Category: Crime Of The Week

Josh Cower

Police warn of energy efficiency scam

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Police are investigating two incidents of fraud targeting people looking to install heating and cooling devices in their homes. 

Two men are posing as representatives from a heating and cooling company. They are advertising an energy efficiency rebate program on social media and setting up appointments at people’s homes to discuss options.   

During the appointment, the representatives ask to see several personal documents such as a Notice of Assessment, property tax bill, driver’s license and power bill. 

This information is used to help the victims apply for loans that can be used to pay for the instillation of heat pumps. The loan money is then transferred to the representatives. The victims are told a government efficiency rebate will reimburse them.  

The rebate program being advertised is not legitimate. In both instances, the men cut off all contact once they have the loan money and leave victims with the loan repayment. In one instance, a local contractor was also hired to install heat pumps and was never paid for his work. 

Police remind people to be suspicious of salespeople and pressure tactics. Do not give personal information to anyone unless you are certain of the identity of the individual and/or the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent. Before working with a company, research their history online or with the Better Business Bureau. 

Police are asking the public to share this information and help raise awareness of this scam. 

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app. 

25-95092

The following are photos of the person of interest in this scam:

Help RCMP solve North Preston truck theft

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On July 4th, 2025 Preston RCMP received a complaint regarding a theft of a Ford Ranger pick-up truck out of the North Preston area. Witnesses provided a possible suspect description of: late 30’s/early 40’s, slim build, Caucasian male, with beard between 5’8″ to 6 feet tall. The Vehicle is described as a Gray 2010 Ford Ranger. Nova Scotia Plate : GZR 467.

Anyone having any information about the theft of this vehicle can call Halifax District RCMP at 902 490 5020. Anonymous tips can be left by calling 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS) or on line at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 app.

Police file: 2025-94897

Eskasoni RCMP charge three men following execution of search warrant for illegal cannabis

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July 24, 2025, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia… Eskasoni RCMP has charged three men after executing a search warrant in Eskasoni.

On July 22, Eskasoni RCMP officers, with assistance of the Inverness-Richmond Street Crime Enforcement Unit, searched an illegal cannabis storefront on Crane Cove Rd. in Eskasoni. Officers safely arrested three men and seized a quantity of illegal cannabis, cash and unstamped tobacco.

Two of the men, Ashton Joseph Bernard, 35, and Hugh Paul, 26, both of Eskasoni, are facing a charge under the Cannabis Act related to the possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling. Officers determined the third man on scene was not related to the operation of the storefront and was released without charge.

Later, twenty-six-year-old Arden Joseph Bernard of Eskasoni turned himself in at the Eskasoni RCMP Detachment and is also facing a charge under the Cannabis Act related to possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling.

Ashton Bernard, Paul and Arden Bernard were released on an Undertaking and are scheduled to appear in Sydney Provincial Court on September 2.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Eskasoni RCMP’s General Investigation Section with assistance of Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia.

The RCMP reminds residents that the only legal way to purchase cannabis in the province is at licensed locations. Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-466739

One man charged after thefts of vehicles and other offences in Colchester and Halifax Counties

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July 25, 2025, Colchester and Halifax counties, Nova Scotia… Colchester County District RCMP, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, Truro Police Service, and other policing support units collaborated to arrest and charge a man for robbery and other offences after a theft of a truck in Truro.

On July 23 at approximately 10:40 a.m., Colchester County District RCMP learned from Truro Police Service (TPS) that a truck, reported stolen from Truro that morning, was in Colchester County. RCMP Air Services was called to support general duty officers in locating the vehicle and the man involved.

Investigators then learned the truck had been abandoned in Carrolls Corner. The man involved was now believed to be in a different vehicle, a grey GMC Sierra, that had just been reported stolen.

Officers located the GMC Sierra in Valley and monitored the vehicle until it was safely disabled in Crows Mills using a spike belt. The driver attempted to flee from police on foot. He was located and arrested in Belmont by RCMP Police Dog Services with continued support of RCMP Air Services. The man suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the arrest and was transported to hospital by EHS.

Jarom Merriam, 41, of Pictou, is charged with the following offences, which occurred in RCMP areas: Flight from Peace Officer, Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance (motor vehicle), Uttering Threats, Mischief (two counts), Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and Assaulting a Peace Officer (two counts). Additional charges from TPS are associated to the initial robbery. Merriam had a first court appearance on July 24 at Pictou Provincial Court and remains in custody pending future court appearances.

The investigation into the theft of the GMC Sierra truck is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated. 

The Colchester RCMP Community Action Team is leading the ongoing investigation into offences that occurred in Colchester County with support from TPS, Pictou County District RCMP, Cumberland County District RCMP, East Hants District RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services. RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is leading the investigation into the theft of the GMC Sierra.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820 or local police. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-1056806

Statement from Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean on anniversary of Africville shooting

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One year ago, the Africville community was celebrating their annual reunion. With no regard for those around them, multiple people began exchanging gunfire. Shots went into the crowd and five people were struck and left with serious injuries.

There is no place for violence at community events. The shooting was senseless, tragic and left a long-lasting impact on people of all ages.

Over the last year, investigators have worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and the Africville community.

We have completed over 100 judicial authorizations, allowing us to conduct searches, seizures and gather any evidence we can related to this crime. We have also spoken to over 200 people.

Unfortunately, each piece of evidence and each conversation has fallen short of what we need to successfully make an arrest and get a conviction.

In April, our partners at the Nova Scotia Department of Justice added this incident to the Major Unsolved Crimes Program. This program is typically reserved for homicides and missing persons cases. We applaud the Province for recognizing the serious impact this crime has had on the community and doing their part to help find those responsible.

Unfortunately, the $150,000 reward has not yet led to any tips.

We know it is a hard decision to come forward and talk to police. Fear, distrust or concern for safety are all valid concerns. But, speaking up can be a courageous way to stand up for your community.

As we mark the one-year anniversary of this terrible event, I am encouraged by the resilience of the Africville community. They have not let this incident stop them from holding their reunion again.

As police, we will do our part to help the community feel like they can come together to safely celebrate their history and culture without fear.

Our officers will be at the event and will be patrolling the surrounding area throughout the weekend. If you see anything concerning, flag down an officer or call 911.

Finally, if you have information about last year’s shooting, and the anniversary has encouraged you to come forward, our investigators are here and ready to talk to you.

Please call police at 902-490-5020. You can also call Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or the Major Unsolved Crimes Program, 1-888-710-9090.

Have a safe and joyful weekend.

Stolen White Ford Pickup from Mahone Bay

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On July 19th, Lunenburg County District RCMP received a complaint regarding a male stealing a work truck which belongs to Mahone Marines in Mahone Bay. The male suspect was wearing a dark hoodie with a dark backpack and got into Mahone Marines work truck at 2:48AM. Mahone Marine work truck is described as White 2012 Ford F-150 with Nova Scotia License plate FRL 303 as well as company logo on both driver and passenger doors. Photos of the suspect and the vehicle are attached.

Anyone with any information about this theft can call Lunenburg District RCMP at 902 634 8674. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or by calling 1 800 222 8477 (TIPS) or by using the P3 app.

Police file: 20251037627 refers.

Colchester County District RCMP investigating armed robbery

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July 22, 2025, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia… Colchester County District RCMP is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a gas station on Robie St. in Lower Truro.

On July 21 at approximately 12:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery involving a utility knife. Investigators learned that a man entered the store wearing a mask and demanded money from the till and cigarettes while holding the weapon.

The man placed the money into a garbage can then left the store on foot. He went eastbound on Robie St., carrying the garbage can.

There were no other people in the store at the time of this incident. The employee did not report any injuries.

The man is believed to be between 5″8 and 5″10. He was wearing a green bucket hat, a long green coat that went to below the knees, black pants, black rubber boots, and a mask covering his face.

RCMP Police Dog Services attended the initial call to support Colchester County District RCMP. The file is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact police, including people who recognize the subject or who have dashcam or surveillance video of the area around Robie St. from Meadow Dr.  to Marshland Dr. around the time of this incident. Contact the Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-1042810

Digby RCMP charge two men after executing search warrant

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July 22, 2025, North Range, Nova Scotia…Digby RCMP has charged two men after executing a search warrant at a residence on Ridge Rd. in North Range.

On July 17, Digby RCMP Detachment received a report of a break and enter where an ATV was taken from a home on North Range Cross Rd. in North Range.

On July 18, Digby RCMP Detachment with assistance of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of Ridge Rd. As a result of the search, officers located the stolen ATV.

Dallas Troy Doucette, 22, of North Range, is charged with:

  • Breaking, Entering and Committing
  • Theft of Other Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.00 
  • Fail to Comply Probation Order

Joshua Derrick Mitchell, 34, of North Range, is charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.00 

Doucette and Mitchell appeared in Digby Provincial Court on July 18 and were remanded into custody. Doucette is scheduled to appear in Digby Provincial Court again on September 15, 2025. Mitchell is to appear in Digby Provincial Court again on August 18, 2025. 

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Digby RCMP Detachment at 902-245-2579. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-1021335

RCMP seeking assistance to identify people of interest in voyeurism investigation

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July 22, 2025, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia… RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking assistance from the public in identifying a woman of interest in a voyeurism incident in Lower Sackville.

On July 14, RCMP officers received a report of a woman who entered the women’s bathroom at a business on Sackville Dr., and tried to use her phone to take a photo or video of another woman in a stall. When the woman in the stall yelled, the woman with the phone went into another stall. After spending several more minutes in the bathroom, the woman who tried to take the photo or video left the bathroom then the restaurant as the passenger in a black, 4-door Mercedes.

The woman is described as approximately 20 to 30 years old and has very long brown hair with blond highlights around her face. At the time of this incident, she was wearing black sweatpants, a black and white shirt, and white running shoes.

It should be noted that this incident is not believed to be associated to another incident of voyeurism recently reported in Lower Sackville. The person involved in the previous incident that took place on July 8 was identified and arrested. More information is available here.

Anyone with information about this incident or the woman’s identity is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File # 25-100362

Eskasoni RCMP charge man for weapons offences

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July 22, 2025, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia… Eskasoni RCMP has charged a man with several weapons offences and officers seized a firearm and a crossbow after a weapons call.

On July 19 at approximately 11:20 p.m., Eskasoni RCMP received multiple reports of a person in possession of a firearm around Arena Rd. in Eskasoni. Officers attended the area and safely arrested Stephen Morris. The officers also located and safely seized a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Officers also executed a search warrant associated to this investigation at a residence on Sunrise Dr. and seized a crossbow and other items.

Morris, 39, of Eskasoni, had a first court appearance on July 21 and remains in custody pending future court appearances. He has been charged with a total of eleven offences, including Using a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence, Careless Use of a Firearm, and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

The investigation is ongoing and police anticipate further charges. Anyone with information about this incident who has not yet spoken with the RCMP is encouraged to contact Eskasoni RCMP Detachment at 902-379-2822. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

Police file #: 2025-1037576 refers.