MOUNT FOREST – On Oct. 6 at about 1:05pm Wellington County OPP responded to a residential break-in on Fergus Street north here.
Police say that sometime between 8:30am and 1pm someone forced open the rear door of a home and stole a quantity of jewelry, some of it antique.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.
Tractor theft
MOUNT FOREST – Wellington County OPP recently received a report of a theft from a tractor dealership on Sligo Road West here.
Police say that at about 1:30am Oct. 2 people stole two new tractors valued at over $100,000 combined.
The tractors are both blue, New Holland models; one a Workmaster 75 and the other a Boomer 40.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at www.csgw.tips.
Cybercrime awareness
ORILLIA – OPP officials warn that cybercriminals continue to exploit human and technological vulnerabilities, leading to billions of dollars lost to cybercrime every year.
“As digital technology advances, the cyber realm becomes easier for criminals to exploit and extort victims,” states an OPP press release, which notes phishing and ransomware are two types of cybercrime.
Phishing targets victims by simulating a legitimate message from a bank, government department or some other organization, in an attempt to get confidential information that can be used for criminal purposes.
A ransomware attack occurs when a cybercriminal infects a victim’s computer systems with malware that encrypts the data on those systems making them inaccessible and unusable. Cybercriminals will then demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
Suspected victims of phishing or ransomware, or any digital or online cybercrime, can contact a local police service or local OPP detachment, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or p3tips.com.
Suspended from driving
MONKTON – On Oct. 7, a North Perth OPP officer was on patrol for the “Big Four” – reducing alcohol or drug impaired driving; speeding, distracted driving; and failure to use seatbelts.
Police say an officer observed a vehicle travelling on Road 164, north of Monkton and conducted a traffic stop.
Further investigation revealed the driver was currently suspended from driving.
Michael Phillip, 52, of Harriston, was arrested and charged with driving while under suspension, driving a vehicle with no currently-validated permit, and speeding.
He is to appear in Stratford court on Nov. 26.
The vehicle was towed and impounded.
