March 3, 2015
1883
CHECK ON DRIVER RESULTS IN DRUG SEIZURE
(SOUTH HURON, ON) – A Goderich resident is facing a drug possession charge after he was stopped by police March 1.
Shortly after 10 a.m., a Huron County OPP officer spotted a grey Hyundai parked on the east shoulder of London Road (Highway 4) just north of Exeter. The vehicle had visible front-end damage so the officer checked on the driver and vehicle to ensure everything was okay.
Upon speaking with the male driver, the investigating officer detected the odour of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Also, in plain view, the officer observed a quantity of marijuana lying on the floor near the driver. A search of the driver and the vehicle was conducted, leading police to ultimately seize a quantity of marijuana.
As a result, 30-year-old Matthew PRITCHARD of Goderich has been charged with Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Marijuana). He was released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for April 23, at the Ontario Court of Justice – Exeter.
*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*
MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH
(ORILLIA, ON) – Every year thousands of Canadians are victimized and millions of dollars are lost through the many forms of fraud, according to members of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch.
At a media conference in Orillia Tuesday, March 3, OPP deputy commissioner Scott Tod and RCMP inspector Cameron Miller of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC; formerly Phonebusters), launched Fraud Prevention Month by outlining the latest criminal trends and many harmful aspects of fraud and victimization. They also encouraged the public to participate in social media conversations to access tips and other resources to identify and report fraud using #dontbeavictim #fraudprevention and #OPPtips.
“The impact of all fraudulent activities is staggering," says Tod. "Whether it's senior citizens bilked out of their life savings or young people stripped of their assets and starting over, the harm caused by fraud is real and significant.”
“Perpetrators of fraud prey upon many segments of our population, especially the most vulnerable," says inspector Mike Bickerton, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch. "The money taken is used to fuel other illegal activities, further victimizing the unsuspecting victims.”
The CAFC reports that 66 per cent of all Canadian-based ‘mass marketing fraud’ (MMF) scams in 2014 occurred to victims on-line via the Internet or E-mail, while another 20 per cent occurred by telephone. In all, 13,701 victims of mass marketing fraud lost just under $69-million last year – higher than in 2013. The majority of victims were between 50 and 70 years of age.
Fraud can destroy the trust and honest relationships upon which our economy and financial markets are built. A single serious fraud can cause a “ripple effect” that erodes trust in the Canadian economy and results in losses that run well over $1-billion. Although they often feel embarrassment and shame, victims play a key role in fraud investigations. Sadly, as few as five per cent take the time to report fraud which could, in turn, prevent further harm and victimization to their families, neighbours and any on-line contacts.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on-line at https://www.tipsubmit.com/ .
FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.
LEARN MORE
OPP – March is Fraud Prevention Month
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – click here
Related Stories
No related stories.