 By Gazette Staff
August 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Police are alerting the public. Police would like to make the public aware of a potential scam affecting residents of Burlington.
Reports are being received of men approaching homeowners claiming to be employed with the City of Burlington, attending to complete work on the property.
The men demand cash in order to start the projects.
City employees carry authorized identification and will not request money to complete work.
Residents who suspect they are being misled by the above or similar scenario are asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 9-1-1 or via our non-emergency line at 905-825-4777.
 By Gazette Staff
July 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Courts have rendered a decision on the behaviour of the five hockey players.
The academics don’t see it all quite the same way.
Brock university experts weigh in on trial of former Hockey Canada players
While the sexual assault trial involving five former Hockey Canada players concluded with a not guilty verdict, the case will have far-reaching implications for the hockey community and wider society, say Brock University experts.
“While the verdict marked the end of the legal proceedings, the case itself reignited widespread scrutiny of hockey’s institutional values and the environments that elite players are socialized into,” says Assistant Professor of Sport Management Taylor McKee. “The outcome of the trial does not erase the cultural concerns that were brought to the surface, particularly around power, accountability and silence within hockey’s most protected spaces.”
 McKee says an instinctive response for Hockey Canada would be to examine ways of “fixing” the problem by implementing training programs or other measures to prevent future sexual violence committed by hockey players.
But the actions of the players in question, including text messages they sent to each other discussing what to say to investigators about the night’s events, suggest they knew what they did was wrong, he says.
“There’s no seminar on the books in the world that is going to fix attitudes towards young women that these guys clearly had,” says McKee.
Hockey Canada, he says, instead needs to hold the whole team accountable for the actions of its players. This could be through sanctions, for example, which include team suspensions and collective punishment doled out by teams and Hockey Canada.
On a broader societal level, the case also highlights issues surrounding victim testimony and court procedures.
While Criminologist Voula Marinos also says the verdict shouldn’t negate issues concerning sexual violence and power imbalances within and outside of sport, there are explicit legal requirements to be met when trying a charge of sexual assault.
Marinos says the burden of proof is on the Crown, rather than the defence, to prove that the complainant, E.M., consented to the sexual acts.
“When it comes to the criminal process, it is about the evidence presented that leads to a legal determination based upon legal standards,” says Marinos. “It may be very difficult to remember that it is about evidence that is available and entered into a case.”
Marinos also notes that Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, who tried the case, said while not all inconsistencies in a testimony mean a witness is lying, there was “cause for concern” about whether E.M.’s evidence was credible or reliable.
“Importantly, the judge stated that subjective and lived experiences may not objectively be the truth as the judge looked at a constellation of all of the evidence,” says Marinos. “The Crown did not meet its high criminal standard of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Forensic Psychologist Angela Book says E.M.’s testimony reflects a number of behaviours related to people’s reactions in dangerous situations.
 Self-silencing, for instance, is “not speaking one’s thoughts due to wanting to maintain harmony among others,” says the Professor of Psychology, while “judgmental self-doubt” involves distrusting one’s perception of a situation.
“We think those two tendencies, when combined, lead to capitulation, which is defined as the tendency to ignore, dismiss or downplay warning signs of danger and remain in a potentially dangerous situation,” she says.
Book is concluding research she conducted with Lakehead University Associate Professor Beth Visser (along with PhD students Theresia Bedard and Veronika Fendler-Janssen) on “self-silencing,” “judgmental self-doubt” and how they relate to reactions in dangerous situations.
She says early gender socialization has taught many women to suppress negative statements or fears to be nice, polite, compliant and not “rock the boat.”
There is also the “freeze” psychological and physiological response where a victim appears passive out of fear or avoiding further harm when in a traumatic situation, Book says.
Judging how a victim acts during a sexual assault can be misleading, she says, given these and other trauma responses.
It will be interesting to see what Hockey Canada decides to do in the months ahead. The National Hockey League has already said the hockey players cannot return to the ice until the NHL has completed its review
By Gazette Staff
July 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service released their 2024 report. This year it was an online report only.
The story this year is set out in a number of graphics:
 Auto theft occurrences.  Break and Enter Occurrences
Regional Statistics:
Social media:
As the social media landscape continued to evolve through 2024, so too did the Halton Regional Police Service’s (HRPS’) online presence. To ensure followers have quick and easy access to the information they want and need, the HRPS reimagined its X (formerly Twitter) accounts in July @HaltonPolice became the official channel for HRPS news, and existing District accounts were rebranded to provide tailored content on priority safety and well-being issues: traffic (@HRPS_Traffic) and community (@HRPS_Comm).
As of December 31, 2024, the three X accounts had a combined following of 181,256. Metrics for all HRPS social media accounts in 2024 are as follows:
Crime Stoppers:
Now in its 36th year, Crime Stoppers of Halton is an independent, non-profit, registered charity that helps solve crimes by taking tips from anonymous sources. A tip is any information that a member of the public is aware of that may help law enforcement prevent or solve a crime.
Countless criminals are brought to justice every year as a direct result of anonymous tips. A tip can be about anything – drugs, theft, child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism, escaped criminals, and more. As a resident of Halton, you are encouraged to keep a watchful eye on your community and to report suspicious activity when seen.
Your call or text is anonymous and the appropriate officials will investigate all tips received.
By Staff
June 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Stricter bail conditions and sentencing for those involved in organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft. The Liberal government will table a bill this fall introducing stricter bail conditions and sentencing for some crimes, particularly those involving organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft, said Justice Minister Sean Fraser.
“It’s perhaps obvious, given the tenor around the criminal justice system, that reforms are in order.”
The government will consider including additional reforms but “at minimum” will implement the crime policies the Liberals promised during the spring federal election, Fraser said.
In their campaign platform, the Liberals in turn promised to make bail more difficult to get for some offences, including car thefts involving violence or organized crime, home invasions, and some human trafficking and smuggling offences.
By Staff
June 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Two dead and one wounded but not seriously are the subject of an Ontario Special Investigations and the Halton Regional Police.
Unit (SIU) are investigating two deaths at a home in Burlington early Tuesday morning.
 Police were called to a residence on Cornerstone Drive at approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning for an unknown disturbance.
When police arrived, a 28-year-old man fled upstairs where they found him with a self-inflicted injury, the SIU said in a news release. Officers attempted life-saving measures but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators also found another man dead in the home.
 A woman was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries, the SIU added, noting that this was an isolated incident.
Halton police confirmed the force’s involvement in an investigation through a post on X, sharing that there is no current risk to public safety.
The SIU is responsible for investigating incidents of death, serious injury, firearm discharge and sexual assault involving police officers, according to the unit’s website.
Anyone who may have information about this investigation, including vi
By Staff
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A Burlington lawyer arrested in connection with a suspected multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme is under investigation by the Law Society of Ontario for allegedly misusing her trust fund.
 Crys Masterson with her husband and three children is part of The Transition Network. “Elders have a wealth of knowledge to share and help remind me to slow down and appreciate the meaningful things in life.” Cyrs grew up in a real estate family and now specializes in real estate law, estates, probate, power of attorney, wills and trusts. Crys goes out of her way to ensures her clients, young and old, are well informed and comfortable with each step of the legal process and that their best interests are protected at all times. Her patience, compassion and knowledge of Elder Law make Crys an outstanding asset to The Transition Network Team. While its probe is underway, the law society is seeking to have Crystal Masterson’s licence suspended due to “a significant risk of harm to members of the public, or to the public interest in the administration of justice, if the order is not made.”
The law society filed its notice of motion against Masterson on May 13, about six weeks after she was arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police and charged with fraud over $5,000. Her law society hearing is set for June 3.
Masterson and two others — punk-rock-singer-turned-businessman Doug Grozelle and Halton regional police fraud detective Jon Williams — are accused of running a $24.6-million international investment scheme that left dozens of people broke or homeless.
The OPP called it “a complex, multi-jurisdictional investment fraud scheme.”
The alleged pyramid scheme, which operated for two years, sucked in at least 236 participants, 116 of whom lost money.
Bankruptcy receiver Grant Thornton has said the scheme was “insolvent from its inception” and used money from new investors to pay illegally high returns to a select group of clients, many of whom were Halton regional police officers.
The pitch Grozelle made to investors was simple: if they gave him large amounts of cash for short periods, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, he promised to lend it to third parties, then pay it back fast with a high rate of return.
 By Pepper Parr
May 2nd, 2025
Kilbride, ON
On Sunday, April 27th at 4 pm, a group of about 25 people gathered outside the Kilbride United Church waiting to hear the church bell ring to remember Marianne Schuett. She was abducted in 1967 and was never found.
The resulting search for Marianne was one of the largest in Ontario’s history, with an estimated 18,000 people involved in attempts to find her. Despite repeated and ongoing search efforts, Marianne has not yet been found.
 Class Photo, Kilbride Public School. Marianne Schuett.: Second row, second from the left Marianne had just a five minute walk from the school to her home at 2291 Kilbride Street. Witnesses came forward to say that they had seen her talking to a man in a dark-model European vehicle facing east, not far from the school exit. Ron Eden, who lived in Kilbride and was a passenger in a car driving west towards Carlisle, said he noticed the vehicle immediately.
“I’ve never seen that car before in the village,” he said to his fellow passengers as they approached the intersection in front of the school. Ron admits that he didn’t personally see Marianne as he was so distracted by the unusual model of the vehicle—the driver, Leonard Bodz, and Leonard’s wife in the backseat both saw Marianne standing at the car. A fourth witness, a teacher, said she had seen Marianne walk around to the passenger side of the door of the same vehicle and get in. The driver then took off in the direction of Marianne’s home, but drove past her home without stopping. Artist renditions of both the man and vehicle circulated, with police believing that the vehicle was most likely a Renault.
 Dave and Steve Schuett are sitting on the bench dedicated to their sister. There is a black iron bench with “Remembering Marianne Schuett” inscribed, was unveiled at a private ceremony lead by Helen Callaway of the Kilbride History Group, close to the location Marianne was last seen. The bench serves as a memorial to a little girl described as quiet and shy, and unlikely to get into a stranger’s vehicle. It is also a reminder of how even the smallest of communities can be affected by terrible tragedy.
Fundraising for the bench was raised through efforts of the Kilbride History Group and many community donors, including Marianne’s brothers, Dave and Steve Schuett.
Helen Callaway works with Co-chair Tina Ditoro planning and arranging the now annual ringing the bell event.
Bev Mehlenbacher was a student at the same school as Marianne. “I didn’t know her very well. Today I work as a crossing guard; something that didn’t exist when I was a student.”
The Schuett family had moved to Kilbride in 1965, just two years before the abduction. They were members of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Lakeshore Road in Burlington, and their pastor, the Rev. Herbert Hockbush, was one of the many out searching through the bush. Angry sentiments ran high through the community, with young and old equally affected. Children came with their parents to help search, and an elderly woman armed with a shotgun showed up, stating that she just wanted to “blast the so-and-so who took Marianne.” She was thanked for her offer but consoled and turned away.
When the search teams failed to find their daughter, Marianne’s parents wrote a desperate plea to the abductor in a letter published in The Hamilton Spectator:
“We beg you with all our heart to phone or write us a few words to tell us where she is. We promise on everything we hold dear we will not show the police your letter or tell them of your call. If Marianne is alive, let her go, and tell us where we can find her. If she is dead, let us know where we can find her. We will never identify you no matter what has happened. It is too terrible not knowing. Please phone us or write to us. Her brothers can’t go on not knowing where she is and our hearts are breaking. We have to know. Please be merciful and let our prayers be answered.”
Why Marianne chose to risk getting in an unknown vehicle is one of the mysteries of the case, and something that has always perplexed the Schuett family who said she was especially wary of ‘stranger danger.’
The day she disappeared, she’d turned down a ride home from the mother of a classmate, Cindy Muirhead, with whom she’d stayed a half hour late at school working on a project. “I’m just around the corner,” Marianne said. Cindy herself had been stopped by a man in a ‘classic car’ a few weeks earlier and asked for directions to the Cayuga Race Track, nowhere near Kilbride.
 Steve Schuett rings the Kilbride United Church bell 10 times during the gathering of residents on Sunday. Marianne Schuett was abducted when she was 10 years old Although Steve, Marianne’s younger brother, was just five at the time she went missing, her disappearance has been a weight on his shoulders. He has seen many searches with renewed hope at finding his sister, but there have been no firm clues other than a single blue running shoe found near Speyside, the day after she was taken.
A suspect was identified but took his own life in 1991 prior to police being able to question or arrest him. An article published by The Hamilton Spectator on Feb. 16, 1991, a month after his suicide, revealed that the subject—described as Mr. X—had purchased a 1967 Renault three days before Marianne went missing, and that it was only one of three such vehicles in Ontario. The article reported that the suspect was brought to police attention in 1972 after he attempted to abduct a 14-year-old girl from Burlington and in 1990 more information came to light. “Last Christmas,” The Hamilton Spectator reported, “police received new information that Mr. X had repeatedly sexually assaulted two young girls over a seven-year period.”
The suspect’s suicide note made no reference to Marianne, or her final resting place. He was married with children, seemingly living a double life.
Marianne was born on September 29, 1956. The Schuett family lived on Oak Street in Hespeler, and Marianne attended kindergarten at Centennial Public School before they moved to Kilbride in 1965. Her older brother, David, was fifteen when his sister went missing.
“Growing up, well she wanted to hang around with her older brother,” Dave Schuett said in a phone interview in November 2021. “Mom and Dad said, ‘when you go out to play, you’ve got to take your little sister with you.’ So, I did.”
At the time of the abduction, Dave was going to school in Burlington. “She did have a few friends that she hung around with,” he said. “They would come to our house, or she would go over to theirs. We had some games at home, Monopoly and that kind of thing … she liked to play those … one game that she really liked, I believe it was called Candy Land. She really, really, liked that game.”
Dave says that the mystery of why she got in the vehicle has always been one of the hardest things to understand.
“That is a big mystery to me because we had friends of the family who would come to visit us from time to time and she knew them … she knew them very well, and at least once or twice as she was walking home from school they would be coming to our house and they would drive by and go, ‘hey, do you want a ride home?’ And she knew them very well and she’d go, ‘Nope.’ She wouldn’t even get in the car with friends of the family. That begs the question, why would she get in with somebody else? Unless you were forced, you know?”
Mr. X. was found dead in a Hamilton house in January 1991 taking with him any answers the family had hoped for.
Marianne’s father, Milton Schuett, passed away in 1999 without knowing what had happened to his daughter. On the morning of February 1, 2022, just three months after the most recent search for her daughter, Marianne’s mother, Ethel, also passed away. It is hoped that one day Marianne will be found and that the mystery of her disappearance will come full circle. The most recent searches have been led by Linda Gillis Davidson (ex-RCMP), and Gord Collins (ex-Peel Regional Police) who have brought the search for Marianne Schuett back to the headlines.
If you have information about the abduction of Marianne Schuett we urge you to contact any of the following:
Halton Regional Police Service: 1-905-825-4777, Reference Case#: 67-MP-00036
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), https://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/tips
Email to the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains at: canadasmissing-disparuscanada@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Linda Gillis Davidson: 705-641-0768 or llgdavidson@gmail.com
A private Facebook page, administered by friends and family of the Schuetts, is also available to discuss her case. https://www.facebook.com/groups/270997185033374
By Staff
April 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government is proposing changes to strengthen the bail system and protect communities by keeping violent repeat offenders off the streets and behind bars. These proposed reforms would strengthen the collection process for forfeited bail, introduce permanent Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams, support a comprehensive review of the bail system and move towards the establishment of user fees for people convicted or accused of a crime who use provincially administered ankle monitors.
 ‘Stop being a bunch of bleeding hearts’: Ford slams Ottawa over bail laws again. “The current bail system is letting violent, repeat offenders back into our communities and onto our streets, at times just days after they have been arrested and accused of serious crimes,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Enough is enough. We’re cracking down with tougher rules, stronger enforcement and faster action to keep repeat offenders behind bars, where they belong. We’re also calling on the newly elected federal government to join us by strengthening bail to protect victims of crime.”
Ontario is taking action to strengthen the bail system while continuing to advocate forcefully for the federal government to do the same, given its jurisdiction over criminal law. The actions Ontario is proposing, which will be introduced later this week, include:
- Legislative changes that would improve and increase the collection of forfeited bail monies by requiring sureties to provide up-to-date information in accordance with future regulations
- Introducing permanent Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams (ISVCBTs), made up of dedicated prosecutors who work with provincial and local police services to present the most persuasive case possible at a bail hearing in the case of serious and violent crimes, with a priority on repeat and prolific accused persons, including those charged with firearm offences. ISVCBTs also follow up with police service’s bail compliance units, checking to ensure there have been no unreported breaches and that dangerous criminals are complying with their bail conditions
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 Those out of jail on bail will be required to pay for the GPS ankle monitors; waiting to hear how that works out. Working towards the establishment of a new user fee system for those subject to GPS ankle monitoring as determined by the courts as a condition of bail or release, with the funds potentially used to offset program costs or support victim services. The proposed changes would also help police access GPS information from this program for the purpose of monitoring people accused of or convicted of a crime
- A comprehensive review of the bail system to make it more consequential and effective, including reviewing how to support better tracking of repeat offenders and improved administration.
“Our government is cracking down on crime by strengthening our bail system,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “We are giving prosecutors the tools they need to hold violent and repeat offenders accountable — with stronger bail teams, tighter monitoring and faster action in the courts, we are ensuring the justice system works to protect Ontario and keep communities safe.”
 Ontario continues to urgently amend the Criminal Code by introducing concrete changes that will tighten bail legislation. Ontario continues to urgently amend the Criminal Code by introducing concrete changes that will tighten bail legislation to protect public safety and keep repeat and violent offenders off the streets.
“Our government is taking decisive action to Protect Ontario and improve public safety on our streets and in our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Our government has been a leader in advocating for meaningful reform of Canada’s bail system. Until reform becomes reality, we will continue to support the efforts of law enforcement so they have the tools and resources needed to get violent offenders behind bars where they belong.”
“Everybody in Ontario deserves to live in communities that are free from the scourge of violence,” said Associate Solicitor General, Zee Hamid. “By strengthening enforcement, improving tracking and introducing specialized teams, our government is ensuring violent, repeat offenders face tougher consequences. These changes empower law enforcement and protect Ontario’s communities, reflecting our government’s unwavering commitment to keep criminals behind bars and Protect Ontario.”
 By Staff
February 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made a large drug and gun seizure and multiple arrests as part of an operation to dismantle a drug supply network operating in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
 Police display the items that were seized in police raids including $250,000 of bundled currency. Project Regal was a lengthy investigation that began in the town of Oakville and the city of Brampton and has now concluded with five arrests and more than 50 charges.
Between February 8 and February 10, officers executed eight search warrants at residences in Oakville, Brampton and Toronto. As a result of the warrants, the following items have been seized.
Continue reading Regional Police made a large drug and gun seizure and multiple arrests as part of an operation to dismantle a drug supply network
 By Pepper Parr
February 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Who knew?
The Toronto Star reported on comments Premier Doug Ford made at the London Police Service’s sold-out inaugural “chief’s gala appreciation dinner and awards night” — which was not listed on Ford’s daily campaign itinerary provided to reporters at Queen’s Park — was obtained by the Star.
Doug Ford took his tough-on-crime talk to new heights in a campaign speech where he pushed for a return to capital punishment, the Star has learned.
Musing about stiffer penalties for home invaders who kill victims, the Progressive Conservative leader called for changes in the federal Criminal Code that would empower judges to “send ‘em right to sparky.”
Continue reading Premier Ford wants capital punishment returned – prefers the electric chair over life in prison
 By Trevor Hurry
January 3rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Navigating the Web Safely:
Strategies for Avoiding Scams and Online Menaces
 Once a scammer has access to your data they can pick and choose what they want to take: your bank account, other online services you use. Then they can sell your ID to others who will do the same thing. In the ever-expanding digital universe, the internet has become a fundamental part of our daily lives. It offers a wealth of information, facilitates global communication, and provides endless entertainment. However, this vast network is also a breeding ground for scams and online menaces. From phishing emails to identity theft, the risks are ever-present. Thus, it’s crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and tools to navigate this digital landscape safely. This blog post aims to provide comprehensive strategies to help you avoid scams and protect yourself online.
Understanding the Threats
Before diving into protective measures, it’s essential to understand the common types of online scams. Phishing scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive information, are increasingly sophisticated. Malware, which includes viruses and ransomware, can infiltrate systems and compromise data. Identity theft, often resulting from data breaches, can have long-lasting impacts. Lastly, online shopping scams exploit consumers through fake websites and fraudulent offers. Awareness of these threats is the first step in defence.
Strong Passwords: Your First Line of Defence
 A group of consecutive numbers is not a password; it is an invitation for scammers to steal your data. Strong passwords are one of the easiest yet most effective ways to safeguard your online accounts. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols instead of common words and phrases. Password managers and other similar tools are useful for creating and safely storing complicated passwords. To add a degree of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it is feasible.
Regular Software Updates: Closing Security Loopholes
Keeping your software updated is a critical defense against cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target vulnerabilities in outdated software, making it imperative to update your operating system, browsers, and applications regularly. These updates frequently include patches for security loopholes that hackers exploit. To ensure you don’t miss these crucial updates, enable automatic updates on your devices. This ensures that you’re always using the latest, most secure versions without having to remember to manually update each time. Additionally, it’s advisable to regularly check for updates on software that doesn’t update automatically, as this maintains a robust defense against emerging cyber threats.
Be Skeptical of Emails and Links
 Password security is something you need to pay attention to; the cost if you don’t could clean you out. When it comes to digital communication, having a healthy skepticism might work wonders for you. Phishing schemes, which deceive people into disclosing private information, are getting more sophisticated. Emails and texts that look strange or request personal information should be avoided, especially if they instill a sense of urgency or offer extraordinary rewards. It is advisable to confirm the sender’s identity before replying or opening any links. Don’t download attachments from unidentified or suspicious sources as they can be infected with malware. Always keep in mind that if an email or link looks shady or too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, go with your gut and use care.
Protect Your Domestic Network
Your home Wi-Fi network is a gateway to your personal and financial information. Ensure it’s secured with a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Educate Yourself and Others
In today’s digital age, staying updated about online threats is crucial for internet safety. Regularly following reputable technology news sources and cybersecurity blogs can keep you informed about the latest scams and protection strategies. Participation in cybersecurity awareness programs, either online or in your community, can further enhance your understanding and preparedness. Additionally, sharing this knowledge with family and friends, particularly those who are less familiar with digital nuances, is vital. This includes educating them about recognizing phishing emails, the importance of secure passwords, and avoiding suspicious links. By spreading awareness, you contribute to creating a safer online environment for everyone.
Use Trusted Payment Methods for Online Shopping
Online shopping, including activities like playing online slots, requires cautious financial transactions. To ensure safety, always opt for secure and trusted payment methods. Credit cards are generally a safer choice compared to debit cards due to their fraud protection features. Be vigilant about where you input your card details, whether purchasing goods or engaging in online slots; look for signs of website security such as HTTPS in the URL and a padlock symbol. Avoid payment methods that lack transparency or traceability, such as wire transfers or gift cards. Additionally, consider using payment platforms that offer additional layers of security. Remember, cautiousness in payment methods is a key defense against financial fraud in online shopping.
Backup Your Data Regularly
Regular data backup is an essential practice in safeguarding against digital threats. In the face of malware attacks, such as ransomware, having a backup of your essential files can mitigate the damage. Utilize reliable cloud services or external storage devices for backups. This should be done consistently; set a schedule for regular updates of your backup. Cloud services often offer automated solutions, while external hard drives provide physical copies. These backups are not just a shield against cyber-attacks; they also protect against data loss due to hardware malfunctions or accidental deletions. Remember, regular data backup is a critical step in comprehensive digital security.
 You want to understand what Identity Theft can do to you and take appropriate action to protect yourself. Conclusion
Navigating the internet safely requires a proactive approach. By understanding the risks, using strong passwords, updating software, being cautious of suspicious emails and links, securing your network, staying informed, using trusted payment methods, and regularly backing up data, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to online scams and menaces. Remember, in the digital world, your best defence is your awareness and preparedness. Stay safe and explore the internet with confidence, knowing you’re well protected against lurking dangers.
By Pepper Parr
December 13th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The story was about the fraudulent vendor payment and recovery matter; told from the City’s perspective.
That isn’t the whole story.
In a city media release on May 23, 2019 the City discovered it was a victim of a fraud where a single transaction in the amount of $503,026.66 was made to a falsified bank account in response to a complex phishing email requesting to change banking information for an established City vendor. The transaction was in the form of an electronic transfer of funds made to the vendor on May 16, 2019.
Later in 2019, the Gazette had a conversation with a member of Council who told us at that time that the city was going to recover some of the money that was taken. We were surprised that a Council member chose to discuss a matter that was discussed in a CLOSED session of Council – but these things do happen.
Another report made mention of the recovery of $100,000.00 by the City in November of 2023. This brings the total recovery in this case to $422,641.67 which was seen as most likely to be final recovery.
The City’s strategy to recover the defrauded funds included making a claim against the City’s insurance Cyber Crime Policy, commencing civil litigation proceedings, and negotiating a restitution order as part of the criminal proceedings in this case.
The following methods of recovery were utilized in this case:
(a) Insurance Recovery:
A claim was filed with the City’s insurers under its Cyber Crime Policy, which had the maximum policy limit of $250,000, and was subject to a $50,000 deductible. Through negotiations with the City’s Legal Services staff, the City’s insurers, ultimately agreed to waive the $50,000 deductible, and made a payment to the City in the full amount of the policy limit, being $250,000.
(b) Civil Litigation:
The City also retained the services of external legal counsel to commence a Statement of Claim in the Superior Court of Justice and to freeze the bank accounts into which the City funds were deposited and subsequently transferred to. The City was ultimately able to secure the recovery of $72,671.67 of those funds. The details of this litigation will be reported on separately as part of the City’s tri-annual litigation report.
(c) Criminal Proceedings:
 Milton Court House where criminal proceedings took place. Initially, Halton Region Police Service laid charges against three individuals in connection to the fraud perpetrated on the City. Criminal proceedings were pursued against only one of the three accused individuals, and charges against the others were withdrawn.
The Gazette took part in one of the criminal hearings which, at the time, were done virtually. One of the issues during the hearing was if the lawyers had been fully retained. One of the accused had not, at the time, fully retained his lawyer.
The City made a request of the Crown seeking a restitution order in its favour as part of the criminal proceeding resolution. As a result of this request and successful criminal plea negotiations between the accused and the Crown, in November of 2023 the City received a recovery of a further amount of $100,000.00 in the form of restitution.
The total financial impact to the City to date is $110,406.85 which includes the unrecoverable amount plus legal and investigative expenses related to the recovery of the funds to date.
Nothing was ever done about the disclosure of background information to the Gazette.
By Pepper Parr
August 12th,2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Press event in Streetsville on Friday was about to ocme to an end when a reporter asked for “one more one more.”
Premier: Sure I’m I’m okay with a question. Go ahead, Joe.
The column I’m working on today’s six homicides in Kirkland Lake, drugs, bail crime.
I’ve never in my life heard of six homicides in a small town like that. It’s a crisis. It’s not headline news. I think that’s maybe your fault this week. But but it is very serious and I want to know what you’re going to do about it.
Premier: Well, first of all, my you know, my prayers and thoughts go out to the families that lost the loved ones.
I’ve been hammering this bill reform from from day one. I led the charge with all the premiers to put this forward to the federal government. I want to thank all premiers, all 12 premiers that signed off and I want to thank all the police for for sacrificing every single day going out there protecting our communities. So it’s sitting at the federal government right now in their lives.
I have all the confidence that the the new ministers Dominic LeBlanc will move this forward in a rapid fashion. But you see a lot of these people you know are out on bail. They get a slap on the wrist. Do you know what else is really ticking me off lately job or these home invasions on these car thefts to you know people are getting their car stolen and right left and center.
Now they’re so brazen. They kick kick the door in at four o’clock five o’clock in the morning imagine you being in your house and your family and you have a little one Joe, the panic, it goes through.
I have a message for these guys. We’re going to catch you and you’re going for going to jail and you’re gonna get a slap on the wrist. You aren’t going to get out on bail. We’ll do everything in our power provincially to keep you locked away as long as possible. And we’re going to put an end to that.
By Staff
August 3rd, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police reported on a speeding event that really wasn’t funny
They started the news report with:
 Picture of the speed camera that recorded what a driving instructor was doing. Couldn’t make this up if we tried.
This morning at 10:30 am, a driving instructor was stopped 85/50 doing 85km in a 50 km zone, which was just 5 km short of stunt driving on Lakeshore Rd along the beach.
A student was in the passenger seat, having just failed a driving test.
$265 ticket with 4 points for the instructor who will be looking for a new job.
 By Tonisha Parra
July 15th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
The digital age has been a wild west of online crime, with new scams popping up every day. Emails, phone calls, text messages, and even ads on social media can be disguised attempts to trick you out of your personal details (and your money). Our best weapon against this sea of scammers is a solid understanding of cyber security, and the ability to design and implement our own cyber security strategies.
But what is cyber security? It’s safe to say that cyber security is still a new word to most of us. So knowing whether or not you’re actually safe online can come with a bit of a learning curve.
Thankfully, it is easier to engage with the basics of cyber security. And that’s usually all that most everyday web users need.
To help out, we’ll be outlining some great ways to recognise potential scams online, and what to do if you ever come across something a little dubious online.
Read on to learn how to recognize a scam online:
 If you don’t recognize the email sender – best not to open it. Check the sender
Don’t click the links
Take your time
Look for bad grammar
Is the price too good to be true?
Don’t take your boss’ word for it
Report fraud wherever possible
1. Check the sender
When you get an odd text asking for your bank details, postage address, or any other tidbits of personal info, the easiest thing to do is just look to see if they’ve messaged you before. With emails, you should also always look at the sender’s email address in full. Most spammers and scammers can’t get at official email addresses, so their best is something that appears as legitimate but on second glance, is definitely not.
For example, @google.com may become @ongoogle.com, or @googlo.com, or simply complete gibberish. Or your sender could have a company name for their email address but could be emailing from a generic @gmail.com or @outlook.com account, rather than from a company email.
Taking a closer look at the sender’s name, or using an email checker is always a good first step towards ascertaining the reliability of a message. But it’s not foolproof! Remember that even a legitimate address can be hacked or spoofed.
2. Don’t click the links
If you’re an avid online shopper like me, chances are your inbox is filled with completely innocuous emails. These are things like shipping updates, or news alerts – messages that have no intention of gathering your personal info. But even seemingly harmless messages can be a front for a devilish hyperlink.
 Absent-mindedly clicking on a hyperlink could easily take you to a site that looks like an exact copy of Facebook, or anything else, that then asks you to login and confirm some details. The safest tactic is to avoid clicking on any link unnecessarily, and to just complete actions independently and through your own browser.
And if you do find a site you’re uncertain of, look for “https” (or the padlock symbol) in the URL bar of the pages you visit. The S stands for secure, and the padlock symbol also denotes a website with a secure SSL certificate.
3. Take your time
The best thing you can do for a scammer is to take things at face value. Scammers are masters at taking people by surprise, so it’s always better to maintain vigilance when assessing any digital communications.
Of course, staying vigilant and thinking critically about any message your way requires a little time to process what you’re reading. So scammers will also often try to put you under time pressure, just to ensure you don’t have the opportunity to think.
Scammers will often insert a call to action to get you to gloss over the less-than-reputable details in their communications. Phrases like Respond immediately, or your package will return to the depot. But how often does your bank, your mail service, or anything else online ask you for immediate action? Many institutions still run on snail mail, so half a minute of thought never hurts. Simply put, be wary of anybody asking you to ‘take action now’, because chances are they’re only requesting this urgency to lure you into a trap.
4. Look for bad grammar
Oddly enough, some scammers will purposefully add spelling mistakes and the like to their messages. They do this to filter out the keen-eyed readers, who will make for hard targets, allowing for them to focus on the more forgiving and innocent victims. It’s a cruel practice, but an effective one, especially if you’re tired. Whenever you see a misspelling, forgotten punctuation or notice strange wording from a supposed professional, you can bet it’s a scam – after all, reputable businesses triple check messages before sending them out.
And in some instances, scammers simply make mistakes. If you do find any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors in messages that are supposedly from your bank, your school, or your local toll road service, then chances are it’s not from these bodies at all. It could easily just be an offshore scammer masquerading as these legitimate agencies.
 5. Is the price too good to be true?
Finding a killer deal online is thrilling. And even when there’s no way they’re selling clothes, plane tickets, or a puppy for that price, you want to believe it, don’t you? That’s the very feeling digital thieves are trying to capitalize on.
But if the photos look unoriginal (try right-clicking, and “Search image with Google”), the site is new to you, or the details are strangely vague, then think again. It’s always best to do your due diligence when examining any offer online. Be sure to search for reviews and read through forums on other websites, just to see if people have been negatively affected by these offers, or the figure advertising these offers, in the past.
You should also ask for more details from the seller, and check whether the payment options are secure. PayPal, banks, and your credit cards will fight tooth and nail to keep from being ripped off.
6. Don’t take your boss’ word for it
One slimy trick is to find the names of business owners and their employees online, then pose as the employer to ask for a favor. Beware of messages that look just like this one:
Hey, Alex, we’ve got a client meeting in an hour, can you pick up $500 worth of Apple iTunes cards and send through the codes right quick, and I’ll pay you back after? Best, Joe Ceo.
You might not think that internet criminals would notice your small town medical practice, or target you at your accounting firm, but a specific target means they can trick you with real details. And real details will always increase their chances of success. Don’t let them win.
Be sure to ask for a phone call from ‘your boss’ or an email to confirm details. Chances are the scammer won’t be able to rise to this challenge and will move on to a more gullible target.
7. Report fraud whenever possible
Finally, even if you don’t fall victim to a cyber attack, it’s always best to report any cases you come across to your local cyber security authorities. One in twenty people will put in the time to report attempted fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or other digital crimes to the Canadian Center for Cyber Security. This number needs to increase. By reporting to these security agencies, you can aid and inform their work, which will ensure these bodies are better equipped to respond to security threats as they happen.
 Your report can help prevent future cases, protecting your friends, neighbors, and all your fellow Canadian netizens. And if it’s only a minor incident or just a stray spam text, you can easily add a comment or a vote to online safety sites like spamcalls.net.
Remember – a cautious person is a scam artist’s worst enemy. So look closely, check with others, and hold your personal details close to your chest when accessing the web.
Every second spent learning and researching online, cripples your risk of being cheated out of your data and perhaps even your money. In short, a considerate approach to your cyber security is the most fierce protector you can have against online scams.
By Pepper Parr
July 15th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
How could I not click on this? Doesn’t everyone think there is a long lost relative out there looking for me to claim what is mine?
This is what I got this morning.
Attn: Sir/Madam,
Greetings to you. There was a recent search conducted in our firm and your Surname / Last Name matched one of our deceased clients’ details.
Kindly get back to me with your full names to my private email: dr.andybailey@c2.hu confirm If you are the beneficiary prior to providing you with further communications.
Thank you.
Dr. Andrew Bailey
I decided to take a pass and save the little I have for a rainy day
The sum scammers are out there – they never quit – basically because there are still hundreds of foolish people who think that what looks to be unbelievable luck is just unbelievable.
By Staff
July 9th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after two people fell from a Burlington apartment.
In the early morning hours on Saturday, Halton Regional Police said officers responded to a call for reports of a man with a firearm at an apartment building on Ghent Avenue.
 The Special Investigations Unit invokes its mandate usual when there has been local police involvement when. More to this story than anyone is saying at this point. Police provided limited details in their release, but said as a result of their investigation, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was contacted and will invoke its mandate.
A spokesperson for the SIU confirmed it is investigating after a man, 29, and a woman, 24, fell from an apartment balcony. The SIU said based on preliminary information, Halton police were called at about 10 p.m. on Friday.
When officers arrived at the apartment in relation to the 9-1-1 call about a man with a gun, the SIU said when they knocked on the door of the unit, nobody responded.
 By Pepper Parr
July 9th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday the city wants to : Rescind the existing Zero Tolerance Policy.
Then
Approve the Public Conduct Policy substantially in the form set out by the City Clerk in a report to Council.
Then they to:
Approve By-law (to be numbered once it has been passed by Council) substantially in the form attached as Appendix C to office of the city clerk report CL-08-23 and in a form satisfactory to the Executive Director of Legal Services and Corporation Counsel; and
Approve amendments to the 2023 Corporate Customer Experiences – Service Burlington fees as outlined in office of the city clerk report CL-08-23, effective July 11, 2023; and
Approve By-Law to be numbered once it has been passed by Council) substantially in the form attached as Appendix D to amend the Rates & Fees By-law 83-2022 to include the appeal fees as detailed in the financial matters section of office of the city clerk report CL-08-23 and in a form satisfactory to the Executive Director of Legal Services and Corporation Counsel; and
Fund any Public Conduct Policy and Trespass By-law investigations through the Contingency Reserve (#111460).
In short Council wants staff to be able to prevent a person from doing and saying things they don’t like to hear and using a complex process that would/could involved being charged under the Trespass Act to allow the city to call police and then charge the person a fee to be able to return to City Hall.
There was no Staff presentation – that meant that no one explained to the public what was being done. The City would/could ask the police to lay charges under the Trespass Act. For most cases of trespass, the trespasser will get a provincial offences ticket. They may be fined, but won’t go to jail. The fine could be as much as $10,000
 Would Jim Thomson be cited for misbehaving as he made physical gestures while Nick Leblovic was trying to defend comments he had made about a Conflict of Interest matter ? Why are they doing this? To
Building more citizen engagement, community health and culture
Deliver customer centric services with a focus on efficiency and technology transformation
The background set out in the Staff report:
Various departments at the City of Burlington are, from time to time, required to manage difficult or inappropriate behaviour exhibited by members of the public. Such behaviour can occur in a variety of settings (in-person, electronically, by phone, etc.) and can be directed towards City staff, other members of the public, or City property (e.g. vandalism and trespassing). When difficult or inappropriate behaviour is observed or reported, staff may be required to impose consequences upon the offending individual.
Consequences can include issuing warnings, restricting access to City property or services, or banning individuals from entering onto City property and notifying the individual that if they do enter onto City property they may be prosecuted under the Trespass to Property Act.
However, at present, the only department at the City with a policy in place that guides its decision-making process and provides members of the public with a right of appeal when consequences are imposed is Recreation, Community and Culture.
The current policy in place within Recreation, Community and Culture is called the Zero Tolerance Policy, which policy was originally implemented in 2003 and was last updated in 2007 (prior to many of the court decisions and ombudsman reports that inform these types of policies across municipalities today). As a department-level policy, the Zero Tolerance Policy applies only to recreational facilities and programs at the City.
Rescinding the Zero Tolerance Policy and implementing a City wide Trespass By-law and Public Conduct Policy would provide the following benefits:
Establish clear expectations for staff and members of the public across all departments, facilities and programs
Clearly delegate authority to make decisions and issue restrictions in response to inappropriate behaviour
Reduce uncertainty and guard against arbitrary action
Allow the City to respond to improper behaviour in an appropriate, proportionate and fair manner
Infuse principles of natural justice into decision-making and appeal processes
Reduce/mitigate risk (risk of infringing a person’s rights, risk of arbitrary action, risk of court challenges)
If a complaint is made against a person it is first reviewed by the department Director. The Director’s decision can be appealed to an Executive Director. There is a fee of $200 to file an appeal.
There were no delegations made when the policy was presented to a Standing Committee.
There was no Staff presentation – the Mayor and Councillor Nisan commented.
The Policy document is 13 pages long – we will publish excerpts from that document in the coming days,
Part 1
Canada’s senate has passed a bill aimed at educating judges about the dangers of domestic violence and coercive control.
‘Keira’s Law,’ Bill C-233, was introduced by Anju Dhillon, member of Parliament for Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle in 2022 on the second anniversary of Keira Kagan’s death in Milton, Ont.
The legislation focuses on protection for children of abusive ex-partners via amendments to the Judges Act.
It adds continuous education for decision-makers on the finer points of violence and control in family relationships.
Additionally, justices are now expected to consider whether a release order for an accused is in the interests of the safety and security. Electronic monitoring devices can now be a condition of release.
 Kiera Photo credit: Jennifer Viater Keira Kagan was reported missing on Feb. 9, 2020 while spending the weekend with her father, 35-year-old Robin Brown.
Halton Regional Police later found Keira and her father dead at the bottom of a steep escarpment in Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton.
A coroner found the two had injuries consistent with a fall and referred the incident to the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee for a probe.
Jennifer Viater, Keira’s mother, believed it was a murder-suicide tied to court motions citing abusive behaviour. She was seeking to limit her ex-husband’s access to their daughter.
Despite finding evidence against Brown as “persuasive and compelling,” a judge said it was “not urgent” enough to prohibit contact with Keira.
“It means a lot to us that we you know that this has been successful and that … we’ve now solidified Keira’s legacy in Canada as a beacon of protection and safety for others,” Viater said in a presser on Wednesday hours after the bill passed.
 Dhillon said she was “grateful and pleased” for the support from Parliament, Senate and stakeholders across Canada for the legislation.
“The message is clear, we all agree that more needs to be done to protect women and their children who are also victims of domestic violence,” Dhillon remarked.
The bill will now seek royal assent and is expected to come into effect 30 days following the process.
 By Staff
June 16th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
 A decisions that came out of an Inquest that took place in Renfrew County in September 22, 2015, is sen by many as the event that brought about a change in the public perception of violence against women by their intimate partners.
The County of Renfrew is a Municipal Government stretching west from Ottawa to the northern tip of historic Algonquin Park. Founded in 1861, Renfrew is the largest county in Ontario and is made up of 17 communities.
The facts the Inquest dealt with and the actions that came out of the Inquest are set out HERE
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