Crime Stoppers programs across Saskatchewan have temporarily stopped accepting tips following reports that a data breach involving the P3 tip-reporting platform may have exposed information that could identify some tipsters. In a joint statement released Friday, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers, Saskatoon Crime Stoppers, Regina Crime Stoppers, Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers and Prince Albert Crime Stoppers said they are pausing all tips intake effective immediately. The organizations said new details recently emerged about a breach involving P3, software used by Crime Stoppers programs across Canada. According to the statement, stolen data may include information that could potentially identify some people who submitted tips. This comes after a CBC investigation found more than 1.5 million tips submitted through the confidential tip line were exposed in a breach involving a third-party platform. Some of the records date back 25 years. “Through legal counsel, we are still seeking answers from Navigate360, the company that owns P3, about the extent of the impact in Saskatchewan, but what we know now is enough for us to act,” the Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers said in a statement. CBC reported that names, personal information and the tips themselves were included in the breach. The broadcaster also found nearly 35,000 tips linked to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers were no longer anonymous. Crime Stoppers programs said the decision was made jointly with support from their policing partners. During the pause, residents are being asked not to submit tips through Crime Stoppers. “If a crime is happening or someone is in danger, call 911,” Crime Stoppers said. “To report a crime that is not an emergency, contact your local police service. This will not be anonymous.” Since details of the breach emerged, a number of Crime Stoppers organizations across Canada have suspended tip lines. Police services in Toronto, Windsor, Kingston, London and Winnipeg have also suspended their participation in the program. Saskatoon police said Saskatoon Crime Stoppers operates independently from the police service’s own reporting system. “For the time being, members of the public who wish to provide information about crime or public safety concerns are encouraged to contact Saskatoon Police directly through our existing reporting channels,” Saskatoon police said. More than 83,000 tips from Saskatchewan were reportedly found in the leaked data, including personal information and details submitted to Crime Stoppers. The organizations described the suspension as temporary and said they hope to resume accepting tips once they are confident the service can operate safely. They said further information will be shared as it becomes available. Crime Stoppers programs in Saskatchewan are non-profit organizations run by volunteer civilian boards. They have operated in communities across the province since the 1980s. With files from Keenan Sorokan
