Media Release
(BRUCE AND GREY COUNTIES, ON) – Human Trafficking is a crime that affects communities across Canada. Did you know that this includes Grey and Bruce Counties?
The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Grey-Bruce OPP and the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee are partnering with the Municipality of Kincardine the Municipality of Grey Highlands to raise awareness on this crime that is so devastating for the victims.
Motorists will see “It Could Happen To Me” “#KnowHumanTrafficking” awareness signs posted in the Municipality of Kincardine and the Municipality of Grey Highlands.
Stats:
· 2/3’s of all Canadian reported human trafficking cases occur in Ontario.
· 90% of victims are female.
· Average victim age is 17.
· $280,000 per year for each victim forced into prostitution.
A sex trafficker will control every aspect of the trafficked person’s life: when they eat, when they sleep, what they wear, who they talk to.
The person being trafficked, and those they encounter may not understand that a crime is taking place.
Indicators of sexual exploitation:
· Tattoos or branding by a trafficker to show ownership.
· Substance abuse disorder as a method of control.
· Having multiple cellphones, or a cellphone with tracking or screen mirroring applications installed.
· Scars or injuries from abuse.
· Someone else speaks for the trafficked person.
· No control over their money.
· Having new jewelry, clothing, or other expensive items they cannot afford to buy.
Human trafficking is NOT just a big city issue, it is here in rural Ontario. A victim of human trafficking will not see any escape from “the game.” They are dependent upon us to help, here are some signs that a person is being trafficked:
· Fearful, anxious, nervous of police.
· Refusing to provide any information or provides false information.
· Cannot tell you where they live, not even an address.
· Cannot identify their location or their upcoming destination.
· Travelling with limited or no baggage.
· Dressed inappropriately for the weather or situation.
· Not in possession of money or their identification.
· Presence of sex products such as toys, lubricants, condoms.
· Shows signs of abuse, malnourished, sleep deprived.
· Signs of frequent travel: motel receipts/key cards, fast food wrappers, gas receipts, rental car information.
Factors specific to Grey-Bruce:
· Geographic isolation.
· Tourism – particularly port towns, Tobermory, Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Kincardine.
· Direct line into and out of the city. Hwy 21, Hwy 6, Hwy 10, County Road 86, County Road 4
The South Bruce OPP and the Grey-Bruce OPP are requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN CHARGES
(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual following an intimate partner violence investigation in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.
On August 16th, 2023, at approximately 10:06 p.m., the Grey Bruce OPP responded to a report of a disturbance in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.
The Grey Bruce OPP have charged a 58-year-old from the Township of Georgian Bluffs with:
-Assault
-Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound at a later date.
Victims of domestic violence are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth at 1-866-376-9852.
The OPP can be reached at anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.
If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 911.
FIVE FRAUDS IN TWO DAYS
(GREY BRUCE, ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want residents to remain vigilant as the OPP received five fraud calls in two days.
On August 16, 2023, at 10:24 a.m., an individual reported that they sent $900 to an ecommerce investment company. The victim tried to contact the company but now the website has been shut down.
On August 16, 2023, at 6:17 p.m., an individual purchased concert tickets through an online shop and e-transferred $150 to the seller. The seller is no longer communicating with the buyer.
On August 17, 2023, at 8:31 a.m., an individual invested in Elon Musk’s Super Computers and sent $2000 to the company. The company is no longer communicating with the buyer.
On August 17, 2023, at 10:13 a.m. an individual reported identity theft when a loan was taken out in the victim’s name.
On August 17, 2023, at 10:47 a.m. an individual purchased an item online, but the received product was not as described.
To prevent frauds:
-If something sounds too good to be true, or if something seems off, it is probably a scam.
-Don’t send money until you have physically seen the item and tested it.
-Do your research on investments to ensure the company you are investing with is legitimate.
-Shred all documents which have your information on them (name, date of birth, address, phone number, social insurance number).
There is no magic to preventing frauds. Trust your instincts, not the stranger at your door or on the phone.
If you think you have spotted a scam or have been targeted by a scam, there are several government and law enforcement agencies that you can contact for advice or to make a report.
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, www.antifraudcentre.ca
• The Competition Bureau’s Information Centre, www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
• Office of Consumer Affairs, www.consumerhandbook.ca
• Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org
• Canada Revenue Agency, www.cra-arc.gc.ca
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED TO THE FOOD DRIVE
(WIARTON ON) – The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and members of the Grey Bruce OPP Auxiliary Unit would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated to the food drive.
On Saturday August 12, 2023, the Grey Bruce OPP Auxiliary Unit conducted a food drive held at Foodland in Wiarton resulting in the Grey Bruce OPP Auxiliary Unit collecting $230.00 and 2000 pounds of food which will be provided to the Wiarton Salvation Army.
The OPP would like to thank Wiarton Foodland for all their help in making this food drive a success.
The local foodbank was very thankful for the donations.
