SEPT. 25 – Another week and another Prince Edward County resident has been defrauded out of thousands of dollars. The OPP  cannot apparently remind us enough: please be cautious of any request for money or information.

This time someone lost over $15,000 to a “bank investigator” fraud. The victim said they got a call from someone who claimed to be a fraud investigator at their bank. The “investigator” said the victim’s identity had been compromised and that the identity thief was an employee at his bank. The “investigator” then directed the victim of the supposed identity theft to deposit over $15,000 into a Bitcoin Teller Machine. And they did.

“Remember, legitimate agencies will never pressure you for information over the phone or demand money immediately,” said PC Aaron Miller.

SEPT. 26 – Assault charges were laid after an incident in a parking lot in Picton on September 26 at 7 p.m.. Officers received a report of a suspicious person near George Wright Boulevard and another individual was assaulted. With the assistance of the East Region Canine Unit, officers arrived and took Jesse Hanna, 34, of PEC into custody. He was reportedly aggressive toward officers and caused damage to detachment cells. Mr. Hanna was charged with assault, assaulting a police officer, and two counts of mischief. He is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 15.

SEPT. 29 –  Prince Edward OPP issued an update in regards to the so-called “Bonnie and Clyde” on a crime spree throughout Eastern Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick this summer. Members of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit investigated 42 incidents of vehicle theft, commercial break and enters, and arson and have charged the two. Reported vehicle thefts include personal water craft, RVs and other trailers. The occurrences spanned all of East Region and included several thefts from local residents and businesses. Police say attempts were made to stop the pair. A vehicle operated by the duo was located, abandoned and on fire.

Tyler McPherson, 25, of no fixed address and Lisa Laviolette, 38, from Nectaux Falls, Nova Scotia have been charged with a combined 68 criminal charges. Both  were held for a bail hearing. McPherson has since been released on conditions that include residing outside Ontario.

Prince Edward OPP reminds everyone to secure their vehicles. All stolen vehicles had been left unlocked with the keys in them.

-Staff