Homicide #4/2017, George Street and Adelaide Street East area, Anastasios Leventis, 39

Homicide #4/2017, George Street and Adelaide Street East area, Anastasios Leventis, 39

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - 3:12 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Monday, January, 30, 2017, at 2:46 p.m., officers responded to a call for a shooting in the George Street and Adelaide Street East area. 

Police found a man at the scene with apparent gunshot wounds

He was pronounced at the scene.

He has been identified as Anastasios Leventis, 39, of Quebec.

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.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Steve Ryan, Homicide

Public Safety Alert, Residential Theft of mail, Identity Theft/Fraud and crime-prevention tips

Public Safety Alert, Residential Theft of mail, Identity Theft/Fraud and crime-prevention tips

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - 1:47 PM
43 Division:  416-808-4300

Officers from 42 Division would like to advise the public of some recent thefts-of-mail occurrences in the area of Kennedy Road and Finch Avenue East, from mailboxes at residences. 42 Division would like to provide these tips to improve security and keep your family’s mail and personal information safe and secure:

What is Identity Theft?Identity theft refers to the preparatory stage of acquiring and collecting someone else's personal information for criminal purposes. It is illegal to possess another person's identity information for criminal purposes.

What is Identity Fraud?Identity fraud is the actual deceptive use of the identity information of another person (living or dead) in connection with various frauds (including, for example, personating another person and the misuse of debit card or credit card data).

Facts
Identity theft techniques can range from unsophisticated, such as dumpster-diving and mail theft, to more elaborate schemes.

Information soughtIdentity thieves are looking for the following information:
- full name
- date of birth
- Social Insurance Numbers
- full address
- mother's maiden name
- username and password for online services
- driver's licence number
- personal identification numbers (PIN)
- credit card information (numbers, expiry dates and the last three digits printed on the signature panel) 
- bank account numbers
- signature
- passport number

What your information could be used forCriminals can use your stolen or reproduced personal or financial information to:
- access your bank accounts
- open new bank accounts
- transfer bank balances
- apply for loans, credit cards and other goods and services
- make purchases
- hide their criminal activities
- obtain passports or receive government benefits

Safety measures and tips for home owners - collect your mail daily
- if you’ll be away, use the Hold Mail service to suspend delivery, until you return, with Canada Post
- if your mail fails to arrive, contact senders to ensure they have your correct mailing address. Report any concerns to Canada Post Customer Service
- shred documents that contain personal financial information, such as statements and credit card offers
- keep your mailbox secure by locking it, even when in your residence 
- activate your home security system, activate your security alarm with perimeter setting
- activate CCTV cameras when away from residence
- these theft-of-mail occurrences have occurred during the mid-afternoon hours, after mail has been delivered to houses, so please be extra vigilant 
- if you are aware of a suspicious vehicle or person in your area, call police

Using these tips may help keep you and your property safe and secure. 
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

Man, 33, charged in Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity investigation

Man, 33, charged in Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity investigation

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - 11:26 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to inform the public of an arrest in a Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity investigation.

On Sunday, January 29, 2017, the Toronto Police Service became aware of alleged terrorist threats identifying a Toronto landmark and people as targets.

It is further alleged that:

- someone posted threats on the internet

- the threats were to cause bodily harm or death to civilians

- a Toronto landmark and an event were targeted

On Monday, January 30, 2017, Connor Merzetti, 33, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1) Uttering Threats
2) Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity

He appeared in court at College Park on Monday, January 30, 2017, 2 p.m., room 501.

This investigation was greatly assisted by information from members of the community and other partners. The Toronto Police Service is asking community members to be vigilant for suspicious activities or electronic postings and report this information to police. 

The investigation is ongoing.

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 David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Hannah Bartz, 51 Division

French domestic violence conference, "It’s Everybody’s Business. Speak Up!"

Media advisory, Saturday, March 11, 2017, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Toronto Police College, 70 Birmngham Street, French domestic violence conference, "It’s Everybody’s Business. Speak Up!"

Monday, January 30, 2017 - 1:05 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0104

The Toronto Police Service will be hosting a French domestic violence conference called "It's Everybody’s Business. Speak Up!"

The conference will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the Toronto Police College, 70 Birmngham Street, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The conference is free to the public with breakfast and lunch included. Anyone wishing to attend the conference must click here.

The following organizations will be presenting: the Toronto Police Service, Children’s Aid Society, the Crown Attorney’s office, Victim Witness Assistance Program, Elder Abuse Ontario, Centre Francophone, CAMH, and Oasis Centre des femmes.

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 Ann-Marie Tupling Domestic Violence Coordinator

Police seek assistance with Assault Investigation, Yonge Street and Wellesley Street East area, Security camera images of wanted man released

Police seek assistance with Assault Investigation, Yonge Street and Wellesley Street East area, Security camera images of wanted man released

Monday, January 30, 2017 - 9:51 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance identifying a man involved in an Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Saturday, November 19, 2016, a man assaulted a TTC employee at Wellesley subway station, 16 Wellesley Street East

The man is described as having brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a black tuque, dark jeans and a black Blue Jays shirt with white stripes down the sides.

Security camera images of the man have been 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 Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Hannah Bartz, 51 Division

Assistance sought with Robbery investigation, Yonge Street/Dundas Street, Security camera images of five suspects released

Assistance sought with Robbery investigation, Yonge Street/Dundas Street, Security camera images of five suspects released

Monday, January 23, 2017 - 12:01 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with a Robbery investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at approximately 9:55 p.m., a man was sitting in his parked vehicle in the Yonge Street/Dundas Street area

- one man, of a group of five, opened, and sat in, the parked vehicle

- as the driver pushed the man out of the vehicle, the man displayed a gun while three other men assaulted and robbed the driver of money before fleeing

- the fifth stood as look-out and fled with the group

Security camera images of the five men are now 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 Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Erin Hanlon, 51 Division

Man charged with Uttering Threats and Assault, Police seek victim of Assault

Man charged with Uttering Threats and Assault, Police seek victim of Assault

Thursday, January 19, 2017 - 11:58 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is appealing to the victim of an assault to contact investigators.

On Monday, December 5, 2016, at approximately 6 p.m., officers responded to a call for a trespasser in theQueen Street East and Yonge Street area.

It is alleged that:

- a man entered the building

- he became very aggressive with people inside

- he made death threats to security when he was asked to leave

- as he left, he pushed a passerby with such force that the man fell into the roadway

On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Johnathan Rushford, 26, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1) Uttering Threats
2) Assault
3) Obstruct Police
4) Fail to Comply Probation

He appeared in court at College Park on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 10 a.m., room 501.

It is believed that the man who was pushed into traffic may have suffered a serious injury. Investigators would like to identify and speak with him.

A security camera video of the incident 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 David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Niki Spyropoulos, 51 Division

TPS Financial Crimes advises online caution, Specific concerns about two upcoming conferences

TPS Financial Crimes advises online caution, Specific concerns about two upcoming conferences

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 - 1:04 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7238 

Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes is often asked by the public to investigate suspicious websites. Not all such sites are fraudulent, but it is important for the public to be careful when asked for personal information or advance payments.

Recently TPS Financial Crimes was asked to look at a conference website advertising the 7th International Conference on Dementia Care & Practice 

The conference is also associated with the 4th International Conference on Brain Disorders and Brain Injury

Both conferences are to take place from Monday, August 14, 2017 to Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at the Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport at 970 Dixon Road.

It is reported that:

- police contacted the the website registration phone number for enquiries 

- when advised it was the police, the spokesperson hung up 

- the other toll-free number listed to register is not a valid phone number

- the hotel has confirmed that there are no such bookings for either conference at their location

- police contacted members of the "organizing committee," listed on the website and were advised that they are not involved in the conference

- the photographs have been taken from other internet sources and the biographies listed are not accurate

At this time, it cannot be confirmed that this website or these conferences are involved in any criminal activity however, police feel it necessary to educate the public about potential sources of online fraudulent behaviour.

When members of the public see advertising, promotions or other such enrollments through the Internet and on social media, they should always exercise extreme caution. 

Police encourage the public to check the sources, or other listed references and do not send any "pre-registration" funds unless completely satisfied all available due diligence has been completed.

If you have any concerns about a suspicious website like this one, contact and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

March is Fraud Prevention month. Follow the conversations on Twitter #Fraudchat and #DontBFooled.

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 Gail Regan, Financial Crimes Unit

There are no files attached to this release. 

Personal injury collision #3/2017, Now fatal collision #1/2017, Lower Sherbourne Street at The Esplanade

Personal injury collision #3/2017, Now fatal collision #1/2017, Lower Sherbourne Street at The Esplanade

Friday, January 13, 2017 - 10:53 AM
51 Division:  416-808-1900

On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at 7:16 a.m., police responded to a call for a personal injury collision in theLower Sherbourne Street at The Esplanade area. 

See previous news release.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2017, the woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, 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 Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Homicide #1/2017, Anthony Earl Smith, 41

Homicide #1/2017, Anthony Earl Smith, 41

Monday, January 9, 2017 - 4:04 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 7:45 a.m., police were called to the Queen Street East and Seaton Streetarea for reports of a shooting.

Once on scene, police located a man with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Anthony Earl Smith, 41, of Toronto. A post-mortem examination was conducted. The cause of death was a penetrating gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigators are appealing to witnesses who live, or may have been, in the area, who have video, or who heard gunshots around that time to contact them.

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.

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 Rob North, Homicide

Anthony Earl Smith, 41, victim of Homicide 1 2017

Stay Anonymous, Keep City Safe

Stay Anonymous, Keep City Safe

By Ron Fanfair, Toronto Police ServicePublished: 3:23 p.m. January 5, 2017

In 2017, The Toronto Crime Stoppers program will be taking aim at the increasing number of firearms in the possession of criminals as well as human trafficking that forces young people into the sex trade.

“Those are our priorities,” said now-retired Staff Superintendent and Crime Stoppers Board Chair Gary Grant at the launch of this year’s program on January 5 at Toronto Police headquarters. 

There were 40 gun-related homicides in the city last year. That was a 54 per cent increase from 2015.

“The continuing amount of guns that are being used, displayed and found, creating havoc and fear in communities, have to be stopped,” said Grant. “As always, we will pay cash rewards for those who are found committing crimes, using guns and possessing guns. We will also pay a reward for just getting a gun off the street.”

Last year, the Toronto Police Service Human Trafficking Enforcement team was an integral part of a collaborative multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigation that led to several arrests.

“Too many young women and men are led into lives of tragedy and lives of basically slavery at the hands of those who use and abuse them and it’s time that we took up the cause at Toronto Crime Stoppers,” said Grant, asking the public to make police aware of human trafficking. “We want to work and raise public awareness in the community about this heinous crime.”

Toronto Crime Stoppers has partnered with advertising agency DDB Canada on a campaign that will highlight the perils and victimization of human trafficking.

“We are starting on it today,” said Krisztina Virag, an account director at DBD Canada since June 2016. “I can’t divulge at this time what we are doing, but we are all very excited.”

She said the campaign will be rolled out in either late spring or early summer this year.

Last year, police fielded 9,243 tips that led to 116 arrests and 357 charges. A total of $541,478 in property was recovered and $375,693 in drugs seized.

“Toronto Crime Stoppers is an absolutely brilliant example of Toronto police embracing partnerships that continue to make Toronto the best and safest place to be,” said Acting Deputy Chief Rick Stubbings.

The Toronto Crime Stoppers program was launched in 1984, after then-Chief Jack Marks asked Grant – a sergeant at the time – to start the initiative.

The program is supported by funds accrued from the annual Crime Stoppers Chief of Police gala started 21 years ago and the Toronto Police Crime Stoppers charity golf tournament.

For the first time ever, a Division and officer were the 2016 co-recipients of the Bill Hancox Memorial Award, presented annually at the Chief of Police fundraising dinner.

Constable Chris Garcia and 42 Division, where he has been assigned since joining the Service nearly seven years ago, won the award presented to a Toronto Police Service unit that makes full use of the Crime Stoppers program to help solve crimes and enhance the community’s safety and security.

An exception was made for the first time, as Garcia utilized a tip last year to effect an arrest and, in the process, enhance the safety of the victim.

Detective Sergeant Gerry Heaney, the 42 Division crime manager, effectively used the Crime Stoppers program for two separate crime re-enactments, including a public service announcement for robberies on Toronto Transit Commission routes and residential nighttime break-and-enters.

“Crime Stoppers is not only about solving crimes, but also about preventing crimes and some members of the police service get that more than others,” said Grant. “42 Division and its officers truly get it.”

Since the program’s inception in the city 33 years ago, police have received over 133,000 tips that have led to almost 11,000 arrests, approximately 37,000 charges, the recovery of nearly $63 million in property and the seizure of about $330 million in drugs.

Detective Sergeant Gerald Heaney with Crime Stoppers Chair Gary Grant at the launch of Crime Stoppers Month

Crime Stoppers is the brainchild of Canadian-born Greg MacAleese, who was an officer with the Albuquerque Police Department in New Mexico. After running out of leads in a homicide investigation, the frustrated cop turned to the public for assistance in 1976.

He produced the first crime re-enactment that was aired on local television and made available to other media outlets and promised that anyone providing information leading to an arrest would be eligible for a cash reward.

Within hours of the broadcast, police received a tip that led to the arrest of two suspects who were charged with murder. They were sentenced to life terms with no chance of parole.

Toronto, which implemented the initiative in 1984, has one of the largest programs in the world. There are close to 1,300 Crime Stoppers programs in nearly 20 countries.

Anyone with information about a crime that has occurred, or is about to occur, can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at  222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637) or  Leave A Tip on Facebook.

Police requested assistance with Fraud Over $5000 investigation, Update, Man, 57, and woman, 54, surrender to police

Police requested assistance with Fraud Over $5000 investigation, Update, Man, 57, and woman, 54, surrender to police

Thursday, January 5, 2017 - 11:32 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7310

On Friday, December 30, 2016, Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes requested the public's assistance identifying two suspects in a mortgage fraud investigation.

It was alleged that:

- during September 2015, a man and a woman attended a mortgage broker's office in the Warden Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East area

- they applied for a second mortgage on a property in the amount of $200,000

- the mortgage broker was able to find financing through a mortgage lender and a second mortgage was registered on the home

- they received $200,000 through their real estate lawyer

See previous release.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2017, Sivakumar Kumaravelu, 57, and Naguleswary Sivakumar, 54, both of Markham, surrendered to police. 

They were arrested and charged with:

1) Fraud over $5000 (jointly)

They are scheduled to appear in court at 1001 Finch Avenue West, on Friday, February 24, 2017, 1 p.m., room 301.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7310, 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 Adkin Holder, Financial Crimes

Personal injury collision # 3/2017, Lower Sherbourne Street at The Esplanade

Personal injury collision # 3/2017, Lower Sherbourne Street at The Esplanade

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - 12:41 PM
51 Division:  416-808-1900

On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at 7:16 a.m., police responded to a call for a personal injury collision in the Lower Sherbourne Street at The Esplanade area.

It is reported that: 

- an 80-year-old female pedestrian was crossing west on Lower Sherbourne Street, along the south side of The Esplanade, at the crosswalk

- a 38-year-old woman was driving a Honda CRV, south on Lower Sherbourne Street, and struck the pedestrian

The pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

This is a heavily travelled stretch of roadway and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, 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.

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 Sergeant Brett Moore, Traffic Services