A seemingly ordinary shopping trip turned into a potential financial nightmare for unsuspecting customers in Hamilton, thanks to a sophisticated gift card scam. Police arrested a 51-year-old man from Toronto after observing suspicious activity at a retail store near Sherman Ave. and Main St.
The scheme was chillingly simple, yet remarkably effective. The suspect allegedly swapped the barcodes on legitimate gift cards with those linked to cards he already controlled. This meant when a customer purchased the altered card and activated it, the funds weren’t going to their balance – they were flowing directly into the suspect’s possession.
Investigators uncovered a staggering cache of evidence during a traffic stop: over 250 gift cards were seized, hinting at a widespread operation. The suspect now faces serious charges, including theft, fraud, and possession of property obtained through crime, all exceeding $5,000.
Meanwhile, in Toronto’s Scarborough district, a different kind of crime wave plagued residents this fall. Reports flooded in of damaged vehicles and stolen belongings, leaving a trail of frustration and violation.
Police investigations led to the arrest of three Toronto men, each with a history of run-ins with the law. Clifford Long, Ronald Hulme, and Albert Redcliffe now face a combined total of dozens of charges, ranging from mischief and theft to violating probation and release orders.
Authorities believe the trio systematically targeted vehicles in the area bounded by Lawrence Ave. E., Brimley Rd., Kingston Rd., and Markham Rd., shattering windows and pilfering valuables. Investigators are actively seeking additional victims who may not have yet reported the incidents.
In a disturbing incident in Toronto’s west end, a woman experienced a terrifying ordeal inside a public restroom. Police allege a man entered a bathroom stall from below the door and sexually assaulted the victim.
The victim bravely escaped, and the suspect fled the scene. Following a swift investigation, Quinton Hassan, 31, was arrested and charged with sexual assault, bringing a measure of justice to a harrowing situation.
Finally, a heated exchange in Toronto’s east end escalated into violence earlier this week. A man was stabbed after a brief verbal altercation with another individual. Fortunately, the victim’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Rodwyn Johnson, 36, was apprehended and now faces eight charges, including assault with a weapon, uttering threats, and breaching probation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflict and the importance of de-escalation.
