Public Safety Alert, Counterfeiters see summer festival season as opportunity to pass fake money
Thursday, June 30, 2016 - 8:31 AM
Financial Crimes: 416-808-7300
The Toronto Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Bank of Canada are reminding the public and retailers to check the security features in all banknotes.
The busy summer period, with festivals and special events taking place in the GTA, calls for heightened vigilance. Counterfeiters look for such opportunities to pass fake banknotes.
Cash-handlers and the public can easily detect counterfeit bills - polymer and paper - by simply checking their security features. Police encourage everyone to check two or more security features during cash transactions. This is the best defence against getting a counterfeit. Compare any suspect note with one you know is genuine. The same advice also applies to U.S. banknotes.
If you come across a banknote you believe to be counterfeit, ask for another banknote (and check it, too). Also contact your local police about a possible attempt of counterfeiting activity in your community. If you find yourself in possession of a suspected fake, don’t pass it on. It’s a criminal offence to knowingly pass counterfeit money on to someone else. All denominations in the most recent series of polymer notes have the same security features. Once you know how to check one banknote, you can check them all.
Visit the Bank of Canada’s website to learn more about current and older series notes. The Bank also provides free training and materials on how to check banknotes. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-303-1282 or email info@bankofcanada.ca.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Rob Stewart, Financial Crimes Unit
TPS unveils commitment to LGBTQ2S community through muralFriday, June 24, 2016 - 7:55 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit: 416-808-7100
On June 24, 2016, as part of Pride 2016 celebrations, the Toronto Police Service unveiled a mural at 425 Church Street, which represents the Service’s past, present and future relationship with the city’s LGBTQ2S communities.
Created in partnership between the Service’s Divisional Policing Support Unit and the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto Program, the mural includes components that recognize the history between the community and the Toronto Police Service as well as highlights the Service’s present and future commitment to the LGBTQ2S community.
The mural, which took almost a year to complete, follows the historic apology by Chief Mark Saunders to the community for the 1981 bath house raids.
“This mural is a spot of permanent reflection for the TPS and for the community,” said Chief Saunders. “We will only be successful in our relationships of today if we acknowledge and learn from our past”.
The project would not have been possible if not for the involvement of the City’s StreetARToronto Program and the skills and talent of graffiti artist, SPUD1.
"With Toronto being such a diverse and multicultural community, we are looking forward to this celebration and to be part of the progressive movement towards equality, fairness, recognition and dignity in promoting and cultivating who we are as an inclusive and welcoming society," said Councillor Cesar Palacio, chair of the City's Licensing and Standards Committee.
StreetARToronto is an innovative partnership program developed by the City of Toronto's Transportation Services Division. Since the program's inception in 2012, StART has become a leader in developing partnerships that result in award-winning street-art installations.
As part of this award-winning initiative, the StreetARToronto Toronto Police Partnership program was created to assist City staff and the police reduce graffiti vandalism, beautify Toronto streetscapes and celebrate communities, support street artists and help property owners who are victims of tagging.
The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the many organizations and individuals who took the time to consult with the Service on this project. It would not have been possible without their involvement.
For information about the mural’s components, please visit the website or call Constable Retsinas at 416-808-0126.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Constable Patty Retsinas, Divisional Policing Support Command
Chief Saunders launches How We Do It TPS websiteTuesday, June 21, 2016 - 8:59 AM
Office of the Chief: 416-808-7100
Today, Chief Mark Saunders launched a new, innovative website called How We Do It TPS.
The website features short videos and photos that showcase the everyday work of Toronto Police Service members, including everything from high-risk responses and community outreach to responding to people in crisis. The men and women of the Service are having their story told.
By visiting this mobile-friendly site, HowWeDoitTPS.com, the public will stay up-to-date on the actions of Toronto Police members in a virtual and interactive way.
The website also features a running tally of gun seizures, arrests and calls-for-service. By learning about the Service’s day-to-day responsibilities, the public will get a clear picture of how we keep the city safe.
In addition, every Division of the Service has a How We Do It TPS photo board in its main lobby. These photos will be taken by members, of members, and will recognize the daily accomplishments of colleagues and community.
By sharing our successes, the campaign aims to instil a sense of pride in the Toronto Police Service, not just for members, but for community partners and the public.
Visit the website often or follow us at #HowWeDoitTPS for the latest video.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Chief Mark Saunders
Media advisory, Thursday, June 16, 2016, Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dinner: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Lone Star Texas Grill Restaurants, 221 King Street West & 930 Dixon Road, Cops and Cowboys fundraiser event for Special Olympics Ontario
Thursday, June 16, 2016 - 5:29 AM
Detective Operations: 416-808-5387
On Thursday, June 16, 2016, members of the Toronto Police Service will be partnering with Lone Star Texas Grill Restaurants to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Ontario.
The Cops and Cowboys event is a fun-filled fundraiser by law enforcement services and Lone Star Restaurants. Members of the Toronto Police Service will be working as "Celebrity Guest Servers" side-by-side with Lone Star staff to serve customers.
Officers will raise awareness for Special Olympics Ontario and will collect donations or "tips" which will benefit Special Olympics Ontario.
The Toronto Police Service members will be participating at two Lone Star locations:
- 212 King Street West
- 930 Dixon Road
Please join us for lunch or dinner:
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Special Olympians will also be attendance to meet members of the public.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Public Safety Alert, Nighttime residential Break-and-Enters
Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - 2:26 PM
53 Division: 416-808-5300
The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to remain vigilant, and to secure their property, particularly with summer approaching.
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in residential break-and-enters in the mid-town neighbourhoods in 53 Division.
It is reported that:
- unknown person(s) have gained entry, or attempted to gain entry, into multiple residential homes through unlocked back doors at night
Anyone who sees someone or something suspicious, on or around their property, is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.
Homeowners are being advised to make sure that their doors and windows are locked and alarms activated before they go to bed. Homeowners are also being advised to ensure that their vehicles and bicycles are locked and secured. Homeowners are also encouraged to register their bicycles online with the Toronto Police Service.
If you have further questions, please contact 53 Division Crime Prevention Officers Constables Timothy Somers at 416-808-5337 or Alex Li at 416-808-5308.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable
Public Safety Alert, Canada Revenue Agency Fraud Scam
Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - 8:26 AM
41 Division: 416-808-5400
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a ongoing fraud investigation in 54 Division.
It is reported that:
- on Monday, June 6, 2016, a 65-year-old man was contacted by someone who identified themselves as an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency and claimed that the man owed money to the Canada Revenue Agency
- the caller stated they had an arrest warrant for the man and that he had to pay the Canada Revenue Agency immediately or he would be arrested by the Toronto Police Service
- the man was told to purchase Apple iTunes gift cards as the Canada Revenue Agency had a financial agreement with Apple and the Canada Revenue Agency would be paid the money owed by Apple once the cards were activated
- the man obtained $3,300 in Apple iTunes gift cards, photocopied the gift cards (containing the activation codes) and emailed the photocopy of the gift cards to the unknown caller
- the man does not owe the Canada Revenue Agency any outstanding balance and the Canada Revenue Agency never contacted the man
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when speaking to someone claiming to be from the Canada Eevenue Agency and should call back the public number of the Canada Revenue Agency to confirm the status of their account and should not transfer any funds by means of Apple iTunes gift cards.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Jim Gotell, 54 Division
Water safety message from the Toronto Police Service Marine Unit
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - 9:06 AM
Marine
416-808-5821
The Toronto Police Service Marine Unit would like to remind everyone about water and boating safety.
People spending time on our lake and/or on our beaches should remember to always respect the water and all the potential dangers. Cold-water immersion can be a serious threat. We always recommend wearing a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device as the first defence to avoid any tragedy when involved in water-related activities. It is the law to have lifejackets and/or PFDs onboard our vessels or crafts but it is also recommended to have them on because they are only effective if they are worn.
With all the different activities, such as sailing, fishing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kite-boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and jet-skiing, taking place in and around our waterfronts, it is important to remember that everyone has the obligation to obey the laws and share the lake. It is also important to remember that alcohol consumption and water activities are a poor combination and should be avoided as the effects of alcohol are intensified on the water. We should also remember to check the marine forecasts and be aware of incoming weather and potential severe storm systems. We all have the right to a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
And now that our beaches are officially open, it is also important to remember that "ALL CRAFT" are restricted from designated swim areas along the Toronto beaches. These areas are clearly marked and flagged using an internationally recognized system. Signs are also posted in the areas for designated craft-launch areas.
Water safety is a shared responsibility between the communities that use the waterfront and the members of the Marine Unit who police them. Help us to do our job by understanding the rules and following them. Have the right equipment and use it accordingly to avoid misfortune. Remember, the best protection you can give yourself on the water is to wear your lifejacket.
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Richard Baker, Marine Unit Community Safety Officer
