Chief Crowell Swearing-In Ceremony

On November 24, 2022, with great honour, we welcomed Chief Mark Crowell as the seventh Chief of Police for the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

New Crisis Call Diversion Program
We are proud to announce the implementation of a new Crisis Call Diversion Program.

In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington, the program aims to connect community members experiencing a mental health crisis with appropriate resources and support.

In the News
Distraction Theft Warning

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is alerting the public after receiving several reports of distraction theft-related incidents within the Region.

Between November 16 and 17, 2022, four reports were received from victims who had their wallets stolen from their purses after being distracted by small talk or questions in a store or shortly after exiting a store.

In one instance, a victim was exiting a store in the area of Ottawa Street South and Fischer-Hallman Road in Kitchener when an unknown suspect engaged them in conversation. After the suspect left, the victim noticed their wallet was missing from their purse. The victim’s stolen debit card was then used to make purchases and cash withdrawals. The victim’s PIN was used during these transactions, indicating that the victim may have been observed by the suspect while paying for their purchases in the store.

While these fraudsters will take advantage of anyone, it appears that the suspects are targeting elderly females.

Local Arrests Made in Provincial Strategy

We are proud to be one of 27 policing partners that took part in Project Maverick - a provincial strategy to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation on the internet.

On November 1, 2022, police responded to a call for service at a residence in the area of Margaret Avenue and Victoria Street North and discovered an illicit cannabis dispensary.

A search warrant was completed and investigators seized suspected cannabis, psilocybin, cannabis resin, edibles, vape pens, and cash. The value of the items seized is estimated to be approximately $140,000.

Community Connection
A special thank you to our Traffic Services Unit and Auxiliary Unit for helping to keep everyone safe at the Lions Club of Kitchener Santa Claus Parade and Cambridge Santa Claus Parade last month.
It was great to meet you, Nora and Erik! We are glad you enjoyed the tour of Constable Bignell's cruiser. Erik, we hope your 5th birthday was wonderful!
On November, 6, 2022, we were honoured to attend the Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony at the military grave of Private Buckam Singh, who fought in France during the first World War.
On November 6, 2022, we were honoured to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the New Dundee Community Park in the Township of Wilmot.
Last month, constables in training, Emily Duck and Thomas Ritchie, were proud to attend their first Santa Claus Parade in Cambridge.
On November 5, 2022, we were honoured to attend the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Celebration. It was a touching ceremony centred around humility, faith, and love.
Treaties Recognition Week was November 6 to 12, 2022.

WRPS recognizes the responsibility in our role as Treaty people and our shared commitment in our journey to reconciliation and understanding in building relationships with the Indigenous community.

Service Spotlight
Annual Awards Night

On November 15, 2022, it was an honour to recognize citizens, and WRPS officers and civilian members, who have gone above and beyond in contributing to community safety during our annual awards night.

Thank you for all you have done, and all you continue to do, to ensure everyone stays safe.
Service Overview for October 2022

Our members are committed to keeping Waterloo Region safe, 24/7, 365 days a year.

In October 2022, more than 1,800 road safety charges were laid and a number of illegal weapons and drugs taken off the streets.

If you suspect crime is happening in your neighbourhood, please call us.
Moon Time Sisters
 
On November 6, 2022, we were honoured to host the Moon Time Sisters Ontario (MTSOnt) at headquarters to collect and organize menstrual products. MTSOnt is a volunteer-based organization that since 2018 has collected menstrual products for individuals in northern Indigenous communities.
 
A very special thank you to Constable Cynthia Martin and Constable Shelly Khan who proudly assisted the MTSOnt throughout the day. Thank you for your kindness, professionalism, and commitment to helping those in need.
Trivia Challenge
How can you prevent falling victim to an online scam this holiday season?
a) Never save credit card information in a browser
b) Make online purchases through personal Wi-Fi networks
c) Purchase from familiar brands
d) Do your research and read reviews
e) All of the above
Congratulations to Brad B., the winner of last month's trivia question. A driver can be charged with stunt driving if a police officer observes them doing any of the below:

  • Driving in a manner that indicates an intention to chase another vehicle
  • Cutting a person off/slamming on the brakes while someone is tailgating you
  • Driving in excess of 50/km/hr over the posted speed limit
  • Stopping or slowing down to interfere with another vehicle
Photo of the Month
On November 4, 2022, we were honoured to attend the Kitchener Rangers game in support of Special Olympics Ontario.
Let's Get Social
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is committed to enhancing communication and engagement with the community - so get social with us:
Something to Say?
If you would like to send a comment or picture to share with our members please contact the Corporate Communications and Public Information Unit.
For more information about the Waterloo Regional Police Service, visit: www.wrps.on.ca
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