News Room
- August News Releases
Released August 31, 2011
UPDATE - REQUEST PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
The Regina Police has made a positive identification on an unknown male who was subject of a news release earlier today. After 6:00 pm this evening, the Regina Police Service received numerous calls about the identification of an unknown male. The Regina Police Service has been able to determine the identity of the 18 year-old male and has been in contact with his family. The investigation is now continuing to determine exactly what occurred leading up to his discovery in the 2400 block of 8th Avenue at approximately 6:45 am on Saturday, August 27, 2011. The Regina Police Service thanks the public and the media for their attention to this matter.
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Released August 31, 2011
REQUEST PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
The Regina Police Service is requesting the public's help in identifying an adult male and assistance in discovering what happened to him.
At approximately 6:45 am on Saturday, August 27, 2011, the Regina Police Service was dispatched to an injured male in the 2400 block of 8th Avenue. The male was uncommunicative and had bruising to his facial area and was transported to hospital by EMS. The adult male had no identification on him and remains uncommunicative. He is described as approximately 16-30 years old, 6 feet tall, weighing 220 pounds with short dark brown hair and crooked front teeth. When discovered, he was wearing Wrangler jeans, a black t-shirt with white marihuana leaf on it and a black hoodie and no shoes. Police also believe he smokes.
The Regina Police Service is requesting the assistance of the public to help identify this man. Anyone who may have information that could assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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Released August 29, 2011
THINK "BACK TO SCHOOL" WHEN DRIVING
The Regina Police Service is reminding motorists to think "Back to School" when driving and be aware of school zones and the 40km/h speed limit in school and playground areas. In the coming days and weeks, police will be directing attention to traffic offences in school zones and playground areas, with particular emphasis on speeding violations.
School and playground speed limits of 40 km/h, are in effect from 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. It should be noted that if a vehicle is moving at a rate of 60km/h, instead of the 40 km/h limit, it needs an extra 65 feet to come to a stop. This becomes a safety issue, especially in school zones full of young children who may be distracted by all of the excitement of getting back to school.
Parents of students are also reminded to talk with their children about issues like crossing the street safely and looking both ways to be sure traffic is stopped. Children benefit from the discussion, especially if they engage in planning good safety practices. If parents are dropping children off at school, they are asked to comply with the "no parking" and "no stopping" zones in front of schools.
The Regina Police Service commends those motorists who practice safe driving habits and encourages all drivers to respect the rules of the road. Remember, obeying all traffic laws and being a safe, courteous driver will help protect our children and make Regina a safer community for all.
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Released August 29, 2011
20 YEAR-OLD MALE CHARGED WITH BREAK & ENTER
The Regina Police Service responded to a report of a weapons offense at approximately 6:00 am on Sunday, August 28, 2011 in the 200 block of Hodgins Crescent. Preliminary investigation indicates that a lone male entered the residence through an open window and cut the screen. Occupants of the house were at home and sleeping at the time of the incident and awoke to find the suspect in their bedroom. An altercation ensued between the occupants and suspect and as a result an adult male owner of the home was transported to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. A second house was broken into as well.
A 20 year-old male, Zade Joseph Morgan NADON (DOB: 1991/01/27), of Regina, has been charged with Break & Enter commit Theft [348(1)(B) CC], Break & Enter commit Aggravated Assault [348(1)(B) CC], Assault with Weapon [267(a) CC] and Possession Stolen Property Under [355(b) CC]. NADON is also charged with Mischief Under [430(4) CC], Assault [266 CC] and Fail to Comply [145(3) CC] in relation to a separate incident. NADON will make his first court appearance at 2:00 pm on August 29, 2011.
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Released August 25, 2011
RAISING AWARENESS: PIN-PAD THEFTS
A recent report out of Lumsden, Saskatchewan (August 2011) has the Regina Police Service reminding the business community and the public that a regular "status check" is a good idea when it comes to protecting PIN-pads and personal financial information.
Regina has no reports so far this year of fraud through the use of fake PIN-pads or electronic card-readers known as "skimmers". However, earlier this year the Saskatoon Police Service released that they had at least six businesses around the city (Saskatoon) that were the targets of pin pad thefts and switches in early May, 2011. From experience, police recognize that these types of crimes are often committed by suspects who travel from one urban centre to another, often just a few steps ahead of law enforcement.
Regina business owners are reminded to check their credit card readers and other transaction equipment regularly for any signs of tampering. Make sure employees are aware that suspects may use distraction to create the opportunity for another suspect to switch PIN-pads. Individual consumers should always check credit card statements and, if fraudulent activity is noted, contact their financial institutions and the police.
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Released August 25, 2011
RESULTS OF SEAT BELT BLITZ
On August 23rd and 24th, the Regina Police Service hosted roadside checks involving the Multi-Agency Seat Belt Team (MASTeam), to help improve safety on our province's roads. MAST is an SGI-sponsored initiative that brings together Saskatchewan enforcement agencies with a common dedication to road safety in our province. The MASTeam's focus is seat belt enforcement and education.
Although Regina was the location for this most recent MASTeam project, these initiatives are hosted throughout the province. RPS members were joined by officers from the RCMP, C-N Police and Weyburn, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw Police Services. Child Restraint Technicians from SGI were also present to provide education and, in a few cases, proper child car seats.
During the two day blitz, police officers issued a total of 227 tickets, which included 137 seat belt tickets plus other traffic offenses. Child Restraint Technicians from SGI provided education to 35 people on proper use of children's car seats. They also gave away two forward-facing and 11 booster seats. The safety check stops were located at:
- Albert Street and 8th Avenue,
- Lewvan and 13th Avenue,
- Rochdale Blvd and Pasqua Street North, and
- Dewdney Avenue and Broder Street.
The Regina Police Service commends motorists who choose safety for themselves and their families by "Buckling Up". MASTeam initiatives are an example of law enforcement and SGI working co-operatively with the public for safer roads in Saskatchewan.
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Released August 25, 2011
MOORE ARRESTED
A 39 year-old male, who was the subject of a Public Disclosure in May 2011, has been arrested.
On August 24, 2011, the Regina Police Service was monitoring Benjamin Moore’s recognizance conditions. While searching his residence, it was discovered that he was in breach of one of his conditions - Must not own, use or be in the possession of any communication or electronic device that would allow unsupervised access to the internet. Moore made his first court appearance on August 25, 2011 at 9:30 am charged with Breach of Recognizance [811 CC].
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Released August 24, 2011
THREE FEMALES CHARGED IN ROBBERY
Three females have been charged with Robbery with Violence after an incident in the area of 4th Avenue and Pasqua Street early this morning.
At approximately 3:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011, Regina Police Service members were dispatched to the area of 4th Avenue and Pasqua Street after a report of a robbery. Preliminary investigation indicated that two 14-year-old girls and a twelve year-old girl were walking in that area when a van pulled up near them. Three females exited the vehicle and allegedly assaulted and robbed the girls. The suspects got back into the vehicle and fled the area. Fortunately none of the victims was seriously injured. At approximately 3:50 a.m., a van matching the description of the suspect vehicle was spotted by police in the area of Lewvan and 4th Avenue and then safely stopped at 7th Avenue and Coventry. Further investigation led to charges against the three female occupants of the vehicle.
Charged in connection with this offence are 28 year-old Melanie Dawn SABIT, DOB: 1982-10-06; 24 year-old Stacy Lori SABIT, DOB: 1987-05-07; and 23 year-old Krystle MOISE, DOB: 1988-02-12, all of Regina. The three are jointly charged with two charges of Robbery with Violence, contrary to section 343(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada. All three accused will make their first court appearance on these charges in Provincial Court at 2:00 p.m., today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011.
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Released August 23, 2011
RPS MEMBER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
A 28 year-old Regina Police Service member has been charged with Common Assault, relating to an incident which occurred while on duty.
On February 27, 2011, a complaint was received by the Regina Police Service from a 25 year-old adult male that excessive force had been used while in police custody. The complaint was brought forward to the Provincial Complaints Commission and independently investigated. As a result of the investigation, a four-year constable with the Regina Police Service, Colin B. BELCOURT, (DOB: 1983-02-15) has been charged with Common Assault [266 CC]. He will be making his first court appearance on September 27, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at Provincial Court. There is also a corresponding internal process, as per The Police Act, 1990.
Constable Belcourt has been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the criminal process.
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Released August 19, 2011
16 YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH BREAK & ENTER
The Regina Police Service responded to six Break & Enters, one Theft from Auto, and one Mischief between the hours of 1:00 am and 1:45 am on Friday, August 19, 2011 in the area of Enick Bay and Reeves Road.
Preliminary indication is that two males were attempting to enter multiple houses while residents were sleeping. Attempts to enter the houses were made through windows, front doors and garage-doors; only two houses were entered. Two vehicles were entered as well; one vehicle unlocked, one window smashed.
A 16 year-old male, who cannot be named in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with Mischief Under [430(4) CC], Theft Under $5,000 [334(b) CC], and six counts of Break and Enter [348(1)(A) CC]. He will make his first court appearance in Youth Court today at 2:00 pm. The Regina Police Service is still looking for one male. The investigation is continuing.
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Released August 17, 2011
THEFT OF TRANSFORMERS – POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARD
The Regina Police Service is warning the public, and specifically the person or persons involved in a recent break and enter, about the potential health hazard associated with items stolen from a compound belonging to SaskPower.
The Regina Police Service received a report on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, of a Break, Enter and Theft from a SaskPower compound, located in the 1600 block of 1st Avenue. The report indicates that, sometime in the past month, two transformers were taken from the compound. The compound is secured by a fence and is checked on a regular basis, but it is not known exactly when the theft occurred. The transformers weigh between 600 and 850 pounds and both units have copper and aluminium coils, a possible motive for the theft. The transformers have been drained of oil containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and flushed. However, anyone handling these units may be exposed to residual amounts of PCBs. Although no longer in use, PCBs may be present in old transformers, capacitors and other old, electrical devices. PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse health effects.
Anyone who has information about this theft is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. More information about the transformers themselves maybe obtained from Mr. James Parker of SaskPower at 536-2886.
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Released August 16, 2011
REQUEST INFORMATION - ARSON
The Regina Police Service is requesting information from the public that may assist in solving a case of arson which caused significant damage to the Rick Hansen playground.
The Regina Police Service received the report on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, indicating damage to play structures in the park, which is located at 1010 McCarthy Boulevard on the city's west side. A number of pieces of play equipment have been heavily damaged by fire, which appears to have been deliberately set. The damage has been estimated at $25,000. It is believed that the fires occurred sometime in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 13, 2011, before 3:30 a.m. Investigators believe the person or persons responsible used something more than a simple lighter or matches to set the fires.
Anyone who has information about this fire or saw any suspicious activity in the area of the Rick Hansen playground in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 13, 2011, is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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Released August 6, 2011
NOTICE OF UPCOMING PUBLIC SURVEY
The Regina Police Service wishes to inform the public about an upcoming public survey, from August 15 to September 14, 2011, designed to gather feedback on several topics related to public perceptions of the Regina Police Service and crime in our city.
To maintain objectivity and reduce bias, the survey was designed by two professors from the University of Regina and will be conducted by Arcas Research and Consulting. Regina residents will be randomly selected, using postal code information and the majority of potential respondents will be contacted by phone. There will also be a small percentage of residents contacted in door-to-door surveys. Anyone working for the Regina Police Service or living with someone who currently works for the Regina Police Service will be excluded. Arcas Research and Consulting employees will identify themselves and, in the case of in-person visits, will display identification with the logo of the company.
The purpose of the survey is to gain information about public perceptions of police and crime. The questions will relate to six general topics: police effectiveness; police responsiveness; visibility and presence of police; fear of crime; trust and confidence in police; and, where applicable, perceptions of the police service centres located in Regina’s Central District. The Regina Police Service wants to reassure residents that this is a legitimate survey and part of the Service’s ongoing commitment to gather public input. The Regina Police Service encourages residents provide their feedback if contacted for this survey.
Any member of the public who has concerns or questions about the survey may contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 and their call will be directed appropriately.
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Released August 6, 2011
ADVISORY - COUNTERFEIT 100s
The Regina Police Service is issuing an advisory after the arrest of a 19 year-old female for uttering counterfeit currency and having counterfeit money in her possession. The bills seized in this investigation are counterfeit 100-dollar bills; most of them bearing the same serial number. Police believe there may be other counterfeit bills in circulation and other victims that have not yet reported to police.
On Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at about 1:30 p.m., police were dispatched to the Southland Mall for a report of a female passing what was believed to be a counterfeit 100-dollar bill. Security staff at the mall had the suspect in custody. Preliminary investigation led to the discovery of three businesses in the mall that had received counterfeit currency from a female matching the description of the person in custody. Police also seized several bills from this individual, which were confirmed to be counterfeits. Most of the bills bear the serial number JMM1M01001 and all are Canadian 100-dollar bills. The 19 year-old female suspect was charged and made an initial court appearance on seven counterfeit-related charges. Further investigation led to eight more counterfeit-related charges against the same person.
Niineteen year-old Shauna Rose THOMPSON, DOB: 1991-08-29, of Nanaimo, British Columbia, has been charged with 14 charges of Uttering (counterfeit currency) contrary to section 452(a) of the Criminal Code and one charge of Possession of Counterfeit Currency [450 CC]. THOMPSON made her first court appearance in Provincial Court on Thursday August 4, 2011 and then again on Friday, August 5, 2011 on the additional charges.
It is not known, at this time, how many counterfeit 100-dollar bills may be in circulation in Regina. The Regina Police Service believes there are other businesses in Regina that may have received counterfeit currency. Anyone who discovers that he/she is in possession of counterfeit currency should report to police.
Business owners should educate staff on the security features of Canadian currency. The website of the Bank of Canada has very detailed information at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes/index.html . Business owners should also counsel staff on what to do if they suspect currency to be counterfeit. The method of payment in any transaction has to be acceptable to the seller, so a business may refuse to take currency suspected to be counterfeit. Instead, employees should note a description of the person and phone police immediately. It may be that the individual in possession of the bill is unaware that it is counterfeit. An investigation by police would determine the appropriate action. Anyone who comes into possession of a bill suspected to be counterfeit should contact police. Police also remind the public that anyone who knowingly passes a counterfeit bill is committing a criminal offence and is subject to prosecution.
More information about detecting counterfeit currency can be found at the website of the Bank of Canada at www.bankofcanada.ca . The Regina Police Service thanks the media and the public for their attention to this matter.
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Released August 6, 2011
OAKVIEW DRIVE HOMICIDES – ONE YEAR LATER
As of August 6th, 2011, it will be one year since the discovery of the bodies of three victims of homicide: 31 year-old Gray Nay HTOO (male); 28 year-old Maw MAW, (female); and three year-old Seven June HTOO (male), all of Regina. The victims were members of the same family; their bodies were discovered in their home at 323 Oakview Drive. This discovery launched one of the larger, more complex investigations undertaken by the Regina Police Service. To date, there have been no arrests or charges laid in connection with these murders.
Today, the Regina Police Service acknowledged the one-year mark by renewing its call for information that could assist the investigation. There is a team of seven investigators dedicated to this case which, at times, has directed the efforts of up to 23 other officers, depending on the needs of the investigation. There have been approximately 250 interviews completed in this ongoing investigation, with approximately 130 individuals.
The Regina Police Service is sending out a request for information, spoken in the Karen language, the primary language of the victims, who were recent newcomers to Canada from Burma. “We are doing this because we feel strongly that there is information out there that we have not been able to access,” says Police Chief Troy Hagen, “If those who have that information communicate only in Karen, then it makes sense for us to ask in that same language.” In February of 2011, investigators posted information about the case on a Karen-based website (www.kwekalu.net), but this will be the first time, visitors to this and the RPS website will be able to hear the appeal spoken in Karen. The statement, in its entirety, will be posted on the Regina Police Service website at www.reginapolice.ca and also on Social Media sites. An English text-version of the appeal for information is attached to this news release. The Regina Police Service is asking anyone with information that could assist in this investigation to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
“We share our community’s concern over this terrible, tragic event which took three lives,” says Chief Hagen, “The fact that a year has elapsed since the discovery of the bodies of Gray Nay, Maw MAW and Seven June does not change our commitment to this case. It is still a very active investigation.”
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Released August 3, 2011
TRAFFIC FOCUS OF THE MONTH – CELL PHONES
When it comes to cellphone use by motorists, it appears many drivers in the City of Regina missed the memo, message, text or Tweet. Enforcement of the Province’s legislation, prohibiting cellphone use while driving, happens year-round in Regina, but it will get some extra attention during the month of August as the Regina Police Service Traffic Focus of the Month. Legislation banning the use of most cellphones while driving was introduced in Saskatchewan in January of 2010.
Under the Traffic Safety Act, section 241.1(1), drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cellphones while driving for: making or receiving phone calls; sending, receiving or reading text messages; sending receiving or reading e-mails; surfing the Intenet; or using 10-4 “push-to-talk” technology. Experienced drivers may use hands-free cellphone devices, but new drivers under the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program may not. All drivers may make a 9-1-1 call in an emergency and may make cellphone calls when parked on the side of the road. The penalty for using a cellphone while driving is $280.00, plus four demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition and Driver Improvement programs. Statistics released at the most-recent meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners show that, so far in 2011, there have been 347 cellphone charges laid ( compared to 128 for the same period in 2010).
During August, patrol and traffic enforcement officers will be directing extra attention to detecting motorists who use cellphones while driving. The Regina Police Service encourages all motorists to focus on the act of driving, obey the laws and enhance safety for all users of our roadways.
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Released August 3, 2011
REDUCING THEFT FROM AUTO
With the start of the Queen City Ex today, August 3, 2011, the Regina Police Service is using Social Media to get crime prevention messaging out to the public. The Police Service is launching an anti-theft campaign on Facebook and Twitter, as well as using the Regina Police Service website.
Check out the “One Tidy Car at a Time” campaign:
- On Facebook at facebook.com/ReginaPoliceService ;
- On Twitter at @reginapolice ;
- On the RPS website at www.reginapolice.ca
The campaign is designed to encourage every vehicle owner to see his or her car the way a thief might see it. Does it look like an opportunity? If so, remove all valuables from the vehicle and properly secure the vehicle itself.
Theft from Auto is included in the crime class “Theft under $5,000” and is reported, with other crime statistics, at each monthly meeting of the Regina Board of Police Commissioners. For the first six months of 2011, “Theft under $5,000” is 8.6% lower than for the first six months of 2010, but an increase in the number of incidents in the past month is narrowing that gap. Incident reports also show that, in an alarming number of cases, vehicles were left unlocked with cash, electronics, CD’s, sunglasses, backpacks and other valuables in plain view. A few moments spent in crime prevention can save considerable loss and expense. The Regina Police Service invites vehicle owners to change the face of property crime…one tidy car at a time!
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Released August 3, 2011
OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR QUEEN CITY EX
The Regina Police Service is, once again, working in partnership with the Board of the Queen City Ex to enhance public safety at this year’s Exhibition. The Regina Police Service will enact its operational plan for the Queen City Ex from Wednesday, August 3rd to Sunday, August 7th with the goal of deterring crime, conducting investigations and enhancing public safety. Uniformed and plain-clothes police officers will work together with personnel from Exhibition Security, Safety Services, Mobile Crisis and Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. As many as 40 officers will be assigned to the Queen City Ex during peak attendance periods.
It is important to note that police resources dedicated to the Queen City Ex are in addition to the regular complement of patrol members, who will continue to respond to policing needs for the rest of the city. In other words, this operational plan does not draw personnel away from regular shifts and duties.
Visitors to the Queen City Ex are reminded to practice good, common-sense, crime prevention strategies like: supervising small children at all times; securing any cash or valuables and refraining from displaying large amounts of cash; removing valuables from plain view inside vehicles; locking vehicles and securing them with anti-theft devices and reporting any suspicious activity immediately to police or Exhibition security staff. Visitors are also asked to park vehicles legally and be respectful of the residents of neighbourhoods around Evraz Place. The Regina Police Service thanks the public and its partners for their continued cooperation and support in making the Queen City Ex a successful, family-oriented annual event.
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Released August 2, 2011
MALE CHARGED IN AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
A 38 year-old Regina male is charged with Aggravated Assault after an incident on August 1st that sent another male to hospital with serious injuries.
At approximately 9:21 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011, police were dispatched to a house in the 2000 block of Queen Street for a report of an injured person. Police entered the residence and found a 29 year-old male who had sustained serious head injuries. EMS transported the victim to hospital, where he remains in serious condition. Police also located two other individuals in the house: a female and a male. Preliminary investigation determined that the female was not involved in the assault. The male, a 38 year-old acquaintance of the victim, was taken into custody and subsequently charged.
Thirty-eight year-old Charles Dwayne KLASSEN, DOB: 1973-07-16, of Regina is charged with Aggravated Assault, contrary to section 268(1) CC of the Criminal Code of Canada; and Breach of Undertaking [145(3) CC]. KLASSEN made his first court appearance on these charges in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, August 3, 2011.
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