CRIME SCENE: Hot air balloon fraud pops up in York Region
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Police in York Region are warning residents of a hot air balloon scam.
York Regional Police said on June 4, a victim responded to a social media advertisement for hot air balloon rides through a company called ‘The Candle Experience 2025.’
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Cops said the victim made an online payment of $45 to secure a reservation for July 5. The victim went to a park in the 14th Ave.-Donald Cousens Pkwy. area of Markham for the scheduled ride, at which time they were met by many people who likewise showed up for a hot air balloon ride.
It was soon discovered that the victims had fallen victim to a scam as there were no hot air balloons nor staff from ‘The Candle Experience’ at the park.
Investigators learned of a similar incident on July 12 when many people and vehicles arrived at the same park, again expecting a hot air balloon ride that didn’t exist.
To avoid becoming a victim, police recommend looking up customer reviews on multiple platforms, obtaining a physical address and contact information for the company to help verify their authenticity, being wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and confirming your booking by calling or emailing the operator directly.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or 1800222tips.com.
TORONTO MAN CHARGED FOR ROBBERY
A 42-year-old Toronto man has been charged in a retail robbery.
Toronto Police said they responded shortly after 2 p.m. on June 26 for a robbery call in the Eglinton Ave. W.-Dufferin St. area.
Police alleged that a lone male suspect entered a store and asked to purchase an item before producing a handgun and demanding cash, then taking the cash and a point-of-sale machine before fleeing the area.
On Wednesday, the suspect was arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm and failing to comply with probation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.
DRIVER, PASSENGER TRIED SWITCHING SPOTS AFTER BEING STOPPED: OPP
The old switcheroo didn’t go as planned for this duo after Ontario Provincial Police say a driver and passenger tried to switch seats during a vehicle stop.
OPP said on social media site X on Thursday that officers received an alert from the Automatic Licence Plate Recognition system that the vehicle wasn’t registered and had no insurance.
The vehicle was stopped on the Queen Elizabeth Highway in Hamilton, at which point the officer observed the driver and passenger swapping positions in the vehicle.
The driver, found to be driving without even being licenced to drive, was charged. The vehicle was towed.
OPP CHARGE TORONTO MAN WITH FLIGHT FROM POLICE
Provincial police say a 32-year-old Toronto man was arrested while trying to make a false report.
Ontario Provincial Police said on social media site X on Thursday that the man tried to report his vehicle stolen after he fled from the OPP in Toronto.
Officers initially observed a vehicle with no registration, the OPP said.
The driver was identified and arrested at another police station. He was charged with dangerous driving, flight from police and public mischief.
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