Public Safety Alert, CRA Telephone Tax Scam

Public Safety Alert, CRA Telephone Tax Scam

Wednesday, November 28, 2018 - 1:45 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

The Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit would like to warn the public about the ongoing Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) telephone scam.

It starts with someone calling claiming to be with the CRA and saying you owe overdue taxes. The callers are aggressive and often claim you can be arrested if the money is not paid immediately. The callers insist the money be paid by way of Bitcoin or other crypto currencies, gift cards, credit card, or through Western Union. In some cases the fraudsters use a program to display the telephone number of either the revenue agency or local police on the victim's caller ID display.

Numerous residents have continued to receive telephone calls from these scammers. The public should be aware that police do not collect money for the Canada Revenue Agency. Although everyone is at risk of falling victim to these scams, elderly people are among the most vulnerable.

The CRA will not do the following:

• send email with a link and ask you to divulge personal or financial information.
• ask for personal information of any kind by email or text message
• request payments by prepaid credit cards, gift cards or through Bitcoin or any form of crypto-currency
• give taxpayer information to another person, unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer
• leave personal information on an answering machine
• or send the police after you

What should you do?

• Hang up the phone immediately! It's not rude, and could help protect you.
• Don't give out any personal information, including identification numbers, passwords or financial information.

Who should you contact?

• If you or a family member has fallen victim to this fraud, please report it to your local police service, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
• There are two ways to make a report to the CAFC; either by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Time) or through their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.
• Anyone who thinks they have fallen victim to this scam can contact their local police service.
• If you would like to learn more about the CRA scam please click on the following link:http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/scams-fraude/index-eng.htm.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Diane Kelly, Financial Crimes Unit

Personal Injury Collision, King Street East and Sackville Street

Personal Injury Collision, King Street East and Sackville Street

Monday, November 26, 2018 - 5:06 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Saturday November 24, 2018, at 6:55 p.m., police were notified about a collision at King Street East and Sackville Street where a person had suffered serious injuries.

It is reported that:

- a 34-year-old woman was walking across King Street East at Sackville Street using the pedestrian crossover

- a 55-year-old female driver of a motor vehicle was travelling east on King Street East and struck the 34-year-old woman causing life threatening injuries.

Police are asking local residents, business, and drivers, who may have security or dash camera footage of the area or incident, to contact investigators.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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 Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services

51 Division's Annual Food and Toy Drive - until December 24th

Homicide #91/2018, Queen Street East and Sherbourne Street

Homicide #91/2018, Queen Street East and Sherbourne Street

Monday, November 19, 2018 - 4:50 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Friday, November 16, 2018, at 3:30 p.m., officers responded to a call for an Unknown Trouble at Queen Street West and Sherbourne Street.

Reports indicated a man had been assaulted. Officers located a man suffering from serious trauma. He was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

The victim has been identified as Paul Tonya, 47, of Toronto.

A post-mortem examination has yet to be scheduled.

Trevor Clarke, 45, of Toronto, was arrested at the time of the incident. He is charged with:

1. Manslaughter

He appeared in court at College Park on Monday, November 19, 2018, at 10 a.m., in room 501.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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 Paul Worden, Homicide

Homicide #63/2018, Man wanted, Update, Kyler Johnson, 23, Arrested

Homicide #63/2018, Man wanted, Update, Kyler Johnson, 23, Arrested

Friday, November 16, 2018 - 9:48 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

The Toronto Police Service would like to inform the public of an arrest made in a homicide investigation.

On Sunday, August 19, 2018, at approximately 2 a.m., police responded to a shooting call on the fourth floor of a residential building in the Adelaide Street East and Parliament Street area.

See previous release.

On Thursday, November 15, 2018, Kyler Johnson, 23, of Toronto, was arrested in London, Ontario. He is charged with:

1. First Degree Murder

He will appear in court at College Park on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10 a.m., in room 501.

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the London Police Service for their assistance bringing this incident to a safe and successful conclusion.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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 Katherine Stephenson, Homicide

Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, November 18, 2018, 12:30 p.m., Road closures

Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, November 18, 2018, 12:30 p.m., Road closures

Friday, November 16, 2018 - 9:00 AM
Public Safety - Major Events:  416-808-5043

The 114th annual Santa Claus Parade will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at 12:30 p.m.

Road closure times are as follows:

- Bloor Street West, from Ossington Avenue to Christie Street, at 8 a.m.
- Bloor Street West, from Christie Street to Bathurst Street, at 10 a.m.
- Bloor Street West, from Bathurst Street to Bay Street, at 10:45 a.m.
- Avenue Road/Queen’s Park, from Davenport Road to College Street, at 10:45 a.m.
- University Avenue, from College Street to Dundas Street, at 11 a.m.
- University Avenue, from Dundas Street to Front Street, at 11:15 a.m.
- Wellington Street, from University Avenue to Jarvis Street, at 11:30 a.m.
- Front Street, from Bay Street to Jarvis Street, at 11:45 a.m.
- Front Street, from Jarvis Street to Sherbourne Street, at 11 a.m.

Vehicles parked along the parade route will be relocated to neighbouring streets starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2018. To locate your vehicle, please call 416-808-6600.

At 11:45 a.m., the "Holly Jolly 5km Fun Run" will take place along the parade route. For the safety of runners and parade attendees, spectators are asked to ensure that children and all personal belongings are off the roadway by 11:30 a.m.

The parade will start at 12:30 p.m., and will proceed along the following route:

- start: Bloor Street West and Christie Street
- eastbound on Bloor Street West
- southbound on Queen's Park Crescent East
- southbound on University Avenue
- eastbound on Wellington Street West
- southbound on Yonge Street
- eastbound on Front Street East
- finish: Front Street East and Jarvis Street

Motorists travelling in the area can expect significant delays and should try to avoid the parade route.

Spectators attending the parade are advised to use public transportation. The TTC will be providing full subway and streetcar service.

The duration of the parade is approximately 2.5 hours, and will take place regardless of weather conditions.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Jennifer Ladouceur, Public Safety – Major Events

Homicide #63/2018 Update, Man Wanted, Kyler Johnson, 23, Photograph Released

Homicide #63/2018 Update, Man Wanted, Kyler Johnson, 23, Photograph Released

Wednesday, November 14, 2018 - 5:15 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance locating a man wanted in a Homicide investigation.

On Sunday, August 19, 2018, at approximately 2 a.m., police responded to a shooting call on the fourth floor of a residential building in the Adelaide Street East and Parliament Street area.

See previous release

The suspect has been identified as Kyler Johnson, 23, of Toronto.

He is wanted on a warrant for:

1. First Degree Murder

He is considered to be armed and dangerous. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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.

Katrina Arrogante, Corporate Communications, for Detective Robert Choe, Homicide

Kyler Johnson, 23, of Toronto

Remembrance Day Parade, Sunday, November 11, 2018, 10 a.m., Road Closures

Remembrance Day Parade, Sunday, November 11, 2018, 10 a.m., Road Closures

Saturday, November 10, 2018 - 5:00 PM
Public Safety - Major Events:  416-808-5043

Sunday, November 11, 2018, marks the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War 1. Thirty-two Brigade will host a Canadian Forces Military parade to commemorate this significant date.

The Remembrance Day Parade will start at 10:10 a.m., from Maple Leaf Square, travel northbound on York Street to northbound on University Avenue. At Dundas Street, the Parade will splinter into two separate routes.

One Parade will proceed eastbound on Dundas Street to southbound on Bay Street, arriving at Old City Hall for a ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

The second Parade will continue northbound on University Avenue to northbound Queens Park Crescent West, arriving at the Queens Park Legislature for a ceremony at 10:45 p.m.

Road closures begin in the formation area at 9:30 a.m., and continue along the route from 10:10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The public is being asked not to park within the parade route after 7 a.m.

Traffic diversions and delays can be expected along the parade route commencing 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Motorists are advised to keep this information in mind when making travel plans.

The road closures are as follows:

- Bremner Boulevard, Maple Leaf Square will be closed from 15 York Street to Lakeshore Boulevard

Local traffic and parking garage access will be permitted on Bremner Boulevard via York St.

Parade route:

- start Maple Leaf Square
- westbound on Bremner Boulevard, westbound lanes
- northbound on York Street, northbound lanes
- northbound on University Avenue, northbound lanes
- Parade splits at Dundas Street into 2 routes

One Parade continues:

- northbound on University Avenue, northbound lanes
- northbound on Queens Park Crescent West, southbound lanes
- dispersal at Queens Park Legislative Building, Ceremony site

The second parade route:

- eastbound Dundas Street, eastbound lanes
- southbound Bay Street, southbound lanes
- dispersal at Old City Hall, Ceremony site

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Constable Tee Chase, Public Safety – Major Events

Public Safety Alert, Water heater scam targeting the elderly

Public Safety Alert, Water heater scam targeting the elderly

Thursday, November 8, 2018 - 1:15 PM
42 Division:  416-808-4200

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a theft investigation that is targeting two senior citizens.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, November 4, 2018, a resident who lives in the area of Brimley Road and McNicoll Avenue received a telephone call from a man advising that her water heater needed to be inspected

- the man stated that if she did not have her water heater inspected, she would be fined $1,000 by the Province of Ontario

- arrangements were made for the man to attend her residence on Monday, November 5, 2018, to inspect her water heater

- on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 4 p.m., two men attended the residence to inspect the water heater

- the two men went to the basement and checked the water heater, replaced a furnace filter and then went upstairs

- one of the men advised that he had to check the attic and went into the attic

- the man then advised he needed to check second floor and he went upstairs alone

- the two men then left the home and offered to return the next day to place more insulation in the attic

- after the men left, the resident discovered that the money kept in the house was taken

The Toronto Police Service urges homeowners to exercise caution when dealing with people who solicit business by phone or door-to-door in neighbourhoods. The public is reminded that in commercial transactions they should always verify the identity of a person or business before deciding to trust that person or business and invite them into their home.


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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for A/Inspector Jim Gotell, 42 Division

TPS Takes Parking Complaints Online, Decreasing call volumes for low risk incidents, like parking complaints, means increased service levels for emergency calls

TPS Takes Parking Complaints Online, Decreasing call volumes for low risk incidents, like parking complaints, means increased service levels for emergency calls

Monday, November 5, 2018 - 2:05 PM
Strategy Management:  416-808-7018

Starting today, the Toronto Police Service is taking parking complaints online. Now, members of the public can go online, report their parking complaint and get the assistance they need without having to place a telephone call to Toronto Police. Moving to an online parking complaint process is a better business delivery model and is in line with the ongoing implementation of the Service’s modernization plan.

"The call statistics for 2017 show 158,000 parking complaints were registered at Communications Services, which translates into roughly 2,400 hours for my Call Takers. These parking complaints come into our non-emergency and emergency lines," explained Toronto Chief of Police, Mark Saunders. "Anytime we can decrease call volumes for low risk incidents, like parking complaints, means increased service levels to people who call 9-1-1 for emergencies that require immediate Police, Fire or Ambulance to attend."

The Service will continue to seek out alternative reporting options for low risk incidents - those that do not require a police officer to immediately respond.

To file an online parking complaint, click here.

About the Action Plan: The Way Forward
Mandated to look beyond the way policing is currently done in Toronto; the Transformational Task Force (TTF) proposed a modernized policing model for the city that is innovative, sustainable, and affordable. The final report - Action Plan: The Way Forward – contains 32 recommendations and was accepted by the Toronto Police Services Board in February, 2017 as the Service’s Business Plan for the next three years. The Toronto Police Service is now implementing its modernization plan. The new model will place communities at its core, be intelligence-led, optimize the use of resources and technology, and embrace partnerships as a means of enhancing capacity and capability.

To read more about this and the entire Action Plan: The Way Forward, click here.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications