Police request assistance with Sexual Assault investigation, Rosedale Valley Road and Bayview Avenue area

Police request assistance with Sexual Assault investigation, Rosedale Valley Road and Bayview Avenue area

Monday, July 31, 2017 - 1:12 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at approximately 4:30 a.m., a man met a woman in the Yonge Street and Queen Street West area.

- the man led the woman to St. James Cemetery

. he then forced her into a wooded area off Rosedale Valley Road and Bayview Avenue

- the man sexually assaulted the woman

- the woman was able to fight off the man and escaped onto Rosedale Valley Road, where she was assisted by members of the public

The man is described as white, 31-35, approximately 5’6”-5”7”, unshaven, short blonde hair, medium build, with a potbelly, wearing a blue jacket and grey shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, 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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Matthew Pinfold, Sex Crimes

Rush-hour route enforcement campaign, Monday, July 31, 2017 to Friday, August 4, 2017

Rush-hour route enforcement campaign, Monday, July 31, 2017 to Friday, August 4, 2017

Sunday, July 30, 2017 - 4:29 PM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The enforcement of the city's rush-hour routes and other traffic and parking offences continues to be a priority for the Toronto Police Service. 

The TPS will be launching a heightened rush-hour route enforcement campaign with a focus on traffic congestion and gridlock within the downtown core. There will be zero tolerance for vehicles found blocking and congesting rush-hour routes. 

The campaign will start on Monday, July 31, 2017, with the enforcement of the morning rush-hour routes and will conclude on Friday, August 4, 2017. Parking Enforcement Officers and officers from Traffic Services will be saturating the downtown core to tackle gridlock by ticketing and towing vehicles obstructing rush-hour routes. 

Since January 1, 2017, TPS Parking Enforcement has issued 46,370 parking infractions and towed 9,637 vehicles from the city’s rush-hour routes.

Members of the media are welcome to participate in ride-alongs with members from Parking Enforcement. To arrange a ride-along, please call Brian Moniz at 416-808-1612.

The TPS will be utilizing its Twitter account (@TorontoPolice) to highlight results of this campaign. 

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement

Public Safety Alert, Contaminated street drugs, Update

Public Safety Alert, Contaminated street drugs, Update

Saturday, July 29, 2017 - 4:15 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to update the Public Safety Alert about continuing incidents of suspected overdoses in the downtown area.

Click here for previous release.

It is reported that:

- on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at 1:42 p.m., a woman was found in a stairwell in the Queen Street East and Trefann Street area

- the woman was pronounced at the scene 

- the initial investigation suggests her death was drug-related

The investigation is ongoing and it is too early to determine if it is Fentanyl-related but there were similarities with other cases.

There have now been a total of four deaths and 20 incidents of overdose since Thursday, July 27, 2017. 

Anyone coming into contact with a substance suspected to be heroin should exercise extreme caution. 

The public is also asked to call police immediately should any potentially dangerous items be located in parks or public areas.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Craig Brister, Corporate Communications

Public Safety Alert, Assistance sought identifying man in Sexual Assault investigation, Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street area, Security camera images of man released

Public Safety Alert, Assistance sought identifying man in Sexual Assault investigation, Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street area, Security camera images of man released

Sunday, July 23, 2017 - 9:59 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance identifying a man wanted in a Sexual Assault investigation.

On Saturday, July 22, 2017, officers responded to a call for a Sexual Assault in the Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street area.

It is reported that:

- a 53-year-old woman was getting out of her vehicle on Sherbourne Street

- she noticed a man standing at the rear of her vehicle

- as she walked by him, he sexually assaulted her

- when the woman confronted the man, he threatened to sexually assault her again, then fled on foot

The man is described as 40s, heavy build, collar-length black curly hair, wearing a white T-shirt with a blue, pink, and yellow design on the front, red shorts, black sandals.

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 atwww.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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Adrian Piccolo, 51 Division

Security camera image of man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation

Security camera image of man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation

Security camera image of man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation

Man wanted in debit-card Fraud investigation, Security camera images of man released

Man wanted in debit-card Fraud investigation, Security camera images of man released

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 3:07 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

On Friday, March 24, 2017, the Toronto Police Service made the public aware of an ongoing debit-card fraud investigation that is 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 are seeking the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in a debit-card fraud investigation. Security camera images of him have been released.

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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Michael Rogers, 51 Division

Church-Dundas Safety Walk - Monday July 24, 7:30pm

Tell us what you think, Only three days left to complete mid-year community survey

Tell us what you think, Only three days left to complete mid-year community survey

Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 9:23 AM
Strategy Management:  416-808-7018

As the Toronto Police Service continues on "The Way Forward" and begins to implement a new model of policing for the city that is innovative, sustainable, and affordable, it is important to know how members of the community feel about the Service and the work we are doing.

Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey and tell us what you think. It is only available until Saturday, July 16, 2017.

To hear why surveys like this one are so important to policing, please watch this video. 



For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Strategy Management.

Public Safety Alert, Please be aware of wallet and purse Thefts, and debit card Fraud

Public Safety Alert, Please be aware of wallet and purse Thefts, and debit card Fraud

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - 2:39 PM
52 Division:  416-808-5200

The Toronto Police Service would like to encourage the public to be aware of a recent increase in wallet and purse thefts. 

It is reported that:

- wallets and purses are being stolen from people while they are distracted

- the incidents have occurred while victims were eating at restaurants and food courts 

- suspects have taken advantage of victims who either hang their purses over chairs, or left wallets in the pocket of jackets which were hanging on the back of chairs 

- the credit/debit cards of the victims are then immediately used to make purchases using the tap feature and, in some cases, the security access codes are changed, permitting the suspects to make withdrawals and further purchases

- some victims have lost thousands of dollars

Police are reminding the public to keep their valuable belongings in view at all times, making sure your property is always visible. Protect your security access codes while making purchases.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, 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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Phillip Gayle, 52 Division

Assistance sought with "smash-and-grab" Theft investigation, Church Street and Shuter Street area

Assistance sought with "smash-and-grab" Theft investigation, Church Street and Shuter Street area

Tuesday, July 11, 2017 - 1:29 PM
51 Division: 416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance with a "smash-and-grab" Theft investigation. 

It is reported that:

- at approximately 2:30 p.m., on Friday, June 23, 2017, a man entered a pawn shop in the Church Street and Shuter Street area

- he walked up to the jewelry display counter, removed a hammer from his jacket pocket, and smashed the glass display case

- he then reached into the broken display case, grabbed a quantity of expensive jewelry, and was last seen fleeing westbound on Shuter Street

- the value of the stolen jewelry is approximately $20,000

The man is described as black, 18-19, 5’6”, thin build, wearing a dark-coloured baseball hat, black jacket, light-blue jeans, black shoes with a large white Nike "swoosh" logo on the toe area.

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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Timothy Walther, 51 Division

Driver and motorcyclist safety reminders

Driver and motorcyclist safety reminders

Monday, July 10, 2017 - 12:23 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Improving road safety and traffic flow for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists is one of our goals in support of the Service priority and commitment to safe communities and neighbourhoods. 

This initiative also supports a component of the City of Toronto – Vision Zero Road Safety Plan. Vision Zero is a comprehensive five-year (2017-2021) action plan focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto's streets. The plan prioritizes the safety of our most vulnerable road-users, through a range of initiatives.

Since January 1, 2017, the Toronto Police Service has recorded 191 motorcycle-involved collisions. Toronto Police Service Traffic Services would like to remind both car drivers and motorcycle riders to exercise caution when operating their vehicles to help reduce collisions and save lives.

Motorcycle rider safety tips

1) Take a course: it’s important for you to learn how to drive a motorcycle safely and to be evaluated by an instructor. Your skill-set will develop as you learn to control the motorcycle. The motorcycle shouldn’t control you.

2) Make sure you have proper riding gear: a helmet is required by law, but riders should also think of wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, ankle boots and a jacket (even when it’s hot outside). Riding in the sun constantly drains you, and you should think about reducing road rash in case of a fall. 

3) Make yourself visible: many collisions are caused by a motor vehicle turning into the path of a motorcycle driver. You want other drivers to see you. Wear a reflective vest or contrasting colours and continually try to make eye contact with drivers to be sure they’re aware of you. 

4) Slow down: most fatal collisions are caused by excessive speed. Motorcycles are unstable vehicles and they have a limited grip on the road. You don’t want to lose control with excessive speed, especially around a turn. 

5) Don’t ride impaired: you shouldn’t ride a motorcycle or drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, and you shouldn’t ride when you’re tired. You need 100 per cent of your attention and focus when operating a motorcycle. 

6) Ride with a buddy: riding with friends allows you to occupy a full lane. This increases your visibility and you can keep an eye on one another if something goes wrong. 

7) Make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained: check your vehicle frequently for general maintenance and problems. Tire pressure is especially important. The contact patches of your tires are about the size of a footprint. This small area is all that keeps you on the road. Any problems with tire pressure can be dangerous. 

8) Communicate with other drivers: attempt to make eye contact with other drivers, making sure they’re aware of you and your movements. Consider using hand signals prior to turning or changing lanes as indicator lights on motorcycles are very small. Also, if you’re comfortable with a specific group of cars, stay with them. 

9) Scan the road: many collisions are caused when cars turn into the path of motorcycles or come out of driveways. If you’re aware of what’s happening around you, you can avoid dangerous situations. Your head should be moving, checking your mirrors, and your eyes constantly scanning the road when riding on a motorcycle. 

10) Refresh your skills: no matter how long you have been riding, you will be rusty after a few months. Your skills and association with a motorcycle deteriorate quickly when not riding, even for a short period of time. Take a refresher course if it’s been a while since you’ve ridden. Ask yourself, can I improve? Am I the best and safest driver I can be? 

Car driver safety tips for motorcycles

Here are some general rules to keep in mind the next time you share the road with motorcycles.

1) Follow the five-second rule: increase your driving distance when you find yourself behind a motorcycle and maintain a space or distance equivalent to at least five seconds.

2) Adjust your driving for poor or inclement weather: inclement weather is even more hazardous for a motorcycle rider than it is for a car driver. If a motorcycle is ahead of you, anticipate the rider might face challenges that you may not give them extra space.

3) Look before you turn: most often, when a vehicle makes a left or right turn, and is involved in a collision, the driver often states they did not see the motorcyclist. The reality is they should have. Take a second or third look before making that turn. Adjust your turn so you can see past any obstructions preventing you from making sure the road is clear. As drivers, you are responsible for all movements made by your vehicle.

3) Check your blind spots often: since motorcycles are much smaller than cars, it's that much easier for them to slip into your blind spot - especially when they're attempting to pass you. Don’t be a lazy driver. Check your blind spots regularly and, in particular, before starting a lane change.

4) Be a co-operative driver: this tip goes for all kinds of safe driving. Just be courteous. All road-users make mistakes. Don’t make a mistake that will cost someone their life. Communicating with other road-users so both your actions and theirs will be known, helps reduce the chances of a collision.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Toronto Police Service collision reporting for all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians

Toronto Police Service collision reporting for all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians

Friday, July 7, 2017 - 8:48 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public of how, where, and when, a collision must be reported. 

A Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) is a facility which was created to help motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians report motor vehicle collisions in which they have been involved. 

The Ministry of Transportation defines a collision as contact resulting from the motion of a motor vehicle or street car or its load that produces property damage, injury, or death.

Collisions which police will attend

• The collision involves a fatality 
• A personal injury collision where a person is taken to hospital directly from the scene of the collision in an ambulance 
• Any criminal activity involved in a collision (e.g., impaired driving, stolen vehicle, assault) 
• Collisions involving a person who is uninsured or is a suspended driver (simply not having an insurance card does not necessarily mean the vehicle is not insured. These collisions can be referred to the CRC) 
• Any collision involving a pedestrian, cyclist or person on a wheeled device which is reported immediately and at the scene of the collision 
• Any collision involving damage to highway or public property 
• Service vehicle involved collisions 
• Collisions that are reported and/or have occurred between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., where any vehicle is not drivable 
• Collisions involving transportation of hazardous goods where the hazardous goods have been compromised

If the collision you are involved in does not meet the above criteria, but does meet the minimum requirements set out by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to report the collision to police, you must report your collision at a CRC. 

What are Collision Reporting Centres?

A Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) is a facility created to help motorists, cyclists and pedestrians report motor vehicle involved collisions. There are two Collision Reporting Centre locations in Toronto.

Locations of the Collision Reporting Centres

   North Collision Reporting Centre
   113 Toryork Drive, Toronto, ON M9L 1X9.
   Telephone: 416-808-2222 (then press 2 for further information)
   Open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

   East Collision Reporting Centre
   39 Howden Road, Scarborough, ON M1R 3C7.
   Telephone: 416-808-2222 (then press 2 for further information)
   Open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

What is the law on reporting a collision under the Highway Traffic Act?

The Highway Traffic Act requires that all collisions where persons suffer any level of injury, or damage valued at more than $2,000 (combined) to vehicles or property, or damage to any highway property be reported to police forthwith.

Can I report a collision without bringing in my vehicle?

A report will not be taken at the CRC if the involved vehicle and driver are not present. Without exception, towed vehicles must go directly to a CRC before repairs are started.

Additionally any person who attends a CRC must ensure that they have the other involved driver(s) information. This is necessary to complete the collision report.

Do I have to exchange information when involved in a collision?

Under the Highway Traffic Act, any person involved in a collision must provide their personal identification (driver's licence), vehicle, and insurance information to the other person(s) involved in the collision.

Do police have to attend the scene of the collision to take the report?

Police will not attend the scene of minor collisions which do not meet the criteria as noted above; involved parties will be directed to attend a CRC where appropriate. The collision report will be taken at the CRC.

For further information on how to report a collision, you may call 416-808-2222, then press 2.

Is a cyclist-involved dooring incident a motor vehicle collision?

No.

What is dooring?

When a parked vehicle’s occupant opens a door into a cyclist's path and the cyclist collides with the open door. This type of incident does not meet the definition of a collision under the Ministry of Transportation guidelines.

A dooring incident, when reported to police, will result in an officer being dispatched, and a dooring incident report being taken. 

The level of injury a person suffers in a dooring incident is not a deciding factor whether or not an officer will take the dooring incident report or attend the scene.

The fine upon conviction for a motor vehicle occupant committing a dooring-related offence is $300 plus a $60 victim fine surcharge and $5 court costs for a total of $365.

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind road-users that poor driving behaviour or traffic-related complaints may be reported to the Toronto Police Service by following the link below:
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/core/driving_complaint.php.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Public Safety Alert, Internet transactions, How to protect yourself online

Public Safety Alert, Internet transactions, How to protect yourself online

Wednesday, July 5, 2017 - 12:29 PM
14 Division:  416-808-1400

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to be careful when buying or selling merchandise through online classified advertisements.

Safety tips to help you complete your transaction online:

- meet the person in a safe public space to complete the transaction

- tell a friend or family member that you are going to meet someone for a purchase or a sale

- if you can, bring a family member or friend with you

- review all emails and addresses to ensure they are not fake

- search the name of the person you're going to meet, or the name of the business, online to see if anyone has reported that person or business as fraudulent

- read the advertisement completely

- fake websites will have spelling errors and links that do not function, or bad grammar

- do not make the deal outside of the website the item is being sold on (some websites offer money-back guarantees) 

- make sure you read the entire policy of the website before you buy or sell merchandise

- do not provide personal information to anyone over the internet

- do not send money to receive money

- do not wire money to an individual

- do not meet the person at your home

For more information about online scams, click here.

This is not a complete list of precautions that you can take and does not ensure that you will not be defrauded. This will, however, reduce the likelihood of falling for a scam.

For more generalized information about frauds, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Mickael Ferreira, 14 Division

Public Safety Alert, Internet transactions, How to protect yourself online

Public Safety Alert, Internet transactions, How to protect yourself online

Wednesday, July 5, 2017 - 12:29 PM
14 Division:  416-808-1400

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to be careful when buying or selling merchandise through online classified advertisements.

Safety tips to help you complete your transaction online:

- meet the person in a safe public space to complete the transaction

- tell a friend or family member that you are going to meet someone for a purchase or a sale

- if you can, bring a family member or friend with you

- review all emails and addresses to ensure they are not fake

- search the name of the person you're going to meet, or the name of the business, online to see if anyone has reported that person or business as fraudulent

- read the advertisement completely

- fake websites will have spelling errors and links that do not function, or bad grammar

- do not make the deal outside of the website the item is being sold on (some websites offer money-back guarantees) 

- make sure you read the entire policy of the website before you buy or sell merchandise

- do not provide personal information to anyone over the internet

- do not send money to receive money

- do not wire money to an individual

- do not meet the person at your home

For more information about online scams, click here.

This is not a complete list of precautions that you can take and does not ensure that you will not be defrauded. This will, however, reduce the likelihood of falling for a scam.

For more generalized information about frauds, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Mickael Ferreira, 14 Division

Homicide #23/2017, Regent Street and Cole Street, Lemard Champagnie, 30

Homicide #23/2017, Regent Street and Cole Street, Lemard Champagnie, 30

Monday, July 3, 2017 - 1:38 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Sunday, July 2, 2017, at 9:12 p.m., officers responded to a call for a shooting in the Regent Street and Cole Street area.

Officers arrived to find a man with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital via emergency run, where he was pronounced.

Suspects were seen fleeing the scene in a dark-coloured SUV.

The victim has been identified as Lemard Champagnie, 30, of Toronto.

A post-mortem examination has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, 2017, 11 a.m..

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, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Andy Singh, Homicide

Lemard Champagnie, 30, victim in Homicide #23/2017

Holiday on-street parking enforcement

Holiday on-street parking enforcement

Saturday, July 1, 2017 - 9:16 AM
Parking Enforcement: 416-808-6600

Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during the Canada Day public holiday on Saturday July 1, 2017, and also on the observed Canada Day holiday on Monday July 3, 2017:

- Pay-and-Display/Metered Areas
- Rush-Hour Routes
- Posted signs indicating Monday-to-Friday regulations

All other areas and parking offences will continue to be enforced.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Acting Officer-in-Charge, Parking Enforcement Operations