Robbery, Dartmouth

Police Investigating Robbery.

Investigators with the HRP/RCMP Integrated General Investigation Section are investigating a robbery that occurred last night in Dartmouth.

At 2218 hours police responded to the Dollarama located at 118 Wyse Road, Dartmouth to a report that a man with a gun had entered the store.  Staff confronted the suspect who fled on foot with staff following. Staff returned a few minutes later with the suspect’s book bag and the gun which turned out to be an assault style paintball gun.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who has information regarding this incident. Police can be contacted at 902-490-5016 and 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.

Sexual Assault, Port Hawkesbury

RCMP reaching out to the public following arrest for sexual offences

October 4, 2019, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia . . . Inverness District RCMP has charged a man with a number of offences relating to an incident that occurred August 23 in Port Hawkesbury. Police are reaching out to the public in the event there may be more victims.

Port Hawkesbury RCMP responded to a call on August 23 that between 5 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., a man approached a nine-year-old boy in the washroom of a store, forced him into a stall, and pulled the boy’s pants down. The boy was able to get away and he immediately told a family member what happened.

Police and staff at the store searched the area but were not able to locate the suspect on the day of the incident. Police obtained a description of the suspect from witnesses and surveillance photos, and released the information to the public. Tips and information that were received by the police helped to identify the suspect. Police also learned that a similar incident had occurred on August 19 in Sydney. River. The RCMP was assisted in its investigation by members of Cape Breton Regional Police Service.

On October 1, investigators obtained a warrant to search the suspect’s home and arrested him. James Darren Peters, 49, of Lower L’Ardoise has been charged with:

  • Enticing a Child from a Parent (2 counts)
  • Sexual Interference
  • Unlawful Confinement
  • Sexual Assault
  • Assault

 

Peters was held in custody and appeared in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court yesterday. He was released by the court on strict conditions.

The accused held a position in the community where he had access to youth. The RCMP is reaching out to the public in the event there may be more victims. Police are appealing to guardians, parents and youth in the area to encourage anyone who may also be a victim to contact them. Inverness District RCMP can be contacted at 902-625-2220. You can also contact police in your local area for more information. 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.

 

Home Invasion, East Preston

Help police locate three suspects in home invasion

October 3, 2019, East Preston, Nova Scotia…Police are asking for public help to locate three suspects in an East Preston home invasion that happened yesterday afternoon on Lower Partridge Rd.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., a youth answered a knock at the door. The man who had knocked asked whether a specific person was in the home. When the youth answered no, the man forced his way through door and was followed by two other men, who were both carrying firearms. The suspects went through the home and left with jewelry. The youth was not injured.

There is a description available for the suspect that knocked at the door. He is described as a 5-foot-7 black male with a lighter complexion. He was wearing dark clothing and had a beard. It is believed the suspects left in a car but a description of the vehicle is not available.

Police do not believe this was a random act.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the General Investigation Section of the RCMP-HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-800-803-RCMP or 902-490-5020. 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.

 

Property Damage, Ingonish Beach

RCMP investigating damage to vehicles and trailers

 

October 1, 2019, Wreck Cove, Nova Scotia… Ingonish Beach RCMP is asking for help in solving property damage to vehicles and trailers that occurred sometime overnight on September 28 into the morning of September 29.

The incidents took place during an Isle Royal ATV Club run. Approximately 200 attendees had parked their personal vehicles and trailers along Highland Rd. in the Highlands near Wreck Cove during the event. Upon returning to their vehicles on September 29 at noon, they discovered seven vehicles and trailers had numerous tires slashed.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Ingonish Beach RCMP at 902-285-2021. 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.

Sextortion Scams

RCMP is warning the public about sextortion scams 

September 27, 2019, Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia… Halifax District RCMP is investigating a report of sextortion and the RCMP would like to warn the public about this scam.

The term “sextortion” has been used to describe a situation where an online relationship evolves to the point where the suspect, whom the victim has only met online, requests the victim perform a sex act during an online video chat. The suspect then reveals to the victim that they have recorded the act, demands money and threatens to release the video to the victim’s contacts if they don’t comply.

Yesterday, Halifax District RCMP received a report of sextortion where the victim sent a video to the suspect. The suspect asked for money but none was sent. In this incident, the victim was a 45-year-old man.

While the videos were never sent to the victim’s contacts as the suspect threatened to do, that doesn’t mean it will never happen. “If you make a video or take a photo and that device has the ability to connect to the internet, the content can potentially be seen by anyone,” says S/Sgt. Royce MacRae, of Nova Scotia RCMP Digital Forensics Services. “One way to protect yourself from this type of scam is to not accept friend requests from strangers.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Halifax District RCMP is asking the public to report any suspicious activity to police at 902-490-5020. If you think you have been the victim of a scam, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

 

Stolen Truck, Middle Sackville

September 30, 2019, Middle Sackville…Halifax District RCMP is asking for help to locate a stolen truck. The truck was stolen between 5:30 p.m. on September 28 and 7:30 p.m. on September 29 in Middle Sackville.

The truck is described as a blue 2004 F250 Super Diesel truck with an extended cab. It was taken from the driveway of a residence in the 400 block of Lakeview Ave. The truck was locked. Due to glass on the ground where is was parked, a window may have been broken to gain access.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Halifax District RCMP at 902-490-5020. 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.

Theft from Vehicles, HRM

Police investigating a rash of thefts from vehicles

Halifax Regional Police has noted a recent increase in thefts from motor vehicles throughout the city. Police are currently investigating more than 40 reported thefts. In most cases, targeted vehicles had valuables left in plain sight and vehicle doors have been left unlocked or a window was broken to gain entry.

These thefts are generally crimes of opportunity, with the sight of items being a temptation for would-be thieves. Police recommend that citizens remove all items from their vehicles. We are currently investigating these events – and would like to remind the public not to leave valuables in vehicles while they are unattended.

We encourage anyone who had property stolen from their vehicle to call and report it to police. Anyone observing suspicious activity in or around parked vehicles should also report it to police immediately at 490-5020. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

 

RCMP asking for help to identify persons of interest

September 25, 2019, Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia…Halifax District RCMP is investigating a suspicious circumstance and is asking for help to identify a man and a girl who visited a horse stable on Conrad Rd. in Lawrencetown on September 20. Police wish to speak with the man and check on the girl’s well-being.

At approximately 6 p.m., an older man and a girl approximately seven to 10 years old arrived at the stable in a van. The girl walked around the stables and spoke with staff. The man stayed inside the vehicle during this time. After speaking with staff, the girl returned to the van. Staff approached the van and asked the man to leave. The vehicle then left the area.

The man is described as a thin, older white man with long grey hair. He was wearing thick rimmed glasses and a black ball cap. The girl is described as having red hair and freckles. She was wearing a purple velvet riding helmet and was carrying a small riding crop.

The vehicle is described as a full-size older model (possibly 1992) black van. It was rusty and had paint peeling off.

The girl and the man were reported to have visited the same stable previously, between six to 12 months ago. They may frequent other horse stables.

Anyone with information about either of these people is asked to contact Halifax District RCMP at 902-490-5020 or 1-800-803-RCMP (7267). 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 #: 19-135667

We need your help: How to recognize signs of human trafficking

September 24, 2019, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia . . . Police in Nova Scotia want you to recognize the signs that a person may be a victim of human trafficking. The RCMP and municipal police agencies in the province are reaching out to the public to let them know some of the signs of this type of crime and ensure victims know we are here and are ready to help.

A tip line has been established for people to call to get help or information: 902-447-2425. The tip line is monitored 24/7 by a police officer who can get victims to safety.

Police are asking parents and guardians to trust their instincts about their children’s behaviour. If your loved one’s story does not match what you are seeing, or if it just doesn’t make sense, your child may be a victim of human trafficking. It can happen to anyone and the “game” is difficult for victims to escape. They need you to advocate for them.

Signs of human trafficking include:

  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Frequent trips to other communities to ‘party’
  • Moving addresses frequently, often staying in hotels
  • Having to communicate with someone at all times about what they are doing and where they are. Victims may seem to always be on their cell phones.
  • Lack of identification
  • Lacking personal possessions and financial documents
  • Unexplained bruises or injuries
  • Branding (tattoos) indicating ownership by trafficker. Often this will be the trafficker’s initials or logo.
  • Unexplained gifts or purchases beyond their financial means, such as designer shoes or hand bags
  • No proof of a legitimate job, but has lots of new, expensive items
  • New clothing and/or lingerie

Police in Nova Scotia want to encourage anyone who is concerned that someone could be a victim of human trafficking to report it by calling or texting the tip line at 902-447-2425. You can also contact police in your local area for more information. 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.

RCMP update on efforts to locate Peter Anthony Walsh

September 23, 2019, Colchester County, Nova Scotia . . . It has been one month since Peter Anthony “Tony” Walsh was reported missing and the RCMP is requesting assistance from the public as they continue to investigate the incident.

Walsh was last seen on August 23, when a witness saw him get into a truck in Truro. His own vehicle, a 1999 Chrysler Sebring, was left in the area and was later recovered by his family in the parking lot of a Truro business. Investigators have received many pieces of information and tips from the public however are continuing to ask the public for help.

Peter Anthony “Tony” Walsh is described as white, 35 years old, and is bald, 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. Walsh has several tattoos including a distinctive one of a diamond on his face under his right eye. Walsh was last seen wearing brown work pants (possibly Carhartt brand), a white t-shirt with black lettering and brown work boots. Police and his family are concerned for his safety.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Peter Anthony “Tony” Walsh is asked to contact Colchester District RCMP at 902-893-6820. 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 # 20191296351.