News

BPS issuing auto theft awareness reminder

Nov 16, 2023

The Brantford Police Service are issuing an auto theft awareness reminder to the public regarding a vehicle theft trend previously reported in the City of Brantford. This trend, while only one method utilized by criminals to steal vehicles, is known as "Relay and Reprogramming” technology. In an effort to increase awareness to help make vehicles more secure and less attractive to thieves, we are issuing a reminder.

Reports indicate that the vehicles targeted by relay and reprogramming technology are newer model, high-end vehicles with keyless entry and push start technology. The thefts typically occur in the overnight hours.

While not all motor vehicle thefts occur using this technology, by increasing awareness, it is the goal of BPS to reduce vehicle thefts. In 2022, 321 vehicles were reported as stolen to the Brantford Police Service. 279 vehicles have been reported stolen to date in 2023.

How does relay vehicle theft work?

The suspect will approach a residence and use technology to find a key fob signal from inside a residence. The technology allows the suspects to remain outside the residence to amplify and transfer the key fob signal in order to unlock, start and steal the vehicle. The theft of the vehicle will typically be undetected until the morning when the owner discovers their vehicle has been stolen and they are still in possession of their key fob.

How does reprogramming vehicle theft work?

The suspects will approach the vehicle and force entry inside. Once inside the vehicle an electronic device is used to access the vehicles diagnostics. The suspects then reprogram a blank key fob so the vehicle can be started and steal the vehicle.

How to protect your vehicle from theft?

Park your vehicle inside a locked and secure garage.
Block the access to the onboard diagnostic port to prevent thieves from reprograming the vehicle’s key fob. (A simple device can be purchased online).
Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft.
Place the vehicle key fob inside a radio frequency shielding bag/pouch to block cell signals when not in use. Inside your residence and in a purse or pocket.
Consider equipping your vehicle with an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker. The tracker may assist police in locating the vehicle and/or suspects.
Ensure all keys are accounted for and never left in the vehicle or unattended.
Lock your vehicle at all times.
Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
Consider purchasing a surveillance system and ensure the quality and function will capture any suspicious activity for a 24-hour period.

If you observe suspicious people in your neighborhood, looking into vehicles, we encourage you to report this to police immediately. Doing so will assist investigators to track patterns of criminal behavior and potentially identify suspects.

A crime in-progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1. Any non-emergency incidents can be reported on-line at Brantfordpolice.ca or by calling 519-756-7050.

Additionally, information can be provided anonymously to Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community

BPS traffic unit investigate single fatality on Erie Avenue

Nov 3, 2023

23-049453

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Services were dispatched to attend a serious double motor vehicle collision at the Cockshutt Bridge located on Erie Avenue.

A 65-year-old male, non-resident of Brantford, was transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Erie Avenue at the Cockshutt Bridge was closed for several hours during the investigation as members from the collision reconstruction unit processed the collision scene.

This investigation is active and ongoing. The Brantford Police Traffic Unit would like to speak with anyone that has further information regarding this incident.

Witnesses are asked to contact Brantford Police Service at 519-732-7050 ext. 2285 or by email balexander@police.brantford.on.ca

Additionally, individuals who would like to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/

Brantford Police mascot naming contest underway!

Nov 2, 2023

Calling all creative minds! The Brantford Police Service (BPS) is looking for your help to name our loveable new mascot. Can you think of the perfect name for our friendly, furry, crime fighting companion? Now is the time to submit your name suggestions! Our naming contest is open to all elementary school-aged children in Brantford.

We are looking for a catchy crime fighting name that is distinctive to our community and the Brantford Police Service.

The top name suggestions will move on to our ‘Mascot Naming Team’ who will make the big decision and announce a winning submission at the end of November.

The winner will be recognized as the person who named our new mascot with additional surprises in the works!

All interested children are invited to visit www.brantfordpolice.ca to submit their entry by Thursday, November 16, 2023, by 4:00 p.m.

BPS can’t wait to officially introduce our new mascot! Good luck and have fun!

UPDATE: BPS continue to investigate assaults, seek public information

Nov 2, 2023

23-48408

The Brantford Police Service continue to investigate two assaults and are seeking additional suspect information from the public.

The following photos are being released in the hopes that information from the public will help to identify the persons of interest.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Jason Sinning at 519-756-7050 ext. 2329.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/

October 30, 2023

BPS continue to investigate assaults, seek public information

The Brantford Police Service continue to investigate two assaults and are seeking additional suspect information from the public.

On Friday, October 27, 2023, at approximately 5:40 a.m., it was reported that two unknown male suspects assaulted a female victim in Victoria Park, located at Market Street and Darling Street.

The victim was transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries sustained as a result of the assault.

Immediately following this incident, at the corner of Market Street and Darling Street, the same suspects are believed to have assaulted a male victim by allegedly sprayed the victim with mace.

The male suspects were reported to have fled the scene when they were picked up by a 2003-2009 white, 4-door, Lincoln Town Car, with tinted windows.

The suspects have been described to police as follows:

Suspect 1 – Male, wearing dark-coloured clothing, no additional suspect details available

Suspect 2 – Male, wearing dark-coloured clothing, no additional suspect details available

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Police are asking any members of the public who reside close to or were near the location of the incident, and who have not already done so, to review any video surveillance footage which may have captured the suspects. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Jason Sinning at 519-756-7050 ext. 2329.

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community

Brantford police remind residents to lock unattended vehicles

Oct 30, 2023

An increase in reports received Saturday, October 28, 2023, to advise of vehicle break and enters in the area of Davidson Court and Thomas Avenue have prompted the Brantford Police Service to issue an important reminder for residents to ensure vehicles are locked when unattended.

Reports received indicate various items such as clothing and money had been reported stolen from vehicles. Additionally, thieves caused significant damage to the vehicles in the process.

At this time, the Brantford Police Service would like to remind residents that an unlocked vehicle can be an easy target. There are preventive steps that you can take to help protect yourself:

Take a few extra seconds to secure your vehicle
Never leave valuables or cash in the vehicle
Store items in your trunk or take them inside with you
Park your vehicle in a garage or in a well-lit, highly visible area
Purchase and utilize a faraday box or pouch to protect against relay and reprogramming vehicle theft
Make copies of important vehicle documentation i.e., insurance slips/ownership
Report suspicious activity. If you notice suspicious people or behaviours around parked vehicles, call police.

If you do find yourself the victim of theft of items from your vehicle, be sure to file a report with police. If you observe suspicious people in your neighborhood, looking into vehicles, we encourage you to report this to police immediately. When these crimes are reported, it helps to identify areas that may be frequently targeted and enables officers to increase proactive patrols.

To file a report, call the station at 519-756-0113 and speak with an officer or, you can report the occurrence online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/online-reporting A crime in-progress can be reported by calling 9-1-1

This reminder is even more important as we approach the holiday season. Please take necessary precautions to combat this type of theft. Together, we can create a safer community.

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community

BPS seeking witnesses of collision

Oct 30, 2023

23-48502

The Brantford Police Service are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed a collision that occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2023, in the area of West Street and Burnley Avenue.

A vehicle was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to hospital, where, despite receiving life-saving efforts, they succumbed to injuries.

The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene.

This investigation is ongoing.

Any witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage of the collision, are asked to contact Constable Brian LEE at 519-756-0113 ext. 2820.

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community

CRIME BRIEF: October 27, 2023

Oct 27, 2023

Type: Assault
Incident: 23-48175
Location: Memorial Drive and North Park Street

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of an assault involving a weapon in the area of Memorial Drive and North Park Street.

Witnesses reported several youths fighting outside of the location.

Officers attended, located, and arrested the accused youth.

No physical injuries were reported as a result of the assault.

Upon further investigation, officers determined all four of the youths were in violation of various release orders.

As a result, the following youth, who are all residents of Brantford, stand charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

A 14-year-old male stands charged with Failure to Comply with Judicial Release Order
A 13-year-old male stands charged with Breach of Undertaking and Possession of Weapons
A 13-year-old male stands charged with Breach of Undertaking, Possession of Weapons, and Assault
A 16-year-old male stands charged with Possession of Weapons and Failure to Comply with Judicial Release Order

All four accused were held for bail.

The information is being released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Type: Suspicious Person
Incident: 23-48226
Location: Cayuga Street and Mohawk Street

On Monday, October 26, 2023, at approximately 12:50 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of a suspicious person in the area of Cayuga Street and Mohawk Street.

Witnesses reported that the accused allegedly created a dangerous disruption with traffic in the area.

Officers attended and located the accused. During the arrest, the accused initially resisted, and allegedly assaulted arresting officers.

Information received indicated the accused was in violation of a valid Probation Order at the time of the incident.

As a result, a 31-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Assault a Peace Officer X3
Resist Arrest
Obstruct Peace Officer
Probation Order Non-Compliance

The accused was held for bail.

Type: Weapons
Incident: 23-47956
Location: Shellard Lane and Conklin Road

On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at approximately 11:10 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the area of Shellard Lane and Conklin Road for reports of an assault with weapon.

Witnesses reported two female youths were involved in a verbal altercation, which turned violent when one assaulted the other with a knife before attempting to flee the scene.

Officers attended and located the accused. During the arrest, the accused allegedly resisted and assaulted officers.

Search incident to arrest recovered a knife.

As a result, a 17-year-old female youth, who is a resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Assault with Weapon
Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest

The accused was held for bail.

The information is being released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Type: Assault / Road Rage
Incident: 23-47881
Location: King George Road and Powerline Road

On Monday, October 23, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to a parking lot located at King George Road near Powerline Road after receiving a report of an assault involving two women.

A verbal confrontation occurred between the two women, which escalated to become violent when one assaulted the other. The two women were not known to each other.

Minor physical injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Officers attended, located, and arrested the accused.

As a result, a 45-year-old female resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

Assault

Type: Impaired
Incident: 23-47970
Location: Dalhousie Street and Murray Street

On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at approximately 12:10 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the intersection of Dalhousie Street and Murray Street after receiving a report of a possible impaired driver.

Witness reports advised the subject vehicle was travelling in the wrong direction on a one-way street.

Officers attended, located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop.

Speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment.

The accused was arrested and transported for evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert as required by law. The accused refused the demand.

As a result, a 30-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Operation While Impaired - Alcohol and Drugs
Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand

Additionally, the driver’s licence of the accused was suspended, and the vehicle impounded.

CRIME BRIEF: October 24, 2023

Oct 25, 2023

Type: Assault

Incident: 23-47367

Location: North Park Street and Fairview Drive

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, at approximately 9:20 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were performing proactive patrol near the area of North Park Street and Fairview Drive, when they received a report of a physical disturbance involving several youths.

Officers attended and located the accused male youth attempting to leave the area. The male was reported to have assaulted another youth prior to police arriving on scene. The accused refused to comply with officers, initially resisted arrest, assaulting two officers.

A second male youth is alleged to have interfered with the arrest and refused to comply with the arresting officer’s demands.

Further investigation revealed that one of the accused was in violation of a valid release order and was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant.

As a result, a 17-year-old male youth resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act offences:

Assault
Resist Arrest
Assault Police Officer x2
Failure to Comply with Sentence

Additionally, a 15-year-old male youth resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Resist Arrest
Assault Police Officer
Obstruct Police Officer

Both of the accused were held for bail.

The information being released is in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Type: Assault

Incident: 23-47295

Location: Dalhousie Street and Clarence Street

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of an assault at a business in the area of Dalhousie Street and Clarence Street.

Investigation revealed that a man was observed attempting to gain entry to a secure area and was confronted by an employee of the business. When asked to leave, the accused allegedly refused and assaulted the employee.

The victim sustained minor physical injuries as a result of the assault.

Officers attended, located, and arrested the accused.

As a result, a 49-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

Assault

Type: Break and Enter

Incident: 23-47203

Location: West Street and Queen Street

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at approximately 4:20 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of a break and enter in progress at a location near West Street and Queen Street.

A witness reported a male suspect was observed attempting to gain entry to the building.

Officers attended and observed signs of a break and enter. The accused was located exiting the property and was arrested without incident.

As a result, a 27-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Mischief Under $5,000
Break and Enter with Intent

Type: Assault

Incident: 23-47171

Location: Tollgate Road and St. George Street

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend the area of Tollgate Road and St. George Street, after receiving a report of an assault.

An adult reported she had been assaulted by a youth after a verbal disturbance escalated.

As a result, the victim received minor physical injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.

Through investigation, officers located and arrested the accused.

As a result, a 16-year-old female youth, who is a non-resident of Brantford, stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Assault
Assault With a Weapon

The information being released is in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Type: Assault

Incident: 23-47169

Location: Colborne Street

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at approximately 1:00 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to a Colborne Street location, after receiving a report of an assault.

Security officers at the location reported that the accused became aggressive and allegedly assaulted security when ordered to leave the premises.

Officers attended, located, and arrested the accused.

Search incident to arrest located a knife in the possession of the accused.

Further investigation revealed the accused was in violation of a valid Probation Order.

As a result, a 36-year-old male resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Assault
Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
Breach of Probation Order

Type: Assault

Incident: 23-47076

Location: Tollgate Road and Dogwood Drive

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the area of Tollgate Road and Dogwood Drive after receiving a report of an assault involving two youths.

Officers attended and, through investigation, learned that after a brief confrontation, one of the youths was allegedly assaulted.

The victim received medical treatment for the minor physical injuries sustained.

Through investigation, officers located, and arrested the suspect.

As a result, a 15-year-old male youth resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offence:

Assault

The information being released is in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Type: Assault

Incident: 23-46890

Location: Dogwood Street and Magnolia Street

On Monday, October 16, 2023, at approximately 12:40 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a report of an assault occurring in the area of Dogwood Street and Magnolia Street.

Witnesses reported a male, who was concealing his face at the time of the incident, became involved in a verbal altercation with several other youths. This altercation escalated to physical violence, when the accused allegedly sprayed a substance into the victim’s face. Paramedics were called to the scene to provide medical assistance.

Through investigation, officers identified, and arrested the accused. The accused was determined to be in violation of a valid release order at the time of the incident.

As a result, a 17-year-old male youth resident of Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Assault with a Weapon
Weapons Dangerous
Disguise with Intent
Failure to Comply with Release Order

The information being released is in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

BPS continue to investigate injured man, seek public information

Oct 23, 2023

23-47667

The Brantford Police Service continue to investigate after responding to a report of an injured man at a motel located near Colborne Street and Locks Road .

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, at approximately 5:30 a.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving a request to assist emergency medical services who were attending to a non-responsive man.

The man had sustained critical injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.

Investigation is underway to determine the circumstances which caused the injuries.

As the investigation is active and ongoing, information will be provided when possible.

Police are asking any members of the public who reside close to or were near the location of the incident, and who have not already done so, to review any video surveillance footage. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050.

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community

BPS seeking witnesses of collision

Oct 23, 2023

23- 47342

The Brantford Police Service are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed a collision involving a motorcycle that occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2023, in the area of Hardy Road and Paris Road.

Any witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage of the collision, are asked to contact Constable Rob Hall at 519-756-0113 ext. 2844.

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community

BRANTFORD POLICE SERVICE