Recently, the Sarnia Police Service has been investigating a number of frauds regarding cheques being cashed for other individuals and then the victim having lost the funds out of their own savings.

In this crime innocent people ranging in age and vulnerability are randomly approached by either a male or female (the two are working together) and fed a story of how a relative is dying of cancer in another city or that a family member has been in a serious car accident. The scammers then tell the victim that they do not have a bank account but need to cash their cheque to be able to travel to see their ill relative. The criminals even offer them money for their troubles.

The cheques that are used are stolen and usually made out in someone else’s name. Once the victim cashes the cheque and withdraws the money to pay the criminal it is too late. The victim is now on the hook for the money and usually ends up with an overdrawn account balance.

We are asking the public not to cash cheques for individuals that you do not know or have not confirmed the identity of the person to the name on the cheque. It is actually best practice not to cash cheques belonging to others at all.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

As always we would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Emma McCormick. She was located this morning and is safe and sound.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Over the course of the weekend the Sarnia Police Service responded to 176 calls for service. Calls included the following:

10 – Alarms

9 – Disturb the Peace

9 – Domestic Disputes

5 – Family Disputes

5 – Mischief

5 – Shoplift Calls

8 – Traffic Enforcement

8 – Trespass to Property

12 – Unwanted Persons

Road officers conducted approximately 12 routine traffic stops for various driving related concerns. Officers issued 12 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) over the weekend.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

A Sarnia resident recently became victim to a phone scam costing him over $17,000.00.

On October 11^th, 2019 the victim in this matter received a phone call from an automated voice recording advising him that it was Service Canada and to push 1 to continue. The victim did so and began speaking with someone pretending to be an agent with Service Canada. This “agent” advised him that his identification had been stolen and that there was a warrant out for his arrest for money-laundering and drug trafficking. He was advised to go his bank and take out whatever he can to pay the fee and was told that if he did not pay, he would be going to jail.

The victim asked a few times if he should just go to the police station to take care of things, but unfortunately believed the caller who advised him that if he attended the station, he would be arrested and it was just easier to pay the money. After withdrawing $2,600.00, the victim was directed to purchase Safari gift cards, scratch off the pin number and then read these numbers to the fake agent.

The victim was then told that he needed to pay $10,000.00 in order to have the warrant and charges dropped. Believing this to be true, the victim drove to London, Ontario and with family assistance, acquired the funds requested. He continued to follow the caller’s instructions and deposited the funds into a Bit Coin machine at a variety store on Wharncliffe Avenue in London. A code was then provided over the phone for the transfer of funds.

Unfortunately, the victim continued to entertain this call and was now told that he needed to pay $5000.00 for the legal fees involved in this case although this would be refundable fee. Believing this to be a refundable fee, he went back to his family for an additional $5000.00 which was provided. The victim was now instructed to attend a variety store on Adelaide Street in London and make the same type of deposit and transfer of funds into another Bit Coin machine. After doing so, the victim was told he could drive home, but not to hang up as this was an investigation and if he hung up, he would be going to jail.

While driving home, the caller asked for his address and the last three digits of his Social Insurance Number which the victim provided with the belief that within four hours of arriving home, an officer would come to speak with him and refund his money. After a near seven hour call, then victim finally hung up the phone and eventually reported this matter to police.

The Sarnia Police Service would like to remind everyone that these types of phone scams continue to occur on regular basis. These criminals are skilled at attacking a victim’s emotions. Please be advised that government institutions, financial institutions, police services, etc., do not conduct themselves in this fashion. Government payments are never accepted through way of gift cards, Bit Coin or Western Union. You will never be asked for your personal informational, banking information, passwords, PIN #’s, etc. over the phone. We strongly encourage you to hang up the phone whenever someone at the other end of the line is demanding money or threatening to arrest you if you don’t pay. You will never be in trouble for simply hanging up the phone. Please tell your family and friends to do the same.

If you have received this type of phone scam please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm. If you are a victim and have lost money to a scam or your identity has been compromised, please contact the Sarnia Police Service in addition to The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service is currently investigating a break and enter between October 17, 2019 at approximately 9:30 PM and October 18, 2019, at approximately 7:45 AM. The crime occurred in the 700 block Lincoln Park Avenue to a garage.

A large quantity of tools were stolen including an air compressor, several grinders, a glue gun, an impact driver, drills, impact guns, and several other items.

If anyone has any information regarding this theft they are please asked to contact Constable J. Gladwish at 519-344-8861, extension 6235, or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Members of the Sarnia Police Service are currently investigating recent vandalism to London Road School.

The first incident occurred sometime between the evening hours of October 16 and 17. Graffiti was found spray painted at various spots around the school with the letters PK appearing to be the theme along with other vulgar words.

Earlier this morning, when staff began to attend the school, they returned to find what is believed to be dog feces thrown against doors and windows.

This sort of crime costs society time, money, and unfortunately it is a major eye sore for the neighbourhood.

If anyone has any information pertaining to the vandalism at London Road School they are please asked to contact Detective David Schoch at 1-800-344-8861, extension 6121, or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Please find a few photos of the graffiti below.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Thanks to the public’s assistance, Barbara KIDD has been located. Thank you to everyone who looked for her and called in her whereabouts.

Sergeant Van Sickle

Community Response Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5271

Email: 181@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton is once again partnering with Sarnia Police Service to help register loved ones living with dementia.

Three out of five people living with dementia will go missing at some point in their dementia journey, which is a serious safety risk.  If not found within 24 hours, half of them will have a serious injury or die.  Statistics have proven that anyone living with dementia is at risk for going missing.  

That is why on Saturday, October 26, 2019, the Alzheimer’s Society of Sarnia-Lambton have partnered with the Sarnia Police Service to provide an opportunity for individuals living with dementia to be registered as someone at risk of going missing.   Registration will take place between 10am and 2pm at the Sarnia Police Station located at 555 Christina Street North, Sarnia, ON.  Refreshments will be provided.  Caregivers are asked to bring a current photo of their loved one along proper identification and health information. 

Our hope is for those with dementia to live well and safely within our community.  Let’s make this another successful “Living Safely with Dementia: Registration Day.” 

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at approximately 8:30 PM, officers responded to a collision in the 700 block of Devine Street involving a parked pick-up truck and a second vehicle traveling westbound that struck the parked vehicle.

The vehicle that caused the collision came to a stop several houses down from the incident. When officers arrived to investigate the matter the driver, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, was having difficulty following the officer’s instructions and responding to the officer’s requests. The officer formed grounds to arrest the accused for impaired operation of a motor vehicle and demanded that the driver submit to testing by a drug recognition expert.

Upon searching the suspect’s property, a small quantity of suspected purple coloured fentanyl powder was located.

The suspect was transported to the Sarnia Police Service Headquarters where a qualified drug recognition expert conducted an evaluation of the accused.

The accused, Jolene Charlene Bird, 25 years of age, of Michigan, faces one count of operation while impaired by drug and one count of a possession of a controlled substance, (opioid).

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

This morning, at approximately 7:35 AM, the Sarnia Police Service responded to a hit and run in the area of Lansdowne Avenue and Lorne Crescent. Information received was that a light coloured mini-van had damaged two parked cars in the area and left the scene.

Witnesses were able to contact the police and update them regarding the van’s direction of travel. The mini-van had extensive damage to the front passenger side (front wheel torn off) and was generating smoke and sparks as it left the area.

When the officer attended the last known area of travel, Capri Street and Fairlane Avenue, scrape marks were observed in the road way and were followed “like a trail of bread crumbs” right into the driveway of a residence. The van was present in the driveway with the front wheel missing.

After investigating the matter further officers were able to determine who the driver was.

A 31-year-old male now faces charges for driving while under suspension, failing to remain at the scene of the collision, and obstruct police.

Fortunately, no one was injured during this incident.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

In the early morning hours of October 27, 2019, a motor vehicle left the area of Exmouth Street and Front Street heading eastbound on Exmouth.

As the vehicle approached the area of Exmouth and East Street the vehicle mounted the curb and struck a hydro pole causing a power outage at approximately 12:50 am. The vehicle left the scene of the collision and was located by police heading northbound on Oxford Street. The officer observed the vehicle driving erratically all over the road.

The officer initiated a traffic stop with no further incident.

The officer was able to form grounds to arrest the male driver for impaired operation of a motor vehicle at which time he was taken into custody and then transported back to the Sarnia Police Headquarters.

The accused then supplied suitable samples of breath, into an Intoxilyzer Instrument, that indicated that he had over the legal limit of alcohol in his blood.

Aaron Anthony Zavitz, 26 years of age, of Sarnia, now faces one count of impaired operation of a motor vehicle and one count of blood alcohol concentration 80 plus.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

At approximately 5:00 pm, on Saturday, October 26, 2019, the Sarnia Police Service was contacted regarding a vehicle swerving all over the road while northbound on Indian Road in the area of Exmouth Street.

Officers were informed of the direction of travel of the vehicle and thanks to the information located the vehicle on Kim Street. The investigating officer formed grounds to arrest the accused for impaired operation of a motor vehicle and the male driver was taken into custody.

The accused was transported to the station where he was presented to a qualified Breath Technician to administer the Intoxilyzer Instrument breath test. Results indicated that the accused was nearly four times the legal limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

The accused, 28-year-old David Jacob Vanderveen, of Sarnia, has been charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired, having a blood concentration of 80 plus, and breach of probation.

We truly appreciate the public’s assistance in circumstances such as this. It helps to ensure that everyone has a chance of remaining safe while on our roads.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On October 26, 2019, at approximately 1:35 am officers were dispatched to the Mitton Street Pharmacy regarding a possible break and enter in progress. Information received from a witness was that someone was attempting to pry the back door open.

When officers arrived they found the back door damaged and ajar. Once the officers entered the building they located a single suspect attempting to pry open a metal door into the pharmacy with a crow bar.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The accused, Dominick James Campbell, 19 years of age, of Sarnia, faces the following charges:

1. Break and Enter
2. Mischief under $5000
3. Disguise with intent
4. Possession of break and enter instruments
5. Failing to comply with recognizance.

Campbell was held for a bail hearing.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sometime between October 21, 2019, 10:30 PM, and October 22, 2019, 5:40 AM, a residence in the 100 block of Watson Street was broken into.

The thief made off with a purse and wallet that contained the victims bank card. Also stolen was a Specialized CruX E5 bicycle.

In relation to this matter the Sarnia Police would like to identify the male party in the photo below.

If anyone has any information or can identify the male in the photo they are please asked to contact Detective Jeff Rovers at 519-344-8861, extension 6159, or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service would like everyone to be safe and have fun this Halloween. Please be respectful and responsible whether you’re out trick-or-treating, staying home or driving around the city. The following tips are annual reminders for Halloween safety.

1. Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Remove all objects around your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn your outside light on so children will know they can visit your home. Do not feel obligated to answer your door if you do not feel safe.

2. Children should walk, not run from house to house. Avoid “Zig-Zagging” by staying on the sidewalk or at the side of the road facing traffic, cross the road at the corner and always look both ways before crossing the road.

3. When approaching the door, avoid tripping hazards by not running across front yards or over any landscaped areas. Use paved pathways whenever possible.

4. Children should stay in known, well-lit areas and should only visit homes that have their outside lights on. Children should never go inside homes or cars. Do not go anywhere with a stranger.

5. Choose brightly coloured clothing that will be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility, carry a flashlight and add retro-reflective tape to the costume.

6. Halloween can be a chilly night so make sure costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing. Make sure clothing is not so baggy or long that trick or treaters can trip over their costumes.            

7. Make-up and face paint are better than wearing a mask which can restrict breathing and/or vision. If you choose a mask, make sure it allows the child to see and breathe easily.

8. Look for costumes, beards and wigs labeled “flame resistant” nylon or heavy weight polyester costumes are best. Flame resistant does not mean “fire proof”. Avoid costumes with baggy sleeves or flowing skirts to minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources.

9. Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, matches and lighters in a safe place that children cannot reach.

10. Swords, knives, and similar accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

11. Tell your children not to eat any goodies until you see them. Make sure your child eats dinner or has a snack before they go out so they’ll be less tempted to eat their candy along the way.

12. Examine treats before you eat them! Goodies are the best part of Halloween, but before your children begin to eat their loot, make sure you examine it first. Throw out any treats that are not wrapped including those in torn or loose packages. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discolouration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious. If you find something that has been tampered with, please contact police.

13. Slow down!!! Driver’s need to significantly reduce their speed on Halloween. Please remember, there will be numerous kids running across neighbourhood streets focused on one thing…candy! Expect an increase of pedestrian traffic on city streets, and because of the excitement of Halloween, they may not be paying attention to vehicle traffic.

Note: The Sarnia Police Service has a limited number of reflective wristbands available at our front desk for anyone wishing to add a piece of reflective material to their costume. They are free of charge and have been generously donated by several local businesses working in partnership with The Community Safety Net (CSN).

The Community Safety Net is a family-run, values-oriented organization that produces a series of educational safety resources created especially for kids. To date, millions of children in communities across North America have benefited from CSN materials. In Sarnia, all Grade 6 students will receive a copy of Drug Safety: Smart Choices for LIFE, a comprehensive 112-page handbook geared toward young people, which is full of useful information about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. The materials are produced by CSN, and are widely used to educate and increase awareness of substance abuse.

In addition to educating youth, Drug Safety: Smart Choices for LIFE is a comprehensive family resource. It teaches children effective ways to resist peer pressure, while parents receive tips for helping their kids stay away from drugs. A free downloadable app for smartphones and tablets is included, which is customized to provide local safety contact numbers — along with safety tips, videos, and other important safety information.

This valuable safety resource was made available to these students through the generous support of local businesses and organizations.

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca

As part of an investigation regarding the trafficking of cocaine within the City of Sarnia, members of the Sarnia Police Service Vice Unit were conducting surveillance on several suspects on October 30, 2019.

The suspects were observed conducting suspected drug transactions. Vice officers were able to formulate enough grounds to stop the vehicle and arrest the occupants at the 402 off ramp at Christina Street with the assistance of general patrol officers.

At approximately 8:30 pm the vehicle was stopped and all four occupants in the vehicle were arrested.

Upon a search of the accused individuals and the vehicle, officers were able to locate approximately 62 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of $6200, one gram of heroin with a street value of $500, and $1350.00 in cash.

Four individuals face the following charges:

1. Robin Alexander Maness, 40 years of age, of Sarnia, faces one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
2. Lil-Star Nahmabin, 41 years of age, of Sarnia, faces one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), one count of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of failing to comply with recognizance, and wanted on an outstanding warrant.
3. Owen Clarke, 34 years of age, of London, faces one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
4. Carly Rae Timms, 30 years of age, of Sarnia, faces one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

All four were held for a bail hearing.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Over the course of the weekend the Sarnia Police Service responded to 210 calls for service. Calls included the following:

12 – Alarms

11 – Ambulance Assists

9 – Disturb the Peace

13 – Domestic Disputes

9 – Family Disputes

6 – Missing Persons

10 – Noise Complaints

13 – Person Well-Being / Welfare Checks

2 – RIDE Programs

12 – Traffic Related Concerns

5 – Trespass to Property

19 – Unwanted Persons

Road officers conducted approximately 18 routine traffic stops for various driving related concerns. Officers issued 12 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) over the weekend.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

REMINDER

Please do not transfer or send any amount of money overseas to unknown persons. Sarnia Police are dealing continuously with this type of fraud. Call your Bank if you are uncertain. Check in on elderly family members to ensure they are aware.

As part of ongoing efforts to educate the public regarding frauds (scams), the following information is being put forward.

Earlier this year an individual began a relationship over a social media platform with another person overseas.

As the relationship continued the person overseas made a plea for financial assistance due to the fact that the money was urgently needed to pay for legal trouble and a new passport since the old one was seized and now he couldn’t leave the country. The victim in this case forwarded over $20,000 to this person via a local bank to an account belonging to the scammer.

Unfortunately, this story continues and the suspect asks for even more money to help him through his financial woes. Again the victim transfers an even larger sum of money to a different local bank. It was later determined by the victim’s bank that she had been scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars.

The victim contacted the police recently but due to the fact that this matter has international connections the likelihood of identifying a suspect is extremely low.

This type of fraud can happen to any age group and obviously the suspect can be extremely convincing.

Please do not send anyone funds that you do not know directly or have never met, such as in a situation like this. Red flags should always arise when a stranger is asking for money in such a short amount of time and over the internet.

These scammers are targeting individuals who may be vulnerable to suggestion, fear, or sympathy. As hard as it may be to believe or understand people do fall victim to these schemes. We as a society need to talk to those around us and make them aware of these types of scams along with the many others that exist.

Things to keep in mind:

1. If you are contacted via a social media platform, email, text, or phone for money for any reason from out of the blue, the likelihood that it is a scam is extremely high. Verify the source!
2. If there is urgency for the payment being made due to the allegation of going to prison or there is an aspect of life or death. Verify the source!
3. If the suspect directs you very specifically on how and where to pay the money. They may even ask for payment with gift cards.
4. If the suspect is asking you for your information (date of birth, SIN, etc.,)

These are just a few of the main concerns. We ask the community to talk to family members, young and old, about these points. We here at the Sarnia Police Service and across the policing world realize that we cannot reach everyone with this message but with more and more people assisting us we can help a few more individuals.

Keep in mind that once the money is gone the likelihood of getting it back is extremely low so please be on guard.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On October 16, 2019, the Sarnia Police Service began their investigations into two individuals committing frauds within the city.

The victims were randomly approached by either a male or female (who are working together) and are fed a story regarding a relative that is dying of cancer in another city or that a family member has been in a serious car accident. The scammers then tell the victim that they do not have a bank account but need to cash their cheques to be able to travel to see their ill relative. The criminals even offer them money for their troubles.

The cheques have been stolen and usually made out in someone else’s name. Once the victim cashes the cheque and withdraws the money to pay it is too late. The victim is now on the hook for the money and usually ends up with an overdrawn account balance.

The Sarnia Police Service has continued their investigation into this matter and warrants have been requested for the arrest of Dusty-Wade Robert Ryan, 32 years of age of Sarnia, and Nicole Elaine Salisbury, 31 years of age, also of Sarnia. Both have no fixed address.

Both of these parties are wanted on warrants for fraud under $5000 along with other charges.

Photos are attached below.

If anyone has any information regarding the location of Ryan or Salisbury they are please asked to contact Detective Jason Hoover at 519-344-8861, extension 6147, or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca