ARTICLES

On March 22, 2022, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of 4th Street Southwest, which resulted in officers locating and seizing the following items: 4.5 ounces of cocaine, 250 ml of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun.

Resulting from this investigation, Luc Reaume, a 41-year-old male from Medicine Hat, was arrested and charged with the following offences;

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of GHB for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm without holding a valid license

Reaume was held for a Judicial Interim Release hearing where he was subsequently released and scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on April 21, 2022.

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8414

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and throughout the month the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Safety Unit is sharing information to help residents to recognize, reject and report common frauds and scams. This week’s focus is on business and service scams.

Service scams make up most of the face-to-face frauds reported to the Medicine Hat Police Service. Service scams can include home renovation scams by unlicensed contractors, as well as door-to-door fundraising scams which will often target seniors.

With spring in the air, homeowners will often begin thinking about completing renovations planned for over the long winter months. Before engaging a potential contractor, it is very important to ask questions ahead of time and request the names of past clients as references to confirm the quality of their work. Professional contractors will have no issues with providing you with this information and photos of their previous work. Always be wary of contractors who request payment in full prior to beginning any work.

Be cautious with new contractors or service companies who do not have ties to your community, and show up unsolicited, going door-to-door offering services such as; gutter cleaning, eavestrough repair/replacement, siding, and fascia repairs. Often, once they secure a down payment or total payment for a project in advance they will often leave the community and effectively close their fake business and the homeowner will be out the money paid. Once you have paid, it becomes a civil court matter for you to fight to have your work completed.

Always be extremely cautious when hiring someone from an online resource such as Craig’s list, Kijiji, or a Facebook group. Often, these “businesses” will operate on a buyer beware policy and will offer no reimbursement if the deal falls through. Never pay upfront over the internet for services to be completed. These online communities can be an excellent place to locate a potential service provider but always meet with the contractor in person and go through the proper steps to verify their credentials before hiring them to complete any work.

If someone comes to your door, claiming to represent a company or community organization, always ask to see his or her identification badge or supporting documentation before donating funds. Licensed businesses that plan door-to-door sales will be issued photo identification by the City of Medicine Hat. If they cannot produce ID, there is a good chance that it is a scam. Even if they have an ID badge, but something still does not feel right, do not allow yourself to be pressured into donating money and contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 or the City’s Business License Department at 403-525-8820 to report the suspicious behavior.

As a general rule, when it comes to your money it is always good to be skeptical!

To learn more about common frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Media Contact:

Sgt Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

On March 19th a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that did not have functioning brake lights. While rolling to a stop, the officer observed the occupants appearing to hide something under the seat of the car. The officer spoke to the driver who was breaching a condition of release on previous charges. The male was arrested, and a search of the vehicle resulted the officer locating a loaded, sawed off .22 semi-auto rifle along with a bag containing a mask, kerchief, and a spring-loaded police style baton.

Resulting from this investigation, Tyler Figley (38-years-old) and Ashley Gackle (44-years-old) both from Medicine Hat, have been charged with several offences including possession of a prohibited weapon.

This investigation is an example of the danger officers face frequently when conducting traffic stops.

Media Contact:

Insp Joe West
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8412

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada. Throughout the month the MHPS Community Safety Unit will be sharing tips on how to recognize, reject and report common frauds and scams. This week’s focus is on cybercrimes and online scams.

Cybercrime makes up a large component of all frauds and scams reported each year and can include any type of fraud or scam that is committed over the Internet. This can include romance, online investment, marketplace, employment, loan, ticket sale, or phishing scams.

With our increased reliance on Internet-related technology, especially during the pandemic, fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to scam trusting individuals. Police have observed an increase in “data breach” information use by criminals where they are able to obtain personal information which can lead to identity theft and misuse of credit card and banking information. These “data breaches” can unfortunately occur to any business who stores customer information electronically, including loan companies, online gaming systems and online sales/delivery services. If you receive notification from a trusted source, such as your bank or telecommunications service provider, advising that you may have been subject to a “data breach”, it is suggested that you immediately change all passwords and ensure that they are strong passwords (using different characters, numbers, and letters in no particular sequence). As a general safeguard, it is always good to cycle or change your passwords multiple times a year.

Each year, especially around tax return time, the number of complaints received from people reporting a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam will increase.

In most cases, the target will receive a call that will be displayed as a local phone number. Upon answering the call, the target will hear an automated message where the caller will identify themselves as being from the CRA. The automated voice will accuse the person of owing money and will also make threats to have the person arrested and charged. The automated recording will then direct the person to “press 1 to speak to an agent”. If the person presses 1, a person representing themselves as an agent of the CRA will begin asking questions that will ultimately lead to the scammer attempting to obtain personal information such as their SIN or credit card information. They may also request the person to purchase iTunes/Google Play gift cards or other types of gift cards to pay off their debt and instruct them to call back with the card codes. The cards will then be used by the scammer to sell on the black market.

The MHPS suggests that anyone receiving one of these automated calls, immediately hang-up. The CRA DOES NOT use automated calling systems. They already have your Social Insurance Number on file. They will NEVER ask for payment in the form of gift cards.

Sometimes, this scam will vary slightly and the caller will identify themselves as a police officers and advise the victim that their SIN has been compromised and request that the victim confirm their number over the phone.

Another variation is when someone gets a call from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advising that a parcel was seized at the border and a warrant was issued for your arrest. This is a scam in hopes that the person receiving the call wants to resolve the issue.

To protect against these common frauds, it is important to remain vigilant and NEVER provide personal or financial information over the phone. Likewise, never comply with an unsolicited phone caller who demands payment in gift cards. No legitimate business will do this.

Always remember:

• The CRA will never call and threaten to have you arrested for not paying your taxes or ask for payment in the form of gift cards or prepaid credit cards.
• The CBSA will not notify you of seized parcels and warrants for your arrests through an automated phone call.
• If you are contacted in any of these ways, always confirm with the actual business directly. Look up the phone number online and do not use the call back number that the caller has provided. Do not trust your call display. It may say Police or ABC but in reality, it is a scammer.

If your workplace sells gift cards, you can also help by being on the lookout for potential victims and inform them about this scam. Victims may seem stressed and agitated as they are purchasing a large amount of gift cards. It is recommended that clerks ask customer what the purchase is for and suggest they contact police before they make the purchase if the circumstances seem suspicious.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar scam and has lost money due to a fraud contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 to report.

Due to the extremely high volume of fraudulent call attempts, if you have received a fraudulent call but are not a victim (meaning you have not shared your personal information, bank information, and have not lost money) then there is no need to report or contact police.

To keep yourself in the loop about Fraud Prevention Month activities occurring provincially, follow the hashtag #FPM2022 on social media or visit the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association website at https://www.albertacrimeprevention.com/fraud-prevention-month/#FPM2022

For more information about frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

Media Contact:

Sgt Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

On March 13, 2022, at approximately 8:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service were called to a residence in Northwest Crescent Heights following a report of an utter threats complaint.  Additional patrol officers attended to the area and began increased patrols in the vicinity of the residence looking for a male.

While patrolling the area an officer observed a robbery in progress.  To avoid escalating the volatile situation, patrol officers remained out of sight but prepared to respond if required, until the male exited the liquor store. Once outside the store the male was confronted by police and safely taken into custody.  The male was found to be in possession of the stolen cash from the liquor store and was also in possession of a hunting knife.

The 21-year-old male who cannot be identified at this time remains in custody and is currently awaiting a judicial interim release hearing, facing charges of: Robbery, Disguise with Intent, Possess Weapon Dangerous to the Public, and Uttering Threats.

The clerk at the store did not receive any physical injuries because of this event but was offered support from the MHPS Victim Services Unit.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph; 403-529-8461

The Medicine Hat Police along with other emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a structure fire in the 200 block of Ross Glen Drive SE.  Please avoid the area if possible

On the morning of March 13^th at approximately 12:30 am members of the Medicine Hat Police Service along with other emergency personnel attended to the 500 block of Maple Avenue Southeast for a report of a motor vehicle collision.  The investigation uncovered that a single vehicle travelling northbound at a high rate of speed lost control, left the roadway and struck three residential homes.  As a result, a Medicine Hat male has been charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle.  No serious injuries were sustained and the total estimated damages are about $100,000.

Today is International Women’s Day, a day that marks a call for a gender equal world - free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination and one that is diverse, equitable, inclusive where differences are valued and celebrated. The men and women of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) stand together, in solidarity with others around the world, with a commitment to #BreakTheBias.

We celebrate the women who currently serve our community and thank them for their strong leadership as well as pay tribute to the women who have previously served for their efforts in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Today, 16 of the 111 police officers in Medicine Hat are women and they are strong contributors to the community and the organization. The MHPS hopes to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and consider policing as a career. While women have always been an essential part of the workforce from the earliest days of the MHPS, they serve in increasingly diverse roles and offer their professional expertise in areas such as management, municipal bylaw enforcement, communications, information technology, data analysis, victim services and more.

This day also marks a call to action to accelerate women's equality and to support this goal the MHPS pledges to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in our community. Over the next year, starting on April 8, 2022, we will select one local woman per month to highlight and celebrate. Anyone who wishes to nominate a strong role model in our community can do so by submitting suggestions by email to mhps@mhps.ca for consideration. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of women who serve with the MHPS and each month they will select and arrange meet with the winner to celebrate her accomplishments.

The women's struggle for equality belongs to no single person or to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights. We hope that on International Women's Day you will join us to consider what you can do to make a positive difference for women as focusing on gender equity today will build a sustainable future for everyone tomorrow.

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada.  Through out the month the MHPS Community Safety Unit will be sharing tips on how to recognize, reject and report common frauds and scams.  This week focuses on indentify thefts and phishing scams.

Phishing scams are one of the most common fraud attempts that happen. The word “phishing” comes from the way it is done. The fraudster will replicate a valid company or person’s email address and send out emails that act as a lure to attract potential victims. The more lures (emails) used, the more potential victims that can be reached. Phishing scams not only occur over the internet but can also occur over the phone or traditional letters mailed to the general public. The goal is to get your personal information or money.

Look out for emails, phone calls, or letters claiming that you have won a prize but need to call in or respond to an email to verify your winnings. Often times you will be asked to call in to a phone number, which requires you to pay a price per minute or flat rate. Some phishing scams will appear to be from an institution you are currently involved with and will ask that you to provide some personal information such as a credit card number or social insurance number. This should be a warning sign as your financial institution will already have this information on file.

There are several ways to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams:

• Never respond to unsolicited requests from a company requesting personal information.
• If you receive a notification that you have won a prize from a contest that you have never participated in, do not respond to it.
• Block 1-900 phone numbers from calling you through your local telephone provider.
• If you receive a request from a company you are currently involved with, whether you work for them or are a client and they are requesting money or personal information, contact your local branch of that institution directly to ensure it’s real.
• If you receive unsolicited mail, either via email or regular mail, do your research on the company before conducting business with them. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource to confirm if they are a legitimate business with a positive reputation.

The best rule of thumb to protect yourself is to always be skeptical. Educate yourself on ways to protect your hard-earned money and seek advice if you are concerned that something might be a scam. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website (www.antifraudcentre.ca) is a great resource and contains information about many different fraud types.

Media Contact:

Sgt Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is excited to announce the return of a popular community engagement initiative, ‘Coffee with a Cop’. As with the previous events, Coffee with a Cop is intended to provide an opportunity to connect members of the community with members of the MHPS for informal, casual conversation over a cup of coffee – on us!

Beginning on March 9, 2022, members of the MHPS will gather at four predetermined coffee locations with a variety of dates and times selected to provide opportunities to suit most schedules.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Zucchini Blossom Market & Café (50 3rd St NE)

Thursday, March 17,2022, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Station Coffee Co. (644 2nd Street SE)

Monday, March 28, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Starbucks (1941 Strachan Road, 101 Southlands Crossing)

Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Tim Hortons (2410 Division Avenue NW, Unit #2)

There will be no pre-set agenda or requirement to register to participate, our goal is simply to provide a venue for members of the community to; meet Chief Mike Worden, ask questions, voice any concerns, and get to know the men and women of the Service.

We hope to see you there!

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Service Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416