation to their charges.
Aseef MUHIT (22 years old) of Oakville
Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine), five counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine, marihuana, heroin, oxycodone, methamphetamine).
MUHIT is also charged with a total of nine firearms related offences, and two counts of Breach Probation. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. April 29, 2013. Policing gets tougher and tougher. The violent criminals are still out there and so are the people who are really smart and can manipulate computers and create software that will first steal your money and then clean you out financially.
Drugs are so profitable – until you are caught, that young, poorly educated people into the business. When you put the profits available in the drug trade together with the violent young men – there is a brew that can only explode and police officers have to deal with it.
The province has funded the training of uniformed officers who work as patrol teams and target areas identified through crime analysis, intelligence and community reports as places where violent criminals are likely to be found. The patrol teams are focused on responding to and preventing crimes related to violence, weapons and gang activity.
The Halton PAVIS ( Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy) Patrol Team was deployed in the City of Burlington on Friday April 26th, 2013. That evening they were patrolling and stopped a vehicle on Brant Street.
BINGO! They had one. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of two males and the seizure of cash, scales, cell phones, other evidence of trafficking and approximately 1 ounce of cocaine. That wasn’t very much but the scales were the telling bit of evidence.
Charged: Diljeev RAI (32 years old) of Burlington
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Cocaine
Drive While Suspended
Charged: Yan FORTIER (37 years old) of Burlington
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
Both were released for court on an undertaking.
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.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. April 28, 2013. The originator of this media release from the Halton Regional Police Service was Superintendent Signy Pittman, Professional Standards. That’s the first clue that there is a problem.
The contact person was a Staff Sergeant, Peter Hodgson, 30 Division The event took place in Burlington.
The subject line was “Collision Involving a Motorcycle: SIU Investigating
The media release goes on to say that: “At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th,2013, an officer of the Halton Regional Police Service was in the area of Snake Road and Waterdown Road in Burlington. The officer commenced an investigation of a motorcycle. The motorcycle was involved in a collision and the driver received non-life threatening injuries. As a result, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit is investigating.”
The release doesn’t say that the police cruiser was involved in the collision with the motorcycle. Perhaps it should have. Whenever a person is involved in an accident with the police the SIU – Special Investigations Unit is called in.
But this media release doesn’t say. Transparency went out the window on this one.
The Special Investigations Units would like any witnesses to this incident to contact them at 1-800-787-8529.
 REVISED
Halton Regional Police advise that HRPS homicide detectives arrested the accused in Banff, Alberta and escorted Jan Goro back to Ontario. The R.C.M.P. and O.P.P. did provide investigative assistance. There are many intricacies associated with any homicide investigation, particularly those that go unsolved for an extended period of time. A great deal of work is still to be undertaken in this case and members of the homicide unit remain committed to securing a conviction.
By Pepper Parr
Burlington, on. April 24, 2013
As cold cases go – this was pretty frigid but by keeping the file open Det/Sergeant, John Mans, head of the homicide with the Halton Regional Police Service was able on April 23, 2013.to see the arrest of Jan GORO (66 yrs) in Banff, Alberta for the murder of Donald McAvella which took place on April 26, 1976 – 37 years ago. Det/Sergeant was probably at police college at the time.
The lifeless body of 54-year-old Donald Ross McAvella was discovered in his Burlington apartment. Mr. McAvella died as a result of being stabbed multiple times.
Witnesses told police they overheard an argument occurring between two individuals in McAvella’s apartment in the early hours of the morning, and following a series of screams, observed a man leaving. Investigators believed the man who left did so in a taxi destined for Hamilton.
Numerous interviews were conducted, physical evidence was collected and analyzed, and the case remained unsolved.
 News photo published in 1976 of murdered Donald Ross McAvella. Case solved based on December 2012 information. In December 2012, as a result of a further review of the case and information coming to light, investigators arrested Jan GORO (66 yrs) in Banff, Alberta, on April 23, 2013 for the murder of Donald McAvella.
GORO was escorted back to Ontario and appeared in Milton Court on April 24, 2013 facing a charge of Second Degree Murder. This was 37 years to the day of the murder of Mr. McAvella. GORO was remanded to this Friday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.
D/Sergeant Mans spends the bulk of his time on Fraud – which is more than enough to keep him busy in this city. Homicide is a rare instance but this case shows that they do eventually get their man.
A spokesperson for the family stated they are relieved that a person has been arrested in connection with the murder
Halton police Chief Steve Tanner acknowledged the investigative assistance provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ‘K’ Division and the Ontario Provincial Police Behavioural Sciences Unit which helped lead to an arrest in this case.
If you have information that would assist in any homicide investigation you are asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service Homicide Unit at 905 825-4747 x8760, 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
It was a busy Friday for the Halton Police when they took down a location with drugs valued at more than $100,000 on the street and three rifles.
Police raided a 1244 Bellview Street location and found:
Over one pound of Cannabis Marihuana.
Over 9 Kgs (20 pounds) of Cannabis Resin (Hashish
a debt list
digital scale
3 unsecured rifles
A previously dismantled grow lab
That debt list is perhaps the most valuable part of the raid; it will probably reveal a list of small time drug dealers in the area.
 The list of names of lower level drug dealers doesn’t seem to be on the table; that was probably the most valuable result of this police raid. The police will be busy this weekend.
Police have charged the following persons with the listed offences:
Jean Luc St LAURENT (20years of age):
1) Trafficking a controlled substance to wit: cannabis marihuana.
2) Possession of a controlled substance to wit: cannabis marihuana.3) Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cannabis resin/hashish.
4) Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cannabis marihuana.
He was held for a bail hearing, and is to appear in Hamilton Bail court.
A young person (17 years of age):
1) Possession of a controlled substance to wit: cannabis marihuana.
2) Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cannabis resin
3) Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking to wit: cannabis marihuana.
The young person was held for a bail hearing, and is to appear in Hamilton Bail court.
Elize St LAURENT (55 years of age):
1) Possession of a controlled substance to wit: cannabis marihuana.
She was released on an appearance notice, and is to appear in Milton court on May 14, 2013.
The investigation is continuing regarding the rifles.
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 Staff
BURLINGTON, ON April 19, 2013. The big rigs are going to get a big look at by the Halton Regional Police Service District Response Units, along with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit and other law enforcement agencies on April 22 and 23, Monday and Tuesday of next week, when the conduct a concentrated truck safety blitz in Burlington.
Officers with specialized training will be part of the team conducting safety inspections, cargo securement, hours of service, weight and measure, speed limiter, environmental, and agricultural inspections.
 Tractor trailers will get very close inspections Monday and Tuesday of next week – Halton police are going to crack down The inspections will take place at both Mainway Arena and Appleby Arena parking lots, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Expect to see police cars escorting big trucks that were nabbed on the QEW and brought in for a closer inspection. Some of the truck drivers may be calling a cab to get home: In the past, some of the vehicles brought in didn’t do all that well.
The province has had to really double down on the trucking industry when wheels began to come flying off trucks and safety was seen as something that could be given a “lick and a promise”. Drivers were found to be driving their rigs for really long stretches and need pills to keep themselves awake.
The industry couldn’t be depended on to police themselves – so the local police forces along with the OPP took on the task.
We wonder why the police announce these inspections: doesn’t that alert those who don’t care all that much about following the rules and has them driving their rigs elsewhere. Monday and Tuesday are tough days for us on the QEW in Halton – use the 401 might be the advice a dispatcher gives drivers.
We’ll let you know how many they catch.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON April 17, 2013. The media release was blunt, direct and very much to the point. Anthony Burke, a convicted pedophile was out of jail and back on the streets. He was considered dangerous and the police chief was telling the community to be careful.
“In the interest of community safety, Halton Regional Police Service Chief Steve Tanner discloses the following information concerning a convicted sexual offender residing in Burlington.
 Anthony Burke – how will Burlington decide to handle this man now that he is out of prison and back on the streets? will we find a way to get him the help he needs and prevent another crime – or will we hound him to the point where he becomes even more dangerous. “Anthony Vincent BURKE was convicted on June 28, 2011 of Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Make Child Pornography and Indecent Exposure to a Person Under 16 years of age. The offences pertain to incidents that took place in 2004 in Waterdown, Ontario and a related investigation in 2011. He was sentenced to a period of incarceration.
“At his sentencing hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice, BURKE was made subject to a Prohibition Order for a period of 10 years which prohibited him from the following:
Attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, school ground, playground or community centre.
Seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity that involves being in a position of trust of authority towards persons under the age of 16 years.
Using a computer system within the meaning of subsection 342.1(2) of the Criminal Code for the purpose of communicating with a person under the age of 16 years.
 Anthony Burke – how did this man, born 71 years ago, get to this point in his life. And what do we as a community want to do with him for his remaining years? We could wait until he re-offends, and he will re-offend if he does not get help, or do we find a way to get Anthony Burke the help he needs. BURKE moved to Burlington in November 2012 and as mandated by the provisions of Christopher’s Law, promptly notified the Halton Regional Police Service of his change of address. Since that time, he had been closely monitored by the Halton Regional Police Offender Management Unit and officials from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
On Thursday February 7, 2013 at 6:40 p.m., BURKE was observed within the Tansley Woods Community Centre, Burlington. The community centre operates numerous children’s programs, has on site daycare centres, indoor playground area, indoor public swimming pool and library facilities.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON April 16, 2013. For Denise Davy it is personal.
She got to the point where she felt something had to be done; someone had to say something about the deaths taking place at the CN rail lines that run through the city. Denise lost her son Ryan, killed at a railway crossing in 1998 on the tracks east of Appleby Line.
A 2007 Transport Canada study showed that about 50 per cent of pedestrian rail fatalities are considered suicides. Davy said “it shouldn’t matter why people are dying – just that it’s happening which shows the spots are unsafe.”
 Most of the deaths along the rail line are young people who have their own way of grieving and leaving there messages. This one, written on a wooden fence board is one of many at the end of Woodfield. A little digging showed that back in 2005 there were two accidents on the rail line; one in which a transient sales person was struck by a train but lived to basically walk away from it. Another, same place 60 days later resulted in the death of a young woman.
 Nailed to a fence along the rail line: Simple message – serious situation. It is very easy to cross the tracks – there are no barriers and the signs are a little on the limp side.
A number of months ago there was a break in at a bank and the thieves were able to slip out the back door while the police were in the bank and run across the railway tracks. Nothing to stop them – other than the alert police officer with a dog that had a good nose. Those thieves banked on being able to run across those tracks.
In the locations we photographed there are pathways lined with railway cinder stone and in one spot there was actually a patch of asphalt in place. That asphalt didn’t fall off the back of a truck. The railways don’t use the stuff. The only people anywhere near those railway tracks are crews re-surfacing city roads. No rocket science needed to figure that one out.
Davy, at one time a reporter with the Hamilton Spectator explained to a council committee that it is very difficult to get solid data on the number of deaths that resulted from people trying to cross the three rail lines that run through the city. The police don’t keep detailed records on these accidents she explained and most people see these deaths as suicides which people don’t want to talk about. .
Between 1996 and 2011 18 people were killed by trains in Halton. In 2012 and 2013 another four were killed. Those numbers, Davy suggested might mean Burlington has the highest rate of rail line death rate in Canada. Don’t think the Mayor is going to mention that when he next tells an audience how safe the city is.
Davy told council that CN told her they were responsible for fifty feet either side of the railway line. After that it was up to the city.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. April 16, 2013. A citizen out for a walk on Headon Forest Drive noticed two males entering driveways along the street and peeking into parked vehicles.
She walked to the nearby police station and reported her observations to officers and a detailed description of the men. Officers responded to the immediate area and located two men in a driveway on Maderna Road. The pair ran in between some homes and were found hiding under some stairs.
Once arrested, both were found to be in possession of stolen items.
Jason BAIRD (36 yrs) and Michael TRUMPER (30 yrs) face charges of Possession of Stolen Property (four counts), Theft Under $5000 (three counts) and Prowl by Night.
TRUMPER faces an additional charge of Possession of Break-in Instruments.
Burlington Detectives are investigating to see if these two suspects were involved in other related incidents.
Any additional witnesses or potential victims are asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod at 905 825-4747 x2307.
The police didn’t name the citizen but at the next Police Services Bard meeting perhaps there could be a quiet recognition of the citizen’s service.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. April 16, 2013. An Oak Grove residence was entered on April 16, 2013 at 1:45 a.m.
A young girl awoke to see a man standing in her bedroom doorway and, assuming it was her father, asked what he was doing. The man did not respond, but promptly descended a nearby staircase.
The young girl went to her parent’s room and explained what had occurred. The father began checking the home and discovered the rear patio sliding door ajar and a small amount of coins missing from the kitchen area.
The homeowner spent considerable time looking for the suspect within the residence and the surrounding neighbourhood prior to contacting the police for assistance at 2:40 a.m.
Police attended the area, but were unable to locate the suspect involved.
Police really need to be called the moment there is a problem – that’s what the 911 service is there for. Police can respond very promptly but they need to be called.
The suspect is described as 5’11”, average build with short dark hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt and dark coloured pants and holding an unknown object in his left hand.
Police offer the following tips to homeowners as a means of reducing the risk of their homes to being broken into:
• Securely lock all windows/doors to home
• Have an alarm/video surveillance system installed
• Utilize exterior lighting
• Use locks on gates to backyard
• If you suspect your home has been entered and/or an intruder is still present within or nearby, contact 9-1-1 immediately for police assistance.
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