Friday, March 31, 2017

Media advisory, Monday, April 3, 2017, 6 a.m. - 10 a.m., Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, Motorcycle safety awareness session


Media advisory, Monday, April 3, 2017, 6 a.m. - 10 a.m., Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, Motorcycle safety awareness session

Friday, March 31, 2017 - 12:00 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Monday, April 3, 2017, TPS Traffic Services will be hosting a "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Session", between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., at 9 Hanna Avenue.

With the official start of spring on Monday, March 20, 2017, motorists will see an increase in motorcyclists on the roads, as spring is the traditional start to the riding season. With the return of the riding season, and the Toronto Police Service's continued focus on road safety for all road users, Traffic Services will be hosting a safety awareness session focusing on motorcycle safety. Subject-matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about motorcycle equipment safety, rider protection and training.

Since 1995, there have been 78 motorcycle fatalities in Toronto. The causal factors of the collisions were analyzed, and the contributing factors to the crashes were identified. Some of the myths and facts are shown below. 

Myth: Young, inexperienced motorcyclists are the most vulnerable, at-risk riders and account for the largest number of victims who die in motorcycle crashes.

Fact: From 1995 to 2017, 18 of the 78 motorcyclists who have died on Toronto roads were under the age of 25. The group with the highest rate of fatality is the 25-39 age group, which comprises 46 of the 78 victims. 

Myth: Those who die in motorcycle crashes are doing something wrong at the time of the incident. Like other drivers, motorcyclists can avoid crashes if they drive properly and within the law.

Fact: Between 1995 and 2017, in 27 of the 78 motorcycle fatalities, the driver of the motorcycle was driving properly at the time.

Other facts relating to the 78 motorcycle fatalities from 1995 to 2017:

- all victims were male
- no pattern of where motorcycle collisions occur most
- most of the fatalities occurred when the weather was dry
- the times of the collisions were varied and a pattern was not apparent

Safe operation, regardless of the type of vehicle, is critical to the safety of all road users. Together, we can make the roads safer by following all the rules. 

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Friday, March 24, 2017

Public Safety Advisory, Debit-card fraud


Public Safety Advisory, Debit-card fraud

Friday, March 24, 2017 - 9:02 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing debit-card fraud. These occurrences are not specific to one taxi company. 

There have been multiple occurrences in which a taxi operator has switched debit cards while passing the terminal/PIN pad back and forth during payment. The operator returns a different debit card from the same financial institution. The operator is then in possession of the passenger's debit card and the corresponding PIN. 

The operator's position in a taxi, particularly at night in low light, provides ample opportunity to manipulate cards out of the passenger's sight.

Police would like to warn the public to be vigilant with their debit cards/PIN
information at all times. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or 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 Michael Rogers, 51 Division

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Police seek assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, George Street and Dundas Street East area, Update, New security camera image released


Police seek assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, George Street and Dundas Street East area, Update, New security camera image released

Thursday, March 23, 2017 - 12:53 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with an Aggravated Assault investigation.

On Friday, March 17, 2017, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a 55-year-old man was seriously assaulted by a man while standing outside of 339 George Street.

See previous release.

A new security camera image is released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or 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 Corey Crawford, 51 Division



Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Police seek assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, George Street and Dundas Street East area


Police seek assistance with Aggravated Assault investigation, George Street and Dundas Street East area

Wednesday, March 22, 2017 - 3:14 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with an Aggravated Assault investigation.

On Friday, March 17, 2017, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a 55-year-old man was seriously assaulted by a man while standing outside of 339 George Street.

It is reported that:

- a 55-year-old man was punched several times from behind, in the head, before being thrown to the ground and stomped on by a man

- the 55-year-old man received serious head injuries

- the man then fled the area, southbound on George Street 

The 55-year-old man is currently in hospital, in critical condition.

The suspect is described as medium build, with possibly shoulder-length wavy/curly hair, held up in a bun. He was wearing a dark winter jacket and jeans with distressed thighs.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the assault, recorded video on their cell phone or dashboard car camera in the area, or anyone who may have any information regarding this assault, to contact police.

Security camera images of the man are released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or 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 Corey Crawford, 51 Division



Criteria for referring a collision to Collision Reporting Centres



Criteria for referring a collision to Collision Reporting Centres

Wednesday, March 22, 2017 - 1:49 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

In 2016, there were 70,004 collisions reported to the Toronto Police Service. Many of these collisions (approximately 81% or 56,615) were referred to the Collision Reporting Centres (CRC) for the necessary reports to be completed. 

Delays to commuters and businesses can result when minor collisions occur on city roads, and drivers wait for police to attend. In some cases, traffic congestion can result in additional collisions. 

Collisions involving the following criteria will continue to be investigated at the scene of the collision:

- Personal injury collisions where the victim is taken to hospital immediately following the collision
- Involves criminality
- Involves consumption of alcohol or drug by involved drivers
- Involves a suspended or unlicensed driver
- Involves a motor vehicle found to not have a valid insurance policy in effect
- Collisions involving damage to private, municipal or highway property
- Collisions involving dangerous goods where the dangerous goods have been compromised
- Collisions that occur/reported between midnight and 6 a.m.
- Collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists and wheeled devices when reported immediately and at the scene of the collision
- Any collision referred to the CRC where the injured driver requires hospitalization prior to the completion of the CRC investigation

The locations of the CRCs are shown below.

The Toronto Police Service would like to advise drivers involved in a collision that City of Toronto by-laws prohibit tow-truck operators from referring a driver/vehicle to a collision repair facility at any time. The choice of collision repair facility remains that of the registered owner of the damaged vehicle.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services



Monday, March 20, 2017

Water-safety message from Toronto Police Service Marine Unit, Ice and water conditions


Water-safety message from Toronto Police Service Marine Unit, Ice and water conditions

Monday, March 20, 2017 - 11:32 AM
Marine:  416-808-5821

The Toronto Police Service Marine Unit would like to remind residents in Toronto to stay off natural ice surfaces on open bodies of water because of significant safety concerns for the public and their pets. 

With temperatures this week, and predicted warmer temperatures approaching, Toronto Police Service Marine Unit is advising that open water and Storm Water Management pond ice in Toronto is unstable and never truly safe.

As spring run-off starts, road salt can also make its way into Toronto’s lakes, rivers, streams and ponds. This increases the instability of ice. Storm water sewers also drain into retention ponds, many of which are located in our parks, including Grenadier Pond at High Park.

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE…PLEASE STAY OFF THE ICE...AND IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1.

For further information or questions, please contact the Marine Unit at 416-808-5821.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Richard Baker, Marine Unit

Friday, March 17, 2017

Homicide #22/2016, Parliament Street and Richmond Street East, Michael Teddy Gibson, 30, wanted for First-Degree Murder Update, Video appeal



Homicide #22/2016, Parliament Street and Richmond Street East, Michael Teddy Gibson, 30, wanted for First-Degree Murder Update, Video appeal

Friday, March 17, 2017 - 7:59 AM
Homicide:  416-808-7400

Homicide is highlighting its Most Wanted list and Cold Cases through a series of weekly video appeals for information.

Michael Teddy Gibson, 30, of Toronto, is wanted for First-Degree Murder in the shooting death of Julian Weekes, 27.

On Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 2:03 a.m., officers came across Weekes lying on the sidewalk, nearParliament Street and Richmond Street East. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Gibson was last seen in the Toronto area on April 5, 2016 and may have fled the country.

"Anyone who might be assisting, or has assisted, Gibson will be held accountable and may be arrested for Accessory After the Fact to Murder," Detective Sergeant Michael Patterson said.

Watch video appeal



He is considered armed and dangerous. If located, do not approach. Call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, 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.

Kevin Masterman, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Stacy Gallant, Homicide

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Toronto widow loses home and life savings to fraud, Crime-prevention advice provided


Toronto widow loses home and life savings to fraud, Crime-prevention advice provided

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 11:14 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes is currently investigating a case involving a Toronto widow who was defrauded of her life savings and possessions. 

The victim, a former City of Toronto employee, was initially defrauded of approximately $40,000 through a romance scam, in which the fraud suspect(s) used the internet to develop an apparent long-term relationship with the victim and were able to convince her to assist them with a series of falsified financial issues. In this case, the suspect(s) were also able to convince the victim to sell her condominium and use the proceeds of the sale in pursuit of an alleged court-ordered "compensation" of $22 million, issued by the Nigerian courts.

Using the assumed identities of real persons employed by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United Nations, the suspect(s) convinced the victim that she could claim a court award if she sent money to them to cover various fees, taxes and bribes of local officials in Nigeria. The scheme was a complex and lengthy one, involving fake news releases confirming the award and taking place over a period of seven years. In pursuit of her alleged "compensation," the victim was ultimately defrauded of an additional $400,000.

TPS Financial Crimes is reminding members of the public to be extremely cautious when communicating over the internet with strangers, particularly when being solicited for money, regardless of how sincere the request may seem.

If you believe you have been victimized through fraud, contact your local police service to report it. Members of the public are reminded that legitimate law enforcement rarely contacts individuals through social media or the internet and never solicits any kind of payment of fees for services rendered.

TPS Financial Crimes wishes to remind people of the resources available to them to help identify fraud scams. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is available for victims or persons targeted by Fraudsters to report the incident online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Victims of fraud should also report the incident to their local police service.

Anyone with information, questions or concerns is asked to contact Detective Alan Spratt of Toronto Police Financial Crimes-Mass Marketing Section at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or 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 Ian Nichol, Financial Crimes

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Media advisory, March Break, March Safe Campaign, Monday, March 13, 2017 - Sunday, March 19, 2017


Media advisory, March Break, March Safe Campaign, Monday, March 13, 2017 - Sunday, March 19, 2017

Sunday, March 12, 2017 - 7:14 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

From Monday, March 13, 2017, to Sunday, March 19, 2017, the Toronto Police Service will be conducting the annual March Break, March Safe campaign.

It is designed to promote the education, awareness and enforcement strategies intended to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

While children will be celebrating the arrival of March Break, the Toronto Police Service would like to remind parents and caregivers that the safety of the children in their care must still be a top priority.

The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely. This applies to pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and transit users alike. We ask those who drive to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children and seniors might be present.

Pedestrians/Transit Users' Tips

Parents and caregivers can help reinforce some of these pedestrian safety messages to children, as well as some of our more vulnerable seniors and transit users.

- Stop, look, listen and think before entering the roadway
- Utilize crossings at controlled areas, intersections and crosswalks
- Make eye contact with drivers and other road users
- Wear reflective or bright clothing whenever possible
- Never run into the street
- Obey crossing signals and signs

Driver Safety Tips during the March Break


A driver who is aware and alert can avoid potential hazards and other distractions.

General Driving Tips:
- Scan to identify pedestrians and cyclists entering the road from curbs and driveways or when approaching intersections
- Be ready for the unexpected, avoid using distracting devices
- Leave at least 2-3 seconds following distance between you and the vehicles ahead
- In fog, rain, snow or darkness, use your full headlighting system. Remember, when conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you should turn on your headlights as well
- To avoid backing into, or out of, a parking space, pull straight through two stalls (where available) so you are parked with the nose of your vehicle facing out
- Drive in travelled lanes only - avoid driving across or through parking spaces
- Use rear-view and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

During the campaign, all road users will be subject to various education and enforcement initiatives. Let's all work together to make the rest of the season safe.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Thursday, March 02, 2017

Recent spike in residential Break-and-Enters, Crime-prevention advice


Recent spike in residential Break-and-Enters, Crime-prevention advice

Thursday, March 2, 2017 - 3:57 PM
42 Division:  416-808-4200

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a significant spike in recent residential Break-and-Enters (increase of 43 per cent, year to date) over the past eight weeks in 42 Division. The majority of these break-ins have occurred during daytime hours.

The suspect(s) have been targeting homes, where the fronts of the residences are either concealed or obstructed by overgrown bushes, hedges, trees or glass enclosure vestibules.

In several of these break-ins, investigation has revealed that the suspects had been acting as door-to-door solicitors or canvassing in an attempt to avoid suspicion or detection.

In some of these Break-and-Enters, residents or neighbours were home at the time of the offence, confronted the suspects and called other family members first or waited a significant amount of time before calling the police, resulting in long delays in the reporting of these entries.

The Toronto Police Service, 42 Division, would like the assistance of the public in reporting suspicious person(s) and behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

One of the most effective tools the police have for fighting and preventing crime is you. the people of our community. You know who lives and works in your area and who doesn't appear to belong or is acting suspicious.

What makes a person a suspicious person?


• Knocking on your door and asking for a random name or address
• Walking slowly along the street appearing to case out properties
• Looking into cars and walking onto personal property of others
• Door-to-door solicitors who don’t have proper identification/literature or knowledge of the product(s) or service(s) that they are supposedly soliciting.(e.g. lawn care and not being able to provide a price list or quote of services offered)
• Person(s) found on private property, in areas that are not normally accessible to members of the public. (e.g. in a backyard behind a gate/fence or secured garages)

What to do if you see a suspicious person?

• Observe the person's movements and direction of travel
• Obtain the best detailed description of the suspicious person(s)
• Do not count on others to call the police
• Report suspicious people or vehicles on your street or neighbourhood to the police at 416-808-2222
• If you are a witness of, or the victim of, a Break-and-Enter in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.

How to increase your own personal and home security

• If a stranger comes to your door, do not let him or her in and always ask for identification
• Have monitored alarm and video security systems installed
• Keep list of serial numbers for home electronics
• Don’t keep large amounts of jewellery or money at home. Use a secured safe
• Make sure that your front door is clearly visible to pedestrian traffic. If shielded by overgrown shrubbery, cut, trim or remove any overgrown shrubbery or trees
• Lighting can be a great security measure. Consider installing lights controlled by switch timer or motion detectors
• Make certain that ladders ropes or any other tool that would make it easier for someone to gain entry into your home are locked securely away
• Remove any garbage or recycling containers from the bottom of driveways

If you see someone doing something you know is illegal, or locate an authorized person in a secure area, call the police right away. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get to you and the better our chances of locating the person you saw.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), online at www.222tips.com, or 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 Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Gerry Heaney, 42 Division