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.

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.

Police are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man responsible for an assault that occurred early this morning in Halifax.

Police received a report of an assault that had occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of St Andrews and Chisholm avenues.  A traffic control person approached a motorist to make him aware that he could not make the turn he was attempting due to construction in the area.  After a short verbal altercation, the driver exited the vehicle and cut the traffic control person in the arm with a knife.  The driver then fled the area in his vehicle. The traffic control person attended the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver is described as being in his mid-20’s, 5’9” with a very thin build. He had short crewcut black hair and was clean shaven. The vehicle was an older model grey Honda Civic with rust on the rear wheel wells. There was a male passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Investigators are asking anyone who has information on this incident or video from the area 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 using the P3 Tips App.

Case # 19-136715

September 18, 2019, Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia… Halifax District RCMP is asking for public help locating a propeller reported stolen between September 9 and 17 from a home on Sober Island Rd. in Sheet Harbour.

The propeller is described as 200 pounds, 2-feet to 3-feet tall, with four props and made of iron. Tire tracks were observed in the lawn next to where the propeller was sitting.

Anyone with information 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.

File # 19-133988

September 20, 2019, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia…Halifax District RCMP is asking for public help to solve two incidents of damage to vehicles and a theft in Lower Sackville in the early hours of September 17.

Both incidents were reported to have happened at a building complex parking lot on Old Beaver Rd. in Lower Sackville. One vehicle had the back window broken and nothing was reported missing. The other vehicle had the side window broken and property was taken, including tools and a starter heater.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity around vehicles to notify police.

Anyone with information about these incidents 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.

File #s 19-133941, 19-133948

September 19, 2019, New Minas, Nova Scotia . . . Kings District RCMP would like to update the public on the search for a missing 66-year-old woman. Janet Bandurak was last seen on September 8, leaving a residence on Exhibition St. in Kentville. She has not been seen since, and police and her family are concerned for her well-being.

Bandurak is described as white and 4-foot-11 with short, white hair. It is believed that she was wearing a blue jacket with grey pants the time she was last seen. The truck she was believed to have been driving on September 8 was located on Hwy 221 near Woodville Fire Department. It is believed that someone driving a red mini van may have interacted with Bandurak. If you are the person who was in the mini van, please contact New Minas RCMP as we believe you may have information that would be useful to the investigation.

Police have utilized several resources including local volunteer Ground Search and Rescue teams, a helicopter, and three RCMP Police Dog teams to try and locate Bandurak or any evidence that could assist with this investigation. Kings District RCMP General Investigation Section is investigating the incident and are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance to locate her. Members of the public who live in the area are asked to check any buildings on their property for any evidence or information.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Janet Bandurak is asked to contact New Minas RCMP at 902-679-5555 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 # 20191378150.

Today marked the second anniversary of the murder of Sardar Ajmeer Nawabi and the Special Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the case.

At 1:38 a.m. on September 17, 2017 police were called to 36 Montgomery Court in relation to a 20-year-old man who required immediate medical assistance. EHS transported the man to hospital where he later died.

The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide and identified the victim as 20-year-old Sardar Ajmeer Nawabi of Halifax.

Investigators believe there are people who have information that could help solve Sardar’s murder and hope that the passage of time encourages someone to do the right thing and come forward with what they know. It is never too late to come forward and the smallest piece of information may be just what is needed to progress the investigation into Sadar’s murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 902-490-5016. 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 texting a tip using the P3 Tips App.

17- 140336

September 16, 2019, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia… Halifax District RCMP is asking for public help to solve two break and enters at businesses in Lower Sackville on the evening of September 14.

At approximately 9 p.m., police responded to a break and enter in the 200 block of Cobequid Rd. in Lower Sackville. A front window was broken and nothing was reported missing.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a broken front window at a business in the 200 block of Sackville Dr. A cash box containing money was reported missing.

At approximately 11 p.m., a motorist reported finding an empty cash box on the side of road in the 400 block of Sackville Dr. It is believed to be the same cash box missing from the business on Sackville Dr.

Anyone with information about these incidents 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.

File #s: 19-132872, 19-132894, 19-132907

September 14, 2019, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia… Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the murder of 22-year-old Josiah Kaelin Sparks of Lake Loon.

Just after 8 p.m. on September 14, 2017, police responded to a 911 call after Sparks was found deceased on Cherry Brook Rd in Lake Loon. Police continue to ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Sparks between Monday, September 11, 2017 and Thursday, September 14, 2017 to contact police. The investigation has determined that Sparks had attended a gathering at a house on Cherry Brook Rd. during this time period. Police would like to speak with anyone that may have seen him there.

“We are asking for the public’s assistance with solving this homicide,” says Detective Constable Scott MacLeod, of the Homicide Unit. “Someone out there knows what happened and it’s important for them to do the right thing and come forward with their information.”

The Government of the Province of Nova Scotia is offering rewards of up to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Josiah Kaelin Sparks. The Provincial Rewards line is 1-888-710-9090.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Special Investigation Section at 902-490-5333. 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.