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October Media Releases

October 21, 2009

Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
For Immediate Release

Debit Card Skimming Investigation

The Winnipeg Police Service Commercial Crime Unit is currently investigation a debit card skimming operation at a number of businesses throughout Winnipeg.

The initial investigation has revealed that pin-pads were compromised by the suspects and information belonging to persons paying for their purchases using the pin-pads was collected. The information has since been used by the suspects to conduct a number of fraudulent transactions in Eastern Canada.

The affected businesses and financial institutions are working cooperatively with the Winnipeg Police Service to assist with the investigation.

The investigation is in its initial stages and involves hundreds of victims. It is anticipated that it will take several months for investigators to gather the necessary information to complete their investigation. No further information will be available for a significant period of time.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized in this fashion is asked to contact their financial institution.

Additional information on how to protect yourself against debit and credit card fraud is available on the Winnipeg Police Service website

Additional information for business owners and retail managers is also available at http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/crime_prevention/business/

The Commercial Crime Unit has launched an awareness campaign for Retail Outlet Owners, Managers and Employees concerning debit and credit card fraud. Read the Project Protect Tip Sheets.

Fraud Investigation

The Winnipeg Police Service Commercial Crime Unit is currently working with Manitoba Hydro and other government agencies regarding a former Manitoba Hydro employee fraudulently accessing customer information. Investigators have learned that the suspect in the matter was employed after using stolen identity. It is believed the suspect accessed the information with the intention of obtaining fraudulent credit cards.

A suspect who has since fled the province has been identified. The investigation is continuing and no further information regarding the investigation is available at this time.

Missing Person - Nicole HOULE - Located

The Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 16 year old missing female. Nicole HOULE was last seen on October 18, 2009 in the North End of Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg Police Service considers HOULE to be a child in need of protection as she is at high risk of being exploited or victimized and investigators are concerned for her well-being.

HOULE is described as Aboriginal in appearance, 5’6” tall, weighs 140 pounds and has a medium build, dark shoulder length hair and brown eyes.

HOULE is believed to be in the company of Thunder BELANGER. Belanger is 21 years of age, Aboriginal in appearance, 5’10” tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has a thin build. BELANGER is currently WANTED on a Warrant of Arrest by police.

Anyone with information regarding HOULE’S whereabouts is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250.

Public Advisory - Commercial Bank Deposits

The Winnipeg Police Service Division 11 Crime Unit is currently investigating reports of persons attempting to steal commercial bank deposits from unsuspecting employees using night depositories.

The suspects target businesses which make their own daily deposits. It is believed they familiarize themselves with the businesses and employee routines prior to the deposits being made. They then use a variety of distraction technique to lure the unsuspecting victims away from their vehicle and steal the deposit bags out of the vehicle.

It appears the suspects operate in groups of 3 or 4 persons and may involve persons from out of province. Suspect descriptions are not available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects or the incidents is asked to contact investigators at 986-6668 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477),

Police would like to remind all business owners and employees to remain vigilant when using deposit boxes for their daily deposits.

It is recommended that employees travel in pairs and transport the deposits directly to the financial institution without making any stops and routines should be changed regularly to avoid being targeted by more sophisticated crime groups. Employees should pay attention to patrons frequenting their place of business and report any suspicious persons or activities to their supervisors.

Additional safety tips are available at http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/tblofcontents/crimeprevention.stm

Missing Person - Jessica CROUCH-SINCLAIR - Located

The Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 16 year old missing female. Jessica CROUCH-SINCLAIR was last seen on October 15, 2009 at approximately 4:00 p.m. in the south-east area of the city.

CROUCH-SINCLAIR is described as Métis, 5’5” tall with a thin build, weighs approximately 100 pounds, has medium length brown hair and hazel eyes and has a prominent dimple in her left cheek.

Investigators believe that CROUCH-SINCLAIR may be in the company of a 20 year old male acquaintance identified as Bradley Kenneth JONES.

CROUCH-SINCLAIR is considered at high risk of being exploited, victimized and is easily influenced. She is known to frequent the St. Vital Mall area and north of that location near St. Anne’s Road and Fermor Avenue.

Anyone with information regarding Jessica CROUCH-SINCLAIR’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250.

Missing Person - Thomas Gregory HAWLEY

The Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 58 year old missing male. Thomas Gregory HAWLEY was last seen at the end of March 2009 and is known to frequent hotels in the Osborne Village and downtown areas of the city.

HAWLEY is described as

Caucasian, 5’10” tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has medium length grey hair, a grey goatee, and brown eyes. HAWLEY also has a crooked right pinky finger.

Anyone with information regarding HAWLEY’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250.

Missing Person - Cheyenne CATCHEWAY - Located

The Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 13 year old missing female. Cheyanne CATCHEWAY was last seen just before 2:00 p.m. on October 21, 2009 in the area of Broadway and Sherbrook Street.

CATCHEWAY is a considered at high risk of being exploited or victimized and investigators are concerned for her immediate well-being.

CATCHEWAY is described as Aboriginal in appearance, 5’5” tall, weighs 110 pounds and has short black or dark brown hair usually worn in a ponytail and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hoody with “Roots” written across the front, white “skater” type running shoes and blue jeans.

Anyone with information regarding CATCHEWAY’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 986-6250 or the non-emergency line at 986-6222.