York Region 'temporarily suspending' Crime Stoppers anonymous tips service
· Toronto Sun
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In similar fashion to other Crime Stoppers networks across southern Ontario, York Region is putting its online tips program into temporary hiatus.
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“In light of recent reports concerning Navigate360 and its P3 tip management platform, Crime Stoppers of York Region is temporarily suspending the submission of online tips and returning to a telephone-only tip submission process,” the York Region Crime Stoppers board of directors said in a media release.
Members of the public can continue to provide anonymous tips in the York Region by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
“Tips from the public play a vital role in helping police prevent and solve crimes and keep our communities safe,” the release noted. “York Region Crime Stoppers continues to work closely with York Regional Police to ensure that information provided by the public can assist ongoing investigations. We remain committed to providing the community with a trusted, anonymous way to share information about crime.”
This update comes more than a week after York Regional Police suspended its partnership with Crime Stoppers due to data breaches.
“Preserving the anonymity and safety of those submitting tips is imperative to maintaining public trust and the integrity of investigations,” the York police said in a statement released on Oct. 22. “As such, York Regional Police is suspending its partnership with Crime Stoppers, effective immediately.”
“P3”, a tip management software platform owned by U.S.-based Navigate360.
Across the region
On Oct. 22, the Toronto Crime Stoppers website warned its users not to send tips by phone, online, or through the app.
“If a crime is happening or someone is in danger, call 911,” the website said.
Peel Region Crime Stoppers has adopted the same policy as Toronto.
“At this time, we are following the lead of the Toronto Crime Stoppers Chapter and temporarily suspending the program,” the website said.
Across the Greater Toronto Area, Durham Region, Halton Region and Hamilton provide phone numbers only on their respective Crime Stoppers websites.