Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is reminding residents to remain vigilant about vehicle security after police in several jurisdictions across Ontario have reported incidents involving tracking devices being secretly attached to vehicles.

Be aware of how scammers can get you to reveal personal information over the phone, for example, they may cay something like “Hi Grandpa, do you know who this is?" to get the victim to reveal a name. Often, the imposter will ask the grandparent to “keep the information from mom and dad,” swearing the grandparent to secrecy. They may even pretend to hand the phone over to someone posing as a lawyer seeking immediate payment.

Romance scams often begin on dating websites, social media platforms, or messaging apps. Scammers create convincing profiles, build trust quickly, and then manipulate victims into sending money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information.

Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is reminding residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes and personal safety as many people prepare to travel internationally during the winter months.

When you call or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers, every detail counts. Even the smallest piece of information might be the missing puzzle piece investigators need. A good tip is one that is specific, accurate, and detailed.

Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is pleased to announce that the Third Annual Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament has secured three official title sponsors, thanks to the generous support of Lally Chevrolet Sales & Service, AVLIS Jewelry, and Thames Communication. This major sponsorship has helped to secure the success of the annual golf tournament.

January is Crime Stoppers Awareness Month, and the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association has announced that the national theme for 2026 is “Safe Streets, Strong Communities… Together We Can Stop Crime.” To mark the beginning of the year and highlight the important role Crime Stoppers plays in community safety, Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, joined by municipal staff, local partners, and members of the public, raised the Crime Stoppers flag at the Chatham Civic Centre.

The past year has been a busy and productive one for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, as the organization continued to work diligently in support of the community with the shared goals of stopping, solving, and preventing crime across Chatham-Kent. In addition to supporting investigations through anonymous tips, the organization also focused on education and outreach that promote safety, security, and overall community well-being.

Over the last week several complaints have been made regarding the Grandparent Scam. Scammers are targeting seniors by pretending to be a grandchild in distress — often claiming they’ve been arrested, in an accident, or need urgent help. Often the scammers will beg you not to tell anyone and ask for money via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto.

Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is inviting community-minded individuals to apply for open positions on its Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to support a respected and important organization that plays a vital role in public safety and crime prevention across the region.

On September 17th sometime between 12:00pm and 11:30pm unknown suspects broke into a residence on Paxton Drive in Chatham. It is believed suspect(s) disabled a back door camera and entered the residence by smashing the glass in the patio door. Approximately $30,000 in jewelry, cash and accessories were stolen from the residence.

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, a record turnout filled the John D. Bradley Centre for the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Children’s Safety Expo. Thousands of people of all ages attended the free event to learn valuable safety lessons while connecting with first responders and emergency services from across the community.

Families across Chatham-Kent are invited to mark their calendars for Sunday, September 14, 2025, as Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers hosts its biggest Children’s Safety Expo yet. The event will take place at the John D. Bradley Centre at 565 Richmond St, Chatham, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and admission is free for everyone.

In the early morning of August 15th, 2025 – a break and enter occurred in the area of James St. in Wallaceburg. Sometime in the early morning suspect(s) entered the residence while the homeowner was sleeping and stole approx. $39,000.00 in property.

On August 12th sometime between 8:30-9:00pm a vehicle was stolen from the Sobey’s parking lot (215 Park Ave W. Chatham). The vehicle was a 2024 Grey Toyota Camry with Ontario plate: NIRMEET. Suspect(s) fled, leaving in an unknown direction. Crime Stoppers is seeking information that can identify the person(s) responsible for this stolen vehicle.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 14, 2025! Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is hosting the Children’s Safety Expo at the John D. Bradley Centre. This community event is focused on child safety and protection.