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BPS Investigate Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

Aug 29, 2020

Incident # 20-33478
 
On Saturday, August 29, 2020, at approximately 2:50 a.m. Brantford Police Service responded to a single motor vehicle collision in the area of Brant Avenue, Ava Road and Parkside Drive. A 21 year old male from Brantford was fatally injured in the collision.
 
The Brantford Police Service notified the province’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU), which invoked its mandate. As such, Brantford Police Service will be unable to provide further information. 
 
As a result of the investigation, the accident scene has been cleared however, lane reductions are temporarily in place on Brant Ave. Additionally, until bridge repairs can be completed, the roadway under the bridge at Ava Road is closed to traffic.
 "Together we can build a Stronger and Safer Community”

23-year-old male Charged with Intoxicated Operation of a Golf Cart on Wayne Gretzky Parkway

Aug 23, 2020

Incident 20-32493
BRANTFORD, ON – On Saturday, August 22, 2020 at approximately 7:00pm, Brantford Police received a call regarding a driving complaint.  A concerned citizen observed a male driving a golf cart northbound on Wayne Gretzky Parkway at Henry Street.  The driver was observed by the citizen to have what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage in his hand.

Community Patrol Officers attended to the area where they were able to locate the golf cart and driver travelling northbound on Wayne Gretzky Parkway at Lynden Road.  Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop of the golf cart where they spoke with the driver. Officers observed signs of intoxication and an open alcohol container. 

The driver was given a demand for a roadside screening device. The driver failed the roadside screening device, was arrested and transported in order to provide samples of his breath as required by law. The samples provided were over double the legal limit.

As a result of the investigation, a 23 year old male from Brantford was charged with 80 Plus under the Criminal Code and driving a motor vehicle with open container of liquor under the Liquor License Act. His license was suspended for 90 days.
                                             

BPS Seek to Identify Arson Suspects

Aug 21, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON -  Between August 10th and August 21, 2020 Brantford Police Service and Brantford Fire were dispatched to attend two residential fires on Mohawk Street and three fires at a location on Eagle Ave.
 
On Monday, August 10, 2020 at approximately 1:22 pm, the rear deck of a Mohawk Street residence was found to be on fire. On Thursday, August 20, 2020 at approximately 6:04 am, the side of the same residence was found on fire.
 
On Thursday, August 13, 2020 at approximately 9:40 am, a motor vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence on Eagle Avenue was found on fire.  On Friday, August 14, 2020 at approximately 5:41 am, the front porch of the same residence was found to be on fire. At approximately 7:18 am on Friday, August 21, 2020, a motor vehicle was found on fire at the same residence.
 
All of the fires were quickly controlled and resulted in minor property damage. Police have reason to believe the fires were deliberately set and are working to identify suspects seen in the area. The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect #1 – Eagle Avenue:
Male, average height and build, wearing a black baseball cap, blue and white checkered long sleeved shirt, Khaki pants, dark shoes with a white sole and a white coloured bandana covering his face. 
Suspect #2 – Mohawk Street:
Male, heavyset build, approximately 5’10”, wearing a Champion brand dark hooded sweatshirt, dark coloured shorts, DC style skateboard shoes and a bandana covering his face.  The suspect left the scene in what is believed to be a newer model 4-dr Hyundai. 

Brantford Police - Major Crimes Unit are investigating these incidents and would like to speak with anyone who may have further information or could help identify the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 or Brantford-Brant Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID251  

BPS Launches Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zone

Aug 17, 2020

The Brantford Police Service is pleased to provide residents with a Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zone, located in the front parking lot of the station, 344 Elgin Street. 

Many people are becoming victims of robberies, thefts and fraud targeted by people they meet online. Whether buying or selling, the public is invited to use our Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zone. These two parking spaces have been designated as a Safe Exchange Zone in an effort to increase public safety and reduce crime by giving people a safer place to meet when making transactions with strangers. 

For additional peace of mind, these spaces are located close to the front entrance of the station and in view of our existing surveillance video.  
Safety Tips
Two things to keep in mind when buying or selling an item from a stranger: 
  1. Make sure that the item you are purchasing is exactly the item you were expecting.
  2. Check your money. Make sure that you check to ensure you are receiving the correct amount and that it is not counterfeit. 
Red Flag: If you suggest to meet at one of the BPS Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zones, and the other party refuses; consider this to be a warning that something may not be right with this transaction.

The Brantford Police Service is committed to enhancing safety for all, by engaging and supporting a unified community. For more information on how to stay safe, please visit:  brantfordpolice.ca 

Know Your Tow - Public Awareness

Aug 11, 2020

In an effort to ensure compliance with legislation and to educate the public on best practices and consumer protection laws, Brantford Police Service is providing the following information to assist consumers in the event they should need their vehicle towed.

Many neighbouring police services have received complaints from motorists who have been charged excessively high fees for towing their vehicles after collisions or to have their vehicles released from storage yards. Other reports received include drivers feeling pressured to pay cash for services or being required to sign fraudulent paperwork

Brantford Police Service is encouraging drivers to know their rights under Ontario law. To reduce uncertainty and potentially uncomfortable roadside situations, we advise drivers refer to the CAA Towing Bill of Rights.

Towing Bill of Rights:

  1. You have the right to decide who can tow your vehicle and to what location (unless otherwise directed by police).
  2. A "permission to tow” form must be signed before towing starts, unless you have an auto club membership.
  3. The towing company must provide you with an itemized invoice before receiving payment.
  4. The final bill cannot be more than 10% above the quoted price.
  5. If you choose, you have the right to pay by credit card.
  6. During business hours, you can access your vehicle to get your personal items, while it is stored at a towing facility.
  7. A tow operator must notify you where your vehicle will be towed.
  8. Tow operators must disclose if they are receiving a financial incentive for towing your vehicle to a particular vehicle storage facility or repair shop.

To protect yourself, Brantford Police Service offer the following tips:

  • Know what your insurance policy covers. See if you have roadside assistance coverage and what the limits are. If you have been in a collision, find out how your car insurance company handles towing and how much your insurer will cover.
  • Call your insurance company for direction on tow companies, repairs and car rentals.
  • Don’t let a towing operator take your vehicle until you view a Government of Ontario Towing Consumer Bill of Rights. You should be shown a towing and storage rate sheet listing towing fees, daily storage fees (if any), and all other miscellaneous charges.
  • You are entitled to a receipt for tow services rendered.
  • Decline offers to store your vehicle in a tow compound unless directed by your insurer.
  • Make sure that the company name on the tow truck matches the documentation and do not agree to a demand for cash payment to release your vehicle without consulting your insurance company first
  • Never sign a blank contract.
  • Do not give out your insurance information to the tow operator. Some fraudulent tow operators will use this information for additional scams, like calling the victim and pretending to be their insurer or providing it to a health practitioner.

If you suspect fraud or if the tow truck driver refuses to leave, call the police.

What is "chasing” in the tow truck industry?

"Chasers” in the tow truck industry listen to radio scanners and rush to accident scenes. They will often use high-pressure, fraudulent tactics to obtain business from motorists.

For example, one tactic consumers should be aware of is the work order bait and switch. In this situation, a motorist is asked to sign forms believed to be an authorization to tow, only to later realize they have signed a work order. The vehicle is then towed to a shop and held until the services are paid for. If payment cannot be made, or the insurer refuses to pay, the repair shop is authorized to sell the vehicle under the Repair and Storage Liens Act. Some "chasers” have arrangements with dishonest body shops to receive payment for these actions.    

Always read every document you sign and NEVER sign a blank contract.    

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION

  • Drivers should contact their insurance company and record the following important details that may be needed to file a police report or insurance claim:
  • Location, date and time of collision
  • Other vehicle(s) involved – make, model and license plate number
  • Name and driver’s license of other driver(s)
  • Name of insurance company and policy #

CALL THE POLICE IF:

  • Someone is injured
  • You think the other driver may be guilty of a Criminal Code offence, such as impaired driving
  • You suspect you’re the victim of a staged collision
  • There is damage over $2000
  • There is damage to public or private property
  • The other driver fails to remain at the scene

If it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road. If you can’t drive your vehicle, turn your hazard lights on or use warning triangles or flares. Taking photos at the scene with your cellphone, if safe to do so, is a good idea.

Additional Information:

Consumer Protection Act General Rules for Towing: 

www.ontario.ca/page/guide-towing-and-vehicle-storage-service-providers#section-2

Financial Service Commission of Ontario:

www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/brochures/Pages/brochure_scamtips.aspx

Anyone with concerns regarding illegally operating tow-trucks can report them to the Brantford Police Service online at www.brantfordpolice.caor 519-756-7050. Anonymous information can be submitted by contacting Brantford-Brant Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822-TIPS (8477).

BPS Investigate Double Fatality Motor Collision

Aug 7, 2020

Incident # 20-30217
The Brantford Police Service – Traffic Unit is investigating a serious motor vehicle collision located at Shellard Lane and Conklin Road and are appealing for witnesses.  

On Friday, August 7, 2020 at approximately 5:30 p.m. Brantford Police Service responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a motor vehicle collision on Shellard Lane and Conklin Drive.  A motor vehicle and a city bus had been involved in a collision.  Community Patrol Officers attended to and investigated the collision.  At the time of the investigation two occupants from the motor vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

The BPS-Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate this incident and are asking anyone who may have witnessed or has any information relating to this investigation to contact Brantford Police at 519-756-7050. 

As the investigation is in the very early stages, additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Public Awareness - Drug Risk Awareness

Aug 4, 2020

Earlier this afternoon, the Brantford Police Service assisted Emergency Medical Services in regards to suspected drug overdoses which are believed to be as a result of drugs being mixed with suspected Fentanyl.

The Brantford Police Service is asking that the community be made aware of these occurrences and risks of drug use. Please use caution when using any type of drug that is not prescribed to you. If you are a new drug user you are particularly at risk should you use drugs that may be cut with or contain Fentanyl.

If you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose, call 9-1-1- immediately. If available give the person Naloxone. Naloxone is an emergency medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone, morphine. You can give naloxone while you wait for emergency services to arrive. Remember naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose but it can wear off before the person has completely recovered. Always call 9-1-1 and be treated by Emergency Medical Services. If you yourself have taken drugs or have drugs on you, the Good Samaritan Law can protect you.

While the BPS advises against using illicit drugs, people who choose to use them should:
  • Never use alone
  • Start with a small amount
  • Do not mix substances, including alcohol, as it increases risk of overdose
  • Call 911 right away if they think someone is overdosing
  • Make a plan and know how to respond in case of an overdose
  • Use where help is easily available
  • Be prepared to give breaths and/or administer Naloxone until help arrives. Have a kit accessible at all times and KNOW how to use it.
 
Know the signs of an overdose:
  • Can’t stay awake
  • No strength or energy
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Gurgling or snoring sounds
  • Lips and/or fingernails blue or purple
  • Non-responsive to shouting
 
For more information please visit www.FentanylCanKill.ca
 
If you have information about suspected drug activity please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519- 756-7050.  Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251