Police briefs
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to advise of a recent increase in reports of cyberfraud in the area. The majority of those affected have been victims of phishing schemes involving call spoofing- individuals who responded to an email, text message, or recorded voice phone call that appeared to be from a legitimate person or organization but contained malicious links or requests.
Should you receive a text / email communication from a known sender or local number with an unusual request, such as a transfer of funds through Apple, Google Play or Amazon pre-paid cards, please use an alternate method to check in with the sender to confirm their request is legitimate. The OPP would also like to remind folks that the Government will never request or accept money via these pre-paid cards, nor will you be asked to provide personal information, such as your social insurance number, over the phone.
The OPP have joined forces with their law enforcement, government, and public safety partners throughout the month of October to recognize Cyber Security Awareness Month. For helpful tips and links, follow the OPP on Twitter (@OPP_News), Facebook and Instagram, and use the hashtag #CyberAware. You may also want to check out the Government of Canada’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (https://cyber.gc.ca/en/) or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ) for more information on current trends and tips for keeping yourself safe.
If you or someone you know suspects they have been a victim of digital or online cybercrime, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Lost firearms
(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – Members of the Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are requesting assistance from the public to locate two lost firearms.
On October 12, 2020, between Sioux Lookout and Hoey Road (Wrong Road), a black plastic gun case containing two .22 caliber semi-automatic rifles was lost out of the back of a pickup truck. Firearms were secured with trigger locks.
The OPP is requesting anyone with information about this occurrence contact the Sioux Lookout Detachment at 807-737-2020 or 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Arson Charges
Charges laid in Kenora arson
(KENORA, ON) Members of the Kenora OPP with assistance from the Northwest Region Crime Unit and the Kenora Forensic Identification Unit have arrested a 21 year old for arson in the City of Kenora.
On Saturday, October 24 at approximately 6:24 pm police received a complaint of a house fire on Minto Avenue. Police attended with fire and emergency crews and observed the residence engulfed in flames. It was determined that nobody was inside the residence and no injuries were reported.
Upon further investigation, the Kenora OPP arrested the suspect involved in the arson. The accused is to remain in custody for a bail hearing on October 25, 2020 and the investigation is continuing.
Drug charges
(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – On Monday, October 20, 2020, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Sioux Lookout Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) joined forces with Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) to execute a Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) warrant in Pickle Lake, ON.
As a result of the investigation, police located and seized a quantity of suspected illicit substances including Cocaine and Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) with an estimated street value of $12,500, and over $3,600 in Canadian currency.
A 51-year-old Pickle Lake man has been charged with: Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Schedule III Substance for the purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000.
The accused has been released from custody and will appear in the Mishkeegogamang First Nation Ontario Court of Justice on Friday, December 4, 2020, to answer to these charges.
If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs in your community, this can be reported to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. You may also report online at: http://www.p3tips.com/273.
Business theft
Members of the Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are requesting assistance from the public to solve a theft from a local business on Alcona Drive.
At approximately 8:00 pm on September 29th, 2020, a group of seven individuals gained access to a storage facility adjacent to the business and removed M&M Meats frozen products, with a retail value totaling over $1,000.
The OPP is requesting anyone with information about this occurrence contact the Sioux Lookout Detachment at 807-737-2020 or 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
For safety and crime prevention tips, please visit our website at www.opp.ca.
