Category: Crime Of The Week

Nova Scotia RCMP asks Nova Scotians to watch for, and report, human trafficking

July 29, 2022, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia… Tomorrow, July 30, is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Human trafficking, which involves the exploitation of people through deception, intimidation, threats or violence, is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide, and Nova Scotia has the highest rate of human trafficking incidents in Canada.

“It’s a big problem; a Statistics Canada report showed that in 2019, Nova Scotia’s cases accounted for ten per cent of the those reported in the country,” says Cpl. David Lane of the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), a team made up of RCMP and municipal police officers dedicated to investigating human trafficking files and supporting victims.

“We believe the numbers are actually higher,” says Cpl. Lane, whose team has solved numerous cases since its inception in 2019. “Human trafficking in our province, and elsewhere, is vastly underreported.”

In February, in an effort to make reporting easier, the unit launched a quick response (QR) code that’s been distributed across the province on posters and stickers. The code can be scanned quickly and unobtrusively, providing rapid access to the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking tip line, which is monitored 24/7 by an investigator. The QR code also links to information on human trafficking, including signs to watch out for and how to report to police.

Traffickers use various tactics to keep victims under their control, and those under their influence often feel there’s no safe way to get help.

Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking; it comes in many forms.

“Sex trafficking of girls aged 14-16, especially members of the LGBTQ2+, Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities, is the most widely known type of trafficking,” says Cpl. Lane. “Others, however, are also at risk.”

A 2021 Statistics Canada report showed that of all Canadian cities, Halifax reported the second-highest number of human trafficking incidents. Toronto was number one.

“Human trafficking happens everywhere,” says Cpl. Lane. “A lot of victims are taken out-of-province, but we’re seeing lots of trafficking activity in smaller communities across Nova Scotia. This isn’t just a big city issue.”

In recognition of world day against human trafficking, the Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding you that a person might be a victim of human trafficking if they:

• appear to be under someone else’s control (e.g., they’re not speaking on their own behalf; they’re being closely watched; they’re never left alone; they need to regularly check in with somebody via calls or texts)
• aren’t in control of their money or personal documents (driver’s licence, passport, etc.)
• started a job that sounds too good to be true
• receive expensive gifts for no reason
• have changes in physical appearance (e.g., having hair and nails done; start wearing designer clothing)

• have injuries from physical abuse, be malnourishment, and/or show signs of branding or scarring that indicates ownership by the trafficker
• withdraw from family and friends

If you’re a victim of human trafficking, or know someone who may be a victim, please:

• call the confidential, 24/7 Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline at 902-449-2425, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or submit an anonymous online tip;
• contact your local RCMP detachment or municipal police service; or

call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS or submit an anonymous online tip to Crime Stoppers

Pictou County District RCMP investigating suspicious fires

July 28, 2022, Lyons Brook, Nova Scotia…Pictou County District RCMP is investigating suspicious fires that occurred in both Lyons Brook and St. Pauls.

On July 22, 2022, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Pictou County District RCMP and fire responded to a report of a fire at an old bridge in St. Pauls. RCMP officers learned that the fire had already gone out prior to the arrival of firefighters. The bridge itself was a wood structure that was no longer in use. The fire was deemed suspicious.

On July 25, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Pictou County District RCMP and fire responded to a report of a fire at a bridge on a trail in Lyons Brook. The fire department was able to successfully extinguish the fire however the bridge was completed destroyed. The bridge was also a wooden structure, similar to the one in St. Pauls. This fire was also deemed suspicious.

The investigations are ongoing and being assisted by the Pictou County District General Investigation Section and the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal’s Office.

Anyone with information on either fire is asked to contact the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-755-4141. Should you wish 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.

Police file#’s: 2022-1031497, 2022-1015049 refer.

Police investigate robbery

Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in Dartmouth last night.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. police received a report that at approximately 8:30 p.m. a robbery had occurred on Brule Street. A man and a woman approached a woman in a parked vehicle who was not known to them. The woman threatened the victim with a knife and demanded her property. The man had what appeared to be a firearm. The victim fled the area in her vehicle.

The first suspect is described as a black woman in her twenties to early thirties, approximately 5’4” tall, 130 lbs., with curly hair pulled up in a bun. At the time, she was wearing a black face mask, a black North Face winter coat and black pants and was carrying a black purse.

The second suspect is described as a black man in his twenties to early thirties, approximately 6′ tall and wearing a black face mask.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information about the incident or video from the area to call 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 using the P3 Tips App.

Police file 22-91614 refers.

Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in Dartmouth last night.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. police received a report that at approximately 8:30 p.m. a robbery had occurred on Brule Street. A man and a woman approached a woman in a parked vehicle who was not known to them. The woman threatened the victim with a knife and demanded her property. The man had what appeared to be a firearm. The victim fled the area in her vehicle.

The first suspect is described as a black woman in her twenties to early thirties, approximately 5’4” tall, 130 lbs., with curly hair pulled up in a bun. At the time, she was wearing a black face mask, a black North Face winter coat and black pants and was carrying a black purse.

The second suspect is described as a black man in his twenties to early thirties, approximately 6′ tall and wearing a black face mask.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information about the incident or video from the area to call 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 using the P3 Tips App.

Case #22-91614

July 28, 2022, Lyons Brook, Nova Scotia…Pictou County District RCMP is investigating suspicious fires that occurred in both Lyons Brook and St. Pauls.

On July 22, 2022, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Pictou County District RCMP and fire responded to a report of a fire at an old bridge in St. Pauls. RCMP officers learned that the fire had already gone out prior to the arrival of firefighters. The bridge itself was a wood structure that was no longer in use. The fire was deemed suspicious.

On July 25, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Pictou County District RCMP and fire responded to a report of a fire at a bridge on a trail in Lyons Brook. The fire department was able to successfully extinguish the fire however the bridge was completed destroyed. The bridge was also a wooden structure, similar to the one in St. Pauls. This fire was also deemed suspicious.

The investigations are ongoing and being assisted by the Pictou County District General Investigation Section and the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal’s Office.

Anyone with information on either fire is asked to contact the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-755-4141. Should you wish 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 #: 2022-1031497, 2022-1015049

Police are investigating property damage that occurred in the Halifax Public Gardens earlier this week.

On July 26, police responded to a report of damage to multiple trees within the Halifax Public Gardens that occurred sometime between 9 p.m. on July 25 and 7 a.m. on July 26. Approximately 30 trees, many of which range from 50 to 200 years old, were damaged.

Police are asking anyone with information or video from the area to call 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 using the P3 Tips App.

22-90785

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the murder of Kevin Sean Farren, and the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

On March 9, 2012 at approximately 2:25 a.m., Halifax Regional Police responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at an address on Havenbrook Hill in Dartmouth. When officers arrived, they located Kevin Farren deceased inside the residence. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service conducted an autopsy and ruled Kevin’s death a homicide.

Investigators believe there are people who have information that could help solve Kevin’s murder. We are asking anyone with information to do the right thing and come forward with what they know; even the smallest piece of information could be the key to progressing the investigation into Kevin’s murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 902-490-5016.

Kevin’s case is part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program which offers cash rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for specified major unsolved crimes. Callers must contact the Rewards Program at 1-888-710-9090, must provide their name and contact information, and may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded. The amount of the award will be based on the investigative value of the information provided.

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12-35847

Representatives from the Canadian Gas Assoc. (CGA) and Canadian Gas Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (CGISAC) reached out last week inquiring about the rise in catalytic converter thefts and citing the following news articles:

Police alert car owners catalytic converter thefts on the rise in Southern Ontario

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/catalytic-converter-alberta-stolen-1.6385810

July 22, 2022, Meadowvale, Nova Scotia… Annapolis District RCMP investigate shots fired in Meadowvale.

On July 21, 2022, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Annapolis District RCMP received a complaint of shots fired at a house on Hwy. 201 in Meadowvale. RCMP officers learned that a number of gun shots were heard shortly after 1 a.m. and a vehicle was then seen leaving the scene. There were no injuries sustained in the incident however the house incurred damage consistent with bullet holes.

RCMP officers and a police dog searched the area and evidence was located and seized from the scene.

The investigation is ongoing and being assisted by the RCMP Forensic Identification Section.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Annapolis District RCMP at 902-665-4481. Should you wish 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 #: 2022-1010269