Peterborough Police Service's 19th Annual CopShop Gives 23 Kids a Holiday Shopping Spree at Lansdowne Place

There were 23 kids who got to do holiday shopping with Peterborough Police Services during the 19th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The children enjoyed a limo ride from school and were partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer.

The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around. The young shoppers also received a Peterborough Petes goodie bag and winter boots donated from Sign-a-fied.

“CopShop is an event so many of our officers and civilian members look forward to each year,” said Detective Constable Mike Peckham of the Peterborough Police Service. “This year, we have about two dozen officers plus civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with young people from the community in a fun way.”

“CopShop is our favourite day of the year,” says Helen Edwards, Lansdowne Place general manager. '“It’s magical to see the joy on the children’s faces as they shop and share in the holiday spirit. This event brings holiday cheer to our Centre and creates memories that last a lifetime.”

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Peterborough Fire Services Partner For Campaign to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Peterborough Fire Services have partnered to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Fire Services received 336 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. This public education campaign will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario, according to a press release.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” said Jeff Braithwaite, Operations Supervisor, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

“Our priority is making sure every resident of Peterborough has the tools they need to stay safe,” said Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, and programs like Safe Community Project Zero help us reach residents who may otherwise go without this critical protection. We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council as we work together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths in our community.” 

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning to escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure safely. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. 

“This is an important initiative that puts the safety of Peterborough residents first and strengthens the well-being of our entire community. We are grateful to Enbridge Gas and Peterborough Fire Services for working together to provide residents with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a tool that is proven to save lives and alert residents to potential danger when every second counts,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Teenager

UPDATED: 27-11-25 The teen has been found, as reported by the Peterborough Police Service.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 17-year-old Rae Rae, reported missing since Wednesday.

He was last seen in the area of McDonnel St and George St at 9:50 a.m.

Rae Rae is described as:

• Male

• Native

• Brown hair

• Brown eyes

• 5'9''

• 150 lbs.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Owner of Lost Urn and Photo

The Peterborough Police Service is turning to the public for help after an urn was turned in on Oct. 7.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The urn and a photo were brought to the Peterborough Police Service after they were found in a dumpster. The dumpster's location is unknown. 

The Peterborough Police Service Forensic Identification Unit has completed several searches in an attempt to locate and return the urn to the family. 

The urn is described as:

• Gold-coloured with an engraved pattern encircling the lid, middle, and base

• About 15cm in height

• Found in a black velvet bag

The photo:

• Female, white

• Medium build

• Wearing a grey sweater

• In a gold frame

• Photo found in a black velvet bag

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 10-Year Old Girl Last Seen at Jackson Park

UPDATED: 11:19 a.m. 24/10/25

Eliza has been found as of Thursday evening.

The Peterborough Police is asking the public’s help in locating missing 10-year-old Eliza, who was last seen near Jackson Park, reported on Thursday evening.

Eliza is described as:

• Female

• White

• Blonde curly hair

• Wearing glasses and a blue two-tone sweater

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122.

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Metal Fire Extinguished Near Lansdowne Place's Superstore and Triple M Metal

A metal fire that broke out has been extinguished near the area of Triple M Metal and Superstore at Lansdowne Place on Monday afternooon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fire occurred before 2:30 p.m. and Peterborough Fire Services had neutralized the area before 3:15 p.m.

Residents and business owners in the area were advised to close windows and shut off HVAC units due to the poor air quality.

@ptbo_canada A large metal fire broke out near the Superstore resulting in smoke and poor air quality. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Security staff have closed off the area as first responders neutralize the fire.

The cause is currently unknown.

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Ontario Government Invests $981,888 to Peterborough Police Service to Combat Theft and Human Trafficking

The Peterborough Police Service (PPS) is receiving a $981,888 investment from the Ontario Government to enhance local crime-fighting capabilities across two major initiatives: retail theft and human trafficking, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

Chief Stuart Betts (left) and MPP Dave Smith explaining to the media on how the new investment will be used. The Peterborough Police Service project is one of 127 projects being funded across the province for 2025-26. Of the 127 projects, 88 projects will address local priorities and 39 projects will address provincial priorities, including gun and gang-related violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, mental health and addictions, hate-motivated crime, housing and homelessness and commercial/retail theft. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is delivered through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program. This is part of a $91 million investment to help protect families and communities across the province.

Funding has been secured to strengthen the PPS's successful Community F.L.R.S.T. (Focused Investigation Response and Support Team), which targets retail and provincial theft. The F.I.R.S.T. Unit has made 466 arrests and recovered over $119,000 in stolen property for local businesses since launching in January last year.

There is $500,000 invested to strengthen the PPS's efforts against the provincial priorities of sexual violence, harassment and human trafficking.

This funding will be used to enhance survivor-informed strategies across three key pillars:

• Training & Personnel: Ensuring all frontline officers receive continuous, trauma-informed training, supported by dedicated specialized roles like the Human Trafficking Investigator and Domestic Violence Coordinator.

• Technological Tools: Expanding the Community Safety CCTV Network and installing high-resolution Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. These tools are crucial for tracking suspect vehicles and disrupting exploitation through transportation networks.

• Community Engagement: Improving public education and outreach, with the technology expansion guided by a transparent, community-led CCTV Steering Committee. This investment directly supports the PPS's strategic goal of strengthening community partnerships and providing both proactive enforcement and compassionate, effective support for victims of complex and often hidden crimes.

“Every resident deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This substantial funding will equip our police service with the resources to not only crack down on organized retail crime and put repeat offenders behind bars through the successful Community F.I.R.S.T. team, but also to deliver specialized, trauma-informed support for victims of the horrific crimes of human trafficking and sexual violence. Our government is committed to ensuring our police have the tools they need to protect our families and make our streets safer.”

“Because of this investment, the Peterborough Police Service will be able to continue to tackle issues that impact residents and visitors and help us achieve our strategic goals of enhancing community safety, modernizing the service through technology and supporting our people,” said. Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service.

This funding provides new technology to simplify the reporting process for residents. It also helps continue to train and educate officers in trauma-informed practices around human trafficking and sexual violence.

The money also allows the Peterborough Police to enhance its CCTV program to install cameras at key intersections that lead in and out of the community according to Chief Betts.

“As I have stated many times, many of the most severe crimes that have occurred in this community over the past two years have been perpetrated by people who have travelled here; having cameras equipped with automatic license plate readers at strategic locations will assist in a multitude of investigations,” he said. “These are issues that are important to our community and with this support we will continue to be able to make strides in solving crimes and ensuring the safety of all residents in our community.”

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Fire Contained From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware; Several Streets Remain Closed

The structure fire at Downtown Lakefield’s Home Hardware has now been contained, announced by Selwyn Fire Services on Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.

The fire occurred on Thursday as first responders battled the blaze for hours.

Several road closures remain in effect, including:

• Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street (fully closed)

• Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street (fully closed)

• Queen from Regent Street to Reid Street (local traffic only)

• Charlotte Street from Reid Street to Burnham Street (local traffic only)

Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street has reopened to traffic.

Selwyn Township asks residents and visitors to remain cautious when in this area, as crews are still on scene.

Businesses in Lakefield can reopen (except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage).

The Municipal Parking Lot located beside The Village Inn is the only open downtown parking lot at this time. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.

The Township of Selwyn released the following statement after the fire’s containment:

”The Township of Selwyn extends sincere thanks to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to contain this fire, including neighbouring municipal fire departments from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services. The Township also thanks the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Enbridge and Hydro One for their support on scene.

The Township would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many Township staff across departments who supported first responders on scene, as well as to members of the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents who came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire. Their generosity and community spirit are deeply valued.

Our thoughts are with the residents, business owners, and first responders affected by this devastating event.”

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Fire Breaks Out From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware

A significant structural fire broke out at the Home Hardware in downtown Lakefield from Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.

During that time, Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street is closed to all traffic. Other street closures include Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street, allowing fire crews to draw water from the Otonabee River. The selwyn Fire Department asked the public to avoid the area.

The Office of the Fire Marshall has been called and the fire department expects Queen Street may remain closed for several days. Until further information is available about the building's structural integrity, local businesses may be impacted according to the Selwyn Fire Department.

Due to the excessive amount of water being used to fight the fire, Lakefield water customers may notice water discolouration. Run cold water for 15 to 20 minutes until it runs clear.

The Selwyn Fire Department is being assisted by fire crews from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Peterborough Fire Services. The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough County-City Paramedics were also on scene.

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Peterborough Police Urge Community to Stay Safe During Head of the Trent Regatta

With the Head of the Trent Regatta and homecoming this weekend, the Peterborough Police Service and Trent University urge the community to celebrate the weekend safely.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite no official celebrations taking place off-campus, both Trent and the Police Service are aware that many unsanctioned gatherings occur outside the campus. The two organizations have collaborated to ensure a safe weekend for all.

“We are excited for this weekend.  It’s good for the community; it’s good for Trent.  They are a close working partner with us,” said Staff Sergeant Mark Reesor. The weather is going to be great, and we ask that people enjoy the activities and weekend responsibly.”

He continues to state that as a result of these celebrations, there will be an increased police presence on campus and in certain areas throughout the weekend.

“We ourselves are bringing in our crowd management team, and then there will be additional paid duty offices both on-campus and off-campus,” he explained. “I think we have about four officers on campus and seven officers in addition to our crowd management team and then at night, an additional four, bringing us up to 11. We also have our auxiliary unit to support us so there will be a larger-than-normal police presence to respond appropriately and ensure everyone's safety.”

Part of the advanced planning also included meetings with neighbours and students.  The Peterborough Police Auxiliary Unit has visited areas that have seen an increase in unsanctioned student activity in previous years to offer suggestions on improving property safety.  Police say the feedback on this effort has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that it was appreciated and well-received. 

During large events, 9-1-1 communicators tend to receive more calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, property damage and impaired driving. 

The Police Service ask the community to help ensure the safety of all and to call if they spot any suspicious or concerning activity. 

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