Ontario Government Invests Over $290,000 For Peterborough Police to Combat Auto Theft

The Ontario Government has invested $291,996.10 through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant Program to help the Peterborough Police Service fight auto theft, announced on Monday.

Through the 2026–27 PAT Grant Program, Ontario is investing an additional $6 million to support 22 police projects across the province, bringing the government’s total investment in the program to $24 million since 2023. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The funding is being used to help maintain the province's downward trend in stolen vehicles, giving police officers more tools and resources to prevent vehicle theft, disrupt criminal networks and protect the community according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Auto theft is not just a property crime; it compromises public safety and impacts families across our region,” he said. “By providing the Peterborough Police Service with targeted funding through the PAT Grant Program, our government is ensuring our local police have the specialized technology, equipment, and resources they need to keep thieves out of our driveways and hold organized crime networks accountable.”

The funding supports the Peterborough Police Service’s specialized auto theft enforcement efforts, including the acquisition of advanced technology, surveillance equipment, license plate recognition systems, and enhanced investigative resources to track and prevent vehicle thefts. It will also support public outreach initiatives to educate community members on proactive vehicle protection measures.

“We are very appreciative to be receiving both of these grants from the provincial government.  The positive impact this type of investment will have on the safety in a community like ours cannot be overstated, and we are grateful to the provincial government for their recognition of these efforts and for their support of our municipality,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “To be prepared to more effectively respond to auto theft incidents and pass along proactive tips and protection measures to our residents helps increase feelings of safety. The Proceeds of Crime Grant will allow our members to be even more involved with our community. We are excited about developing the programming to support this new mobile community engagement van.”

Additionally, the Peterborough Police Service will receive $243,305.11 over the next three years—allocated at $81,101.70 annually—from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant for the Community Crime Prevention and Outreach Project.

According to the Ontario Government, the Proceeds of Crime grant is designed to make police and community relationships more accessible by adding a mobile community crime prevention and outreach van. The van will visit neighbourhoods and community events, and be in areas where data show crime has occurred or may occur. 

The Mobile Community Crime Prevention and Outreach (MCCPO) van is not a command post. It is intended to invite community engagement as a high-visibility beacon of public safety and accessible crime prevention information.

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Peterborough Police Service Introduces Public Computer Kiosk For Online Reporting

The Peterborough Police Service offers a public computer kiosk in the station lobby for online reporting.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Community members can use it to file an online report.  It is designed to help those who don’t have easy access to a computer, the internet or a mobile device, or may need assistance. If a member of the public comes to the police station to report a matter that is best reported online, they can use this kiosk at the front counter to do so immediately.

“As a Service, we want to make accessing the online reporting portal as easy as possible and this is another way we can do that in our community,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.

Online reports can be filed for the following incidents:

• Graffiti

• Trespassing

• Fraud/Cybercrime

• Traffic Violation

• Lost/Stolen Plates (s)

• Lost/Misplaced Property

• Hate Motivated Crime/Incident

• Vehicle Damage/Vandalism

• Property Damage/Vandalism

• Break and Enter to Shed/Detached Garage

• Theft of Bicycle

• Shoplifting/Theft from Retail Location

• Theft from Vehicle (or Attempted)

• Theft (or Attempted Theft)

• School Bus Violations

• Harassing Communications

• Add information to an existing report

The Online Reporting Portal remains available.

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Two Residents and a Dog Were Rescued Following Park Street South Residential Fire

Peterborough Fire Services rescued two residents and their dog after a structure fire at a Park Street South residence on Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

First-arriving crews saved the residents and dog via a ladder. Only one person sustained minor burns.

Fire crews were dispatched to the two-storey, multi-unit residence at 12:40 a.m. They arrived with flames showing on the exterior and impinging on the attic. According to a Fire Services report, the fire was deep-seated in two different attics.

The cause of the fire was unknown and the estimated damage was $700,000.

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Former Peterborough Officer Appointed Cobourg Police Deputy Chief

The Cobourg Police Service Board officially announced it has selected Superintendent and former Peterborough Police Service officer Tina Maier as the next Deputy Chief, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

With over 30 years of experience, Maier joins the Service from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), where she currently serves as Superintendent and Bureau Commander of the Security Bureau.

She started her policing career in Petrolia and Peterborough. Deputy Chief-Designate Maier later served as a detective and online undercover operator in the Child Sexual Exploitation Section before advancing through several senior leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has led major provincial initiatives and specialized teams within the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Provincial Anti-Terrorism Unit and Provincial Traffic Operations and Security Bureau. Prior to her current role, she served as Superintendent of the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Team, where she led the development and implementation of extensive member wellness and mental health programs.

Deputy Chief-Designate Maier graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University and has completed executive leadership programs including the Global Policing Innovation Exchange, Rotman School of Management Executive Police Leadership Program and Leading Transformational Change. She is a recipient of the Women’s Leadership Award and a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, one of Canada's highest honours in policing.

Maier becomes the first women in the Cobourg Police Service to serve in the Service’s senior command.

“The Board conducted an extensive search for a proven policing leader who could help guide the future of our organization, and we are proud to welcome Tina Maier to Cobourg,” said Board Chair Adam Bureau. “Superintendent Maier brings exceptional operational experience, strategic leadership and a demonstrated commitment to community safety, member wellness and organizational excellence. Her appointment as the first female command officer in the Service’s history is an important and meaningful step in the evolution of the Cobourg Police Service and the community we serve.”

“Tina’s career reflects a combination of operational experience, leadership and innovation,” said Chris Leather, Cobourg Police Chief. “Her background in major investigations, public safety initiatives and member wellness will be a tremendous asset to our organization. I look forward to working with her as we continue building a modern and community-focused police service.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen for this role,” said Maier. “I am excited to join the Cobourg Police Service and work alongside Chief Leather, the Police Service Board and the dedicated members of the organization as we continue to advance the Service’s commitment to community safety, public trust and organizational excellence.”

Maier begins duties with the Cobourg Police Service on Nov. 2.

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Peterborough Police Service Mourns Loss Of Beloved Service Dog Gryphon

The Peterborough Police Service station is flying its flags at half-mast to honour the passing of Police Service Dog Gryphon on Wednesday after unexpected medical issues.

K9 Gryphon helps Constable Dillon Wentworth during a demonstration at an OFAH fishing event for PTBO Bigs and OFAH Camp Kids. photo by David Tuan Bui.

Gryphon joined the service in December 2021 and was sworn in on March 2, 2022. 

He and Police Constable Dillon Wentworth assisted on many calls for service, whether it was tracking (suspects or missing people), clearing a building, assisting the Emergency Response Team or firearms detection

“We have the utmost respect for our Police Service Dogs and the valuable skills they bring to a police service,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.  They keep our officers safe and members of the public with unwavering commitment.  It is a sad time as we reflect on the positive impact Gryphon made on the safety of our community. Gryphon was an invaluable member, and his service will not be forgotten.”

Highlights of Griffin’s accomplishments include tracking a driver who fled the scene of a collision for more than a kilometre, locating three break-and-enter suspects several blocks from the crime scene and helping officers take them into custody. He led officers to a wanted suspect hiding beneath a mattress and tracked another suspect who fled from police, resulting in an arrest and the recovery of a replica handgun and three knives.

Most recently, Gryphon assisted in the arrest of a man wanted on multiple warrants and helped clear a building by encouraging several unwanted individuals to leave.

PSD Gryphon gave back to the community, often demonstrating his skills during presentations to groups of all ages, summer camps and at Peterborough Police Service’s community open houses.

In 2023, the Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit, including Gryphon and Wentworth, participated in the Canadian Police Dog Championship Trials, placing fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches. 

Wentworth was a second-generation police dog handler; his father is a retired officer and handler with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service. The father/son duo were certified by the Niagara Police Service K9 Unit, which helped train the Peterborough Police Service K9 unit.

A book of condolence will be available in the front lobby of the police station.

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Douro-Dummer Officially Breaks Ground On Joint Public Works and Firehall Facility

The shovels have hit the dirt as the Township of Douro-Dummer officially broke ground on its new joint Public Works and Firehall facility on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Heather Watson, Douro-Dummer mayor, the new facility combines Public Works and Fire Services operations to provide improved space for municipal vehicles, equipment, staff and emergency response operations.

“Our community has been waiting for this building since 2011,” she said. “It will be home to our Warsaw fire stationa nd where our Public Works crews head out from each day to keep our roads safe. Today, we break ground on a facility every resident in Douro-Dummer will count on.”

Township Council approved the Joint Public Works/Firehall project at a Special Council meeting on June 11. The construction contract was subsequently awarded to Taskforce Engineering, with Cambium Engineering serving as the Township’s project manager. Council passed the necessary agreements and financing by-laws at the Regular Council Meeting on Aug. 4.

@ptbo_canada The shovels have hit the dirt as the Township of Douro-Dummer officially broke ground on its new joint Public Works and Fire Hall facility. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #dourodummer ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Site clearing has begun, with construction in its early stages. Upcoming work includes underground stormwater management infrastructure and building footings.

During the design process, the Township and project team say they have reduced construction costs while maintaining facility functionality. To date, approved design changes have saved $225,350, with the potential for additional savings as site planning and landscaping are finalized.

Council has also approved adding in-floor radiant heating in the Public Works portion of the facility. The $184,000 investment, plus HST, will be funded through the aforementioned project savings.

The in-floor heating system will provide several operational benefits in the Public Works areas of the building, including melting snow and ice tracked in by Township vehicles, improving drying conditions, reducing heat loss in large vehicle bays, and protecting heating infrastructure from potential damage caused by heavy equipment. The system will also allow for different temperature zones within the facility to support efficient day-to-day operations.

Construction is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2027.

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Peterborough City-County Paramedics Nearly Vote Unanimously to Strike Amid Mental Health Coverage, Pay Equity and Workplace Protection Issues

Paramedics with Peterborough City-County Paramedics (PCCP) voted 185 to 187 in favour of striking to secure better mental health coverage, pay equity with other first responders and stronger protection for workplace injuries, announced on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 4911, 187 of 193 bargaining unit members participated in the 99 per cent strike mandate.

“Paramedics don’t want to strike. We want to do our jobs, taking care of patients while we build our career in Peterborough,” said Jordan Lean, CUPE 4911 president. “Our members see what’s happening in this service and are saying enough is enough. We’re losing experienced people, injuries are increasing, and management isn’t responding with any urgency to support workers or end the crisis in the service.”

CUPE members began bargaining in March with proposals to improve paramedic services, including addressing recruitment challenges, supporting workers dealing with the mental health impacts of the job and ensuring paramedics are fairly compensated for their life-saving work.

According to CUPE, one of members’ central proposals is improving mental health coverage for paramedics, as they said they have $500 of coverage annually, which covers roughly three sessions with a psychotherapist or psychologist. Part-time workers are not eligible for mental health benefits.

“The people doing this work see trauma, death, and tragedy as part of their job every shift. That’s true for part-time paramedics who are new on the job as much as for 20-year full-time veterans,” said Lean. “It makes no sense to tell a part-time paramedic that their mental health is worth less. If we’re serious about keeping people in this profession, we need mental health support for everyone.”

CUPE says that over the last three years, 54 full-time and part-time paramedics have left the service because of increased call volumes, a lack of workplace support, and better wages and benefits elsewhere.

“We’re losing the people who have the most experience and we’re having a harder time replacing them,” said Lean. “That should be setting off alarm bells. Instead, there’s no serious plan to keep experienced paramedics in the service.”

CUPE 4911 reported an increase of 50 per cent in workplace injuries between 2024 and 2025 while 14 per cent of full-time paramedics were off due to work injuries last year. According to a press release, Peterborough paramedics earn roughly 20 per cent less than other first responders.

“185 paramedics voted to strike to send a clear message to management, the Chief, and city and county councillors that the status quo simply isn’t working,” said Lean. “We want a fair agreement that supports the people doing this work, and Peterborough residents deserve a paramedic service that is strong, stable, and there for them when they need it.”

The parties are currently scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Oct. 6.

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Public Figures Send Condolences to Belleville Synagogue Shooting

Peterborough public figures have sent their condolences over the events of the Sons of Jacob Congregation shooting that occurred in Belleville on Sunday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The shooting resulted in a Belleville police officer and one suspect being transported to Kingston General Hospital at approximately 7:10 p.m., according to the Belleville Police Service. Congregants were observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, when the incident occurred.

The Belleville Police Service stated that they have notified the province’s Special Investigations Unit of the incident.

Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief contacted Murray Rodd, Belleville Police Chief and extended his condolences on the incident.

“I have had a conversation with the Chief in Belleville to offer our support and of course relay our best wishes to their injured officer,” he said. “I have also had conversations with the President of the Beth Israel Synagogue in our City to discuss the situation and local impacts. As a Service we are being vigilant and there will be heightened police presence at the synagogue here in Peterborough throughout the day.”

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement regarding the incident:

“On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I want to express my deep sadness and concern following the shooting at the Sons of Jacob Congregation in Belleville last night. 

My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville, here in Peterborough, and across Canada.  

It is especially disturbing that this violence occurred at a synagogue as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. 

Everyone deserves to gather, to worship, and to practice their faith in safety and without fear. Antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in our communities. 

We know that what happened in nearby Belleville will be deeply felt by Jewish members of our own Peterborough community. At this difficult time, I encourage everyone to show friendship, empathy and kindness to our Jewish friends, family members and neighbours. 

My thoughts are also with the Belleville Police Service officer who was injured in the shooting, as well as the officer’s family and loved ones. We are grateful to the police officers and first responders who acted to protect the community during this frightening incident. 

Peterborough stands with the Jewish community in Belleville and here at home.”

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Peterborough Police Service Utilized New Technology During Province-Wide 9-1-1 Outage

Peterborough Police Service 9-1-1 Communicators continued to assist residents calling 9-1-1 on their cellular devices despite the province-wide outage in the early morning hours of Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the Peterborough Police, the 9-1-1 Communications Team on shift was testing a technology called Rapid SOS, which helps a 9-1-1 Operator by providing computer-generated information such as the caller's phone number and location. The technology allows the information to be transmitted independent of the 9-1-1 lines. 

During Thursday’s outage, the 9-1-1 team was able to receive the phone number of 9-1-1 callers and while Operators were unable to answer the calls due to inoperable phone lines, they were able to immediately call the number back to inquire about the nature of the emergency call and relay information to the appropriate first responder if required. Fortunately, during the outage, only one call was received.

“Although we had no way of knowing the 9-1-1 lines would be unavailable across the province, our work to mitigate against such risk by ensuring ongoing connectivity for emergency calls ensured we were able to respond as our community would expect us to,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “It is highly unusual and rare that 9-1-1 lines are unavailable and it was fortunate that the shift of Operators who have been testing this technology happened to be working when it did happen. We are not yet aware of the reason for the outage, but we were impacted between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026. It should provide some comfort to residents to know that even during an outage, their call will be seen and Operators can still assist.”

The Peterborough Police Service is rolling out this functionality across all 9-1-1 teams.

“Essentially, last night was the ultimate proof of concept, that supports a full deployment of the technology as even one missed 9-1-1 call would be too many,” said Chief Betts.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Local 40-Year-Old Woman

The Peterborough Police Service is asking the public for help locating Sara, a 40-year-old Peterborough woman reported missing on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Family members reported her missing after becoming concerned for her well-being and being unable to contact her. She was last believed to be travelling toward the Orillia area and may also have connections to Barrie.  

Sara does not have access to a vehicle and may be travelling on foot or relying on others for transportation. Her current whereabouts are unknown.

Sara is described as:

• White

• 40 years old

• 5’4”

• Thin build

• Long, straight brown hair

• Hazel eyes

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x274.

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