Both the Barrie Police Service and York Regional Police Service have announced they will stop promoting Crime Stoppers as an avenue to report a crime or submit an anonymous tip. The move comes amid a reported cybersecurity incident across Canada that involved a third party system used by Crime Stoppers, a service that allows people to anonymously report information to police, until now. Barrie police say they have “taken immediate action to suspend the promotion of Crime Stoppers as a reporting option.” They encourage people to contact the police department directly with information they may have about investigations. “We recognize the serious concerns this incident raises, particularly for individuals who provided tips through Crime Stoppers with the expectation of anonymity,” Barrie police say in a social media post. “At this time, we are unaware of any impact the data breach may have on Barrie Police investigations.” York Regional police say they are also suspending their partnership and that they are “actively reviewing data included in the breach.” “York Regional Police recognizes the concern this information may cause, especially for individuals who provided information to Crime Stoppers with the expectation of anonymity,” York Regional police say in a release. “Preserving the anonymity and safety of those submitting tips is imperative to maintaining public trust and the integrity of investigations.” They also encourage tipsters to contact the police department. Police say while they try to keep information private, being anonymous is not guaranteed.
