A man and a woman face charges of identity theft after police were alerted by two local banks about suspicious activity.

In separate incidents, police were called to two Dartmouth banks on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 16 when staff became suspicious of a person seeking to open a bank account. A male suspect was arrested at a bank in Burnside, while a female suspect was arrested at a bank on Portland Street in Dartmouth. Both suspects were arrested without incident and arraigned in court earlier this week on charges of uttering forged documents.

The investigation by the HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Unit led to additional charges of identity theft being laid today. Benoit LeMaire of Verdun, Quebec faces 46 counts of identity theft, possession of identity information for fraudulent purposes, false pretences, possession of forged documents and uttering forged documents relating to incidents between February 2 and March 16. Jennifer Louise Perrault of Ontario is charged with 11 counts of identity theft, uttering forged documents, fraud by other means and breach of probation. Both were in Dartmouth Provincial Court this morning and remanded in custody. They are due back in court on March 23.

The identity theft charges were laid under new provisions of the Criminal Code regarding identity theft enacted in January 2010. They are believed to be the first charges in Nova Scotia under the new provisions of the Criminal Code.

The Halifax Regional Police Facebook page surpassed 1,000 fans earlier this week.

Halifax Regional Police created its Facebook page as part of the efforts of the Public Safety Office to educate citizens about crime, crime prevention and policing initiatives in our community. The first public safety initiative promoted via Facebook was the wildly successful Pixels for Pistols Gun Amnesty program last November. This month, Halifax Regional Police is providing citizens with fraud prevention tips as part of National Fraud Prevention Month. Some highlights include:
-How to protect yourself against identity theft.
-Tips on how to spot counterfeit money.
-Advice on how to identify common scams.

Facebook is also proving to be a valuable tool in providing the public with information on unsolved murders and crime trends, such as thefts from motor vehicles.

“It’s important that we as an organization keep pace with changes in technology,” says Chief Frank Beazley. “It is encouraging that over 1,000 citizens have become “fans” and shown an interest in being informed and receiving safety tips to help keep our community safe.

Citizens are encouraged to become a fan of Halifax Regional Police on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to be kept informed about policing in our community and find out ways that they can play an active role in public safety in HRM.

Halifax Regional Police to Hire Six Officers

Halifax Regional Police (HRP) will swear-in six new officers tomorrow morning. The recruits come to HRP as graduates of the Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, PEI. The new officers will fill existing vacancies in the Patrol Division starting the first week of April.

The media is invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony:

Where:
Halifax City Hall, Halifax Hall

When:
Friday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Who:
Mayor Peter Kelly, Halifax Regional Municipality
Chief Frank Beazley, Halifax Regional Police
New HRP Officers

Halifax Regional Police Investigate Assault

Halifax Regional Police is investigating an assault that occurred last night in Halifax.

At 9 p.m. a 19-year-old woman was walking on South Street near Henry Street when she was grabbed from behind by a man who attempted to pull her into an alley/driveway between two houses. A man and woman walking by inquired as to what was happening, which appeared to startle the suspect and allowed the victim to get away from her attacker. While the victim was not physically injured during the incident, she was obviously very shaken. She reported the incident to police at 2 a.m. today. The suspect description is very limited; he is described as a white man with a deep voice.

Halifax Regional Police is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to this matter. Officers would like to speak with the man and woman who witnessed the incident and spoke to the victim and suspect. Additionally, anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact police at 490-5016 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

HRP Comments on Wagmatcook Disciplinary Outcome

Halifax Regional Police (HRP) is responding to the comments that have been made publically in relation to the disciplinary outcome involving the RCMP officer who fatally shot John Simon in Wagmatcook in 2008.

The comments may have led media outlets and, consequently, citizens to believe that it is somehow the fault of Halifax Regional Police that the RCMP did not commence a timely disciplinary review into the fatal shooting. The independent investigation conducted by Halifax Regional Police was a lengthy and complex process that required consultation with various outside agencies, however, this in no way precluded the RCMP from commencing their own internal investigation into the officer’s actions. Furthermore, throughout the investigation, the RCMP was given full access to the investigative materials and should have been aware of potential concerns.

The RCMP has indicated there is a gap in their processes as it relates to this matter and we concur. When Halifax Regional Police conducts an investigation into the actions of our officers, an internal investigation is immediately commenced, however, if a criminal investigation is to take place, the internal investigation is suspended until the completion of the criminal investigation.

Police Investigating Assault

Halifax Regional Police is investigating an assault which occurred last night in Halifax.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. near Maitland Street and Divas Lane. The victim was walking through the area when he was approached by two men who subsequently assaulted him. The victim received some facial injuries but was able to flee the area. Both suspects are believed to be approximately 20-years-old with slim builds. The first suspect is a white male, 5'5", wearing a red shirt and shorts, and the second suspect is a black male, 5'6" - 6'.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call police at 490-5016. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Regional Police Host ‘Discover HRP’

As part of its ongoing commitment to find new, innovative ways to recruit employees and volunteers, Halifax Regional Police is again hosting ‘Discover HRP,’ a week long program which will give participants a chance to experience what it is like to be a police recruit.

For an entire week, they will have the opportunity to live the life of a police recruit, taking part in fitness drills, firearms exercises, mentoring sessions and other practical exercises.

The Discover HRP program targets individuals between the ages of 19 and 29-year-old who are interested in pursuing a career in policing. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted and no adult criminal charges pending.

Discover HRP will be held at Northbrook School in Dartmouth from 6:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily during the week of July 19-23. There is no cost to participate, however, registration is limited. The program targets individuals who are interested in a career in policing, with a focus on women as well as citizens from the racially visible community. Participants must be willing to commit to attend the full week.

Interested applicants who meet the criteria can visit http://www.halifax.ca/police/DiscoverHRP.html to download an application form or call (902) 490-1534 for more information about Discover HRP. Applications must be received by April 15, 2010.

Officers assigned to the HRP/RCMP Integrated General Investigation Section have laid charges in relation to five break and enters into boats at the Armdale Yacht Club.

The incidents occurred overnight on December 9, 2009 and were reported the next day. A number of boats were entered resulting in a variety of property being stolen. As a result of the investigation, an 18-year-old Dartmouth man was arrested and is scheduled to appear on in Halifax Provincial Court on April 20, 2010 to face charges of break and enter.

With boating season quickly approaching, HRM Partners in Policing would like to remind boat owners to ensure that valuables, specifically electronic devices, are removed from boats when not in use.

A Halifax man faces charges as a result of an investigation conducted by members of the HRP/RCMP Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE).

Officers assigned to the ICE Unit executed a search warrant yesterday just after 6 a.m in the 5800 block of North Street. A man was arrested at the scene without incident. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of computer equipment.

Twenty-three-year-old Thomas McCarthy of Halifax is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court at a later date to face charges of accessing, possessing and distributing child pornography.

Halifax Regional Police has charged a man in connection with a break and enter in Halifax Thursday morning.

At 2:30 a.m. police were called to the 2000 block of Kline Street to a report of a break and enter in progress. The residents were woken by someone pounding on the front door which resulted the glass being smashed out. Officers arrived and observed a man leaving the front door area. When police officers went to speak with him, he took off running through backyards. A foot pursuit ensued and the officer caught the man as he jumped over a fence but the suspect slipped out of his jacket and took off running again. The pursuit continued but the suspect was able to get away. Officers found information in the jacket which identified the suspect. He was located at 11:30 a.m. that day on Quinpool Road and arrested without incident.

Eighteen-year-old Roderick Donald Tupper-Ring appeared in Halifax Provincial Court yesterday charged with break and enter and breach of conditions.

Dartmouth Assault Update

Halifax Regional Police continues to investigate an assault which took place this morning in Dartmouth.

Police received multiple 911 calls at 8:09 a.m. in relation to the incident which began in an apartment in the 100 block of Pinecrest Drive. An argument between two men resulted in the victim being stabbed by the suspect. A third man, who was also in the apartment at the time, grabbed a bat and hit the suspect. The suspect fled the apartment and was followed by the man with the bat.

Both men were located a short distance away and arrested by police, and EHS was called to the apartment to tend to the stabbing victim. The two men involved in the initial altercation remain in hospital while the third man remains in police custody.

The HRP/RCMP Integrated General Investigation Section is investigating the incident and charges are expected.

Police Investigating Assault

Halifax Regional Police is currently investigating an assault which took place this morning in Dartmouth.

Officers were called to the Highfield Park bus terminal in relation to an injured man being followed by another man with a bat. Both men were located a short distance away with one man suffering from head injuries and the second man suffering from at least one stab wound. One man was arrested and both were transported to hospital.

The investigation is in its early stages, however, Halifax Regional Police would like to reassure the public that this was not a random incident. The men are known to one another and police believe the altercation is part of an on-going dispute.

A man faces charges in connection with an attempted theft from an apartment building laundry room in Halifax yesterday.

At 12:20 p.m. police responded to a theft call in the 0-100 block of Drysdale Road where someone attempted to pry open a laundry room coin operated dryer. Witnesses were able to provided a description of the suspect who was quickly located a short distance away and arrested without incident.

Thirty-three-year-old Scott Anthony Deveau of Halifax was scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court today to face charges of attempted theft, mischief and breach of his recognizance.

Vice Operation Nets Arrests

Investigators in the HRM Integrated Vice Unit arrested two johns in an undercover operation conducted last night.

The two men were arrested in the Windmill Road area of Dartmouth for allegedly propositioning an undercover police officer. A 52-year-old Halifax man and a 46-year-old Dartmouth man are scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court at a later date charged with communicating for the purpose of prostitution.

Prostitution related offences such as these are crimes which are of great concern to citizens in the affected communities. Citizens wishing to report prostitution related offences in progress may call 490-5020. As part of our Community Response Model of Policing, officers continue to address prostitution offences and other disorder and quality-of-life issues in our community.

Police Release Suspect Sketch

The HRP/RCMP Integrated Major Crime Unit is asking for the public’s help identifying a man in connection with a sexual assault last month in Halifax.

On February 7 at approximately 4 a.m. a 20-year-old female victim and her friend were walking home when they were approached by the suspect in the area of Queen and Morris Streets. The suspect reached under the victim’s skirt and touched her. When the victim confronted the suspect, he produced a small pipe-like object and threatened both women. The suspect was scared off when a man approached from the area of Morris Street.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 26-years-old, 6', 170 lbs. with a round face, short scruffy hair and an athletic build. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black stocking or toque style hat, blue jeans and a black fall jacket.

Anyone recognizing the man in the attached sketch or with information in relation to this incident is asked to call police at 490-5016. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

New Charges in Child’s Death

New charges have been laid in connection with the death of a baby last year.

On July 24, 2009, police attended the IWK Health Centre in relation to a suspected case of child abuse involving a seven-week old baby who had sustained life-threatening injuries. The parents, Ashiqur Rahman and Jane Gomes, were subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault in relation to the incident.

The death has been declared a homicide and as a result of the on-going investigation, members of the HRP/RCMP Integrated Major Crime Unit have laid new charges in this matter. In addition to the original charges, Gomes faces two charges of manslaughter and Rahman faces one charge of manslaughter. Their next scheduled court appearance is tomorrow afternoon in Halifax Provincial Court.

New charges have been laid in connection with the death of a baby last year.

On July 24, 2009, police attended the IWK Health Centre in relation to a suspected case of child abuse involving a seven-week old baby who had sustained life-threatening injuries. The parents, Ashiqur Rahman and Jane Gomes, were subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault in relation to the incident.

The death has been declared a homicide and as a result of the on-going investigation, members of the HRP/RCMP Integrated Major Crime Unit have laid new charges in this matter. In addition to the original charges, Gomes faces two charges of manslaughter and Rahman faces one charge of manslaughter. Their next scheduled court appearance is tomorrow afternoon in Halifax Provincial Court.

HRP Impaired Driving Statistics for February

In February, citizens and Halifax Regional Police joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.

Throughout the month, police charged 40 people with impaired driving. In all of these cases, the person was impaired by alcohol and in two cases the readings exceeded 300 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (mg %), with the legal limit being 80 mg%. The people charged consist of 38 men and seven women ranging in age from 19 to 72. Officers also issued five 24-hour suspensions.

Of the 45 incidents investigated by police, eight involved collisions, 21 were initiated by police and the other 16 were called-in by concerned citizens. One of the latter cases involved a driver asleep behind the wheel while at a stop sign. Halifax Regional Police would like to thank those people who took the time to call us with the information that helped us get dangerous drivers off our roads.

Drinking and driving puts everyone in danger. MADD Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia recently launched Campaign 911 which encourages people to call police with information on a suspected impaired driver. If you have information on a drunk driver please call 911.

Charges Laid in Break and Enters

Halifax Regional Police has charged a man in connection with a number of break and enters in the south end.

The incidents occurred between January 28 and March 1 and the stolen items include but are not limited to laptop computers, digital cameras and televisions. Through their investigation, patrol officers were able to identify a suspect. This led to a search of a residence in the 1000 block of Bland Street where a number of stolen items were recovered. Officers also seized a quantity of prescription medication which did not belong to the suspect.

Twenty-year-old Isaac Mohamed Traore of Halifax appeared in court yesterday on multiple charges of break and enter, possession of stolen property, drug possession and breach of probations.

These incidents involved insecure homes, making them crimes of opportunity. Halifax Regional Police reminds citizens that keeping your doors and windows locked will act as a deterrent for anyone looking to gain unlawful entry.

Theft from Vehicle Charge

A man faces charges in connection with a theft from a vehicle.

On Friday afternoon a man was observed entering a vehicle which was not his in Bayers Lake Industrial Park. The man was followed to the Clayton Park area where officers with the West Quick Response Unit arrested him without incident at 6 p.m. Twenty-seven-year-old Clinton James Christie of Halifax is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court today charged with attempted theft. He is also charged with break and enter, theft and mischief in regards to an unrelated incident which occurred on March 1.

Halifax Regional Police reminds citizens that thefts from vehicles are generally a crime of opportunity, with the sight of valuables being a temptation for would-be thieves. It is recommended that such items not be left in your car. If it is absolutely necessary to leave items in your car, they should be locked in the trunk out of plain view before arriving at your destination.

March Traffic Unit Update

In their continued effort to address road safety issues and educate citizens on the rules of the road, the HRP/RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit will focus on daytime running lights and cell phones during the month of March.

On April 1, 2008 hand-held cell phone use and text messaging while driving became prohibited, and on April 13, 2009 it became mandatory for all vehicles in Nova Scotia to use daytime running lights. Both of these changes are aimed at helping to keep our roadways safe.

In February, the Unit’s focus was tinted windows and suspended drivers. They wrote 1,198 tickets during the month, including 32 for tinted windows and nine for driving while suspended.

A man faces charges in connection with an investigation into thefts from vehicles.

As a result of the investigation into thefts from vehicle, members of the West Quick Response Unit arrested a man without incident last night at 11:09 p.m. . The three thefts occurred this year in the Clayton Park area and officers were able to identify a suspect which led to the recovery of stolen items. Twenty-seven-year-old Joseph Edward Hunt was scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court today charged with three counts of possession of stolen property.

Thefts from vehicles are generally a crime of opportunity, with the sight of valuables being a temptation for would-be thieves. It is recommended that such items not be left in your car. If it is absolutely necessary to leave items in your car, they should be locked in the trunk out of plain view before arriving at your destination.

Police are providing information to all citizens of Nova Scotia, particularly those residing in Halifax Regional Municipality, about a sexual offender living in our community.

Thirty-eight-year-old Benjamin Andrew Poulette has been released from a federal penitentiary after serving time for sexual assault. Poulette has multiple convictions dating back to 1992 which include sex related offences. He has been professionally assessed as a high risk to re-offend in a sexual manner.

It is believed that Poulette may access social agencies and/or transition houses in HRM and may visit First Nations communities within Nova Scotia. As part of his release Poulette has been placed on a number of conditions. He is described as aboriginal, medium complexion, 5'7", 159 lbs. with black hair.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO ALERT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF HIS RELEASE INTO THE COMMUNITY. ANY FORM OF VIGILANTE ACTIVITY OR OTHER UNREASONABLE CONDUCT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

One man faces charges after a drug search yesterday evening in Dartmouth.

At 6:14 p.m. officers assigned to the HRP/RCMP Integrated Drug Unit, assisted by East Quick Response Unit officers conducted a search of a residence in the 300 block of Windmill Road. Officers seized a quantity of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia and one man was arrested at the scene without incident.

Forty-three-year-old Harold William Slaunwhite of Dartmouth is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court today charged with drug trafficking.

One man faces charges after a drug search yesterday evening in Dartmouth.

At 6:14 p.m. officers assigned to the HRP/RCMP Integrated Drug Unit, assisted by East Quick Response Unit officers conducted a search of a residence in the 300 block of Windmill Road. Officers seized a quantity of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia and one man was arrested at the scene without incident.

Forty-three-year-old Harold William Slaunwhite of Dartmouth is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court today charged with drug trafficking.

Charges Laid in Robbery

A man faces charges in connection with a robbery in Halifax yesterday evening.

At 7:15 p.m. police responded to a robbery at Lawtons Drugs on Duffus Street. Staff reported that a man entered the store and demanded drugs from an employee. The male fled the store and was pursued by a security guard. The suspect produced a knife and was able to get away. Officers assigned to the HRP/RCMP Integrated General Investigative Section arrested a man without incident at approximately 12 a.m.

Thirty-eight-year-old Steven James McSween of Halifax is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court today to face charges of robbery, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon.

Reminder to Secure Residence

Halifax Regional Police reminds the public to keep doors and windows locked.

As part of our Community Response Model of Policing, our Integrated Criminal Operations Section, which analyzes crime statistics, has noted a trend in break and enters in the western half of peninsular Halifax. Since Christmas, there have been sixteen incidents where residences have been broken into and items stolen. In most cases doors have been left unlocked and the stolen items include, but are not limited to, laptops, musical instruments, video games and other electronic devices.

Where most of these incidents involved insecure homes, they are crimes of opportunity.
Halifax Regional Police reminds citizens that keeping your doors and windows locked will act as a deterrent for anyone looking to gain entry.

Anyone observing suspicious activity should report it to police immediately at 490-5020. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Halifax Regional Police at 490-5016. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Police Investigating Weapons Complaint

The Halifax Regional Police/RCMP General Investigation Section is investigating a weapons complaint which occurred early this morning in Dartmouth.

At 4:50 a.m. a newspaper delivery person was in the area of Victoria Road when he was approached by a man and threatened with a gun. The suspect ran off and the victim was able to leave the area unharmed. The suspect is described as a white male, 35-years-old, 5'5", 143 lbs., with brown hair, thin mustache and a partial goatee. At the time of the incident he was wearing black track pants and a green military style winter jacket.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Halifax Regional Police at 490-5016. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Police Investigating Indecent Act

Halifax Regional Police is investigating an indecent act which occurred Saturday morning in Halifax.

A male pedestrian called police at 7:18 a.m. after he witnessed a man pull down his pants and begin to touch himself while watching a female pedestrian on Yukon Street. The witness yelled at the man who took off running between the houses and was able to flee the area. The suspect is described as 6', approximately 200 lbs. wearing a ski mask, grey hoody and jeans.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 490-5016. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Volunteers Credited with Arrest

Two volunteers with the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Burnside Patrol are credited with an arrest of a man in connection with a break and enter.

On Saturday at 10:43 p.m. two volunteers working the HRP Burnside Patrol came across a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Ilsley Avenue. While they were checking the vehicle, they observed a person running from the area. Patrol officers responded and based on the description and information provided by the volunteers, arrested a man without incident a short distance away. Officers determined that a secure compound had been entered and wheels from a vehicle had been removed. A 23-year-old Lawrencetown man is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on April 13, to face charges of break and enter and possession of break in tools.

Volunteers play an important role in implementing HRP’s crime reduction strategy. Their dedication to the community often goes unrecognized but their knowledge of the area and quick thinking were instrumental to the success of this case. Anyone interested in volunteering with HRP is asked to call 490-6976.