News
MEDIA RELEASES
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The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public of a fraud scheme that has been frequently reported across the country. Residents will receive a phone call from a scammer claiming to be bank fraud investigators. The scammers then attempt to have the resident provide them with personal information, including account details and PIN numbers. The resident is told that their card has been compromised and that a "courier" will come to collect their cards. A scammer then attends the residence, collects their bank card, and uses it to make fraudulent purchases or cash withdrawals. Legitimate fraud investigators will never ask an individual who may be the victim of fraud to provide their PIN number over the phone. They will also never attend a personal residence to take possession of bank or credit cards. Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by scams. It's rare that funds are recovered or reimbursed after being lost in a fraud scheme. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to educate the public about ways to protect themselves from financial scams. While not unique to Thunder Bay, members of our community continue to be targeted and fall victim to deceit by fraudsters. Community members contacted by a suspected scammer are urged to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone or not respond to messages. If someone is contacting you and demanding payment or requesting personal information, it is most likely a scam. As well, reputable financial agencies and institutions will never demand gift cards or cryptocurrency as a form of payment. In situations where there is an incentive or reward being offered, if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. Do not provide personal information, such as a credit card number or access to financial accounts. Fraudsters may attempt to manipulate their victims by claiming there is a sense of urgency to act. This is a common tactic to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as evidence that a scam is taking place. Economic crime investigations are very often complex and can take an extensive amount of time. Recovering or reimbursing lost funds is extremely rare. Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by scams. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
Police arrested an 18-year-old after responding to a complaint of a vehicle being driven dangerously in the Current River area. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to Lyon Boulevard East shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, June 2, after receiving a report of a vehicle being driven onto a walking path and then on a field. Responding officers found a pickup truck flipped on its side on a field at the Current River Community Centre. Officers spoke to the driver of the vehicle and observed multiple signs of impairment. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. An 18-year-old male is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Mischief under $5,000. The accused was released on un undertaking with a future court appearance date.
A 17-year-old faces several charges after two teenagers were robbed at knifepoint over the weekend. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Arthur Street West shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, after receiving a report of a robbery involving a weapon. A male suspect approached two youths, brandishing a knife, and stole a bicycle. Responding officers located a male matching the description of the suspect. The individual did not comply with officer demands and fled. The male was again located nearby, where he was found attempting to break into an Ottawa Street residence. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. A 17-year-old male has been charged with Robbery, Mischief under $5,000, Trespassing at Night, Resisting a Peace Officer, and Breach of Probation. The identity of the accused cannot be disclosed in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The accused appeared in court and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
A drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of suspected illicit substances.
Charges have been laid following a year-long investigation into historical child sexual abuse allegations.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public that local residents continue to be targeted by phone scams.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to conduct an investigation after responding to an area of the city's south side last week.
The Thunder Bay Police Service currently has a visible presence in an area of the south side of the city.
Latest Messages From the Chief
Last week, we celebrated Police Week to recognize and thank the dedicated members of Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS)—those on the front lines and those working tirelessly behind the scenes. In my view, they deserve appreciation every day. Every action in their work is rooted in one goal: keeping our community safe. I also want to extend sincere gratitude to the many community members who support our work. Whether through kind words, partnerships, or simply a shared belief in public safety, your support makes a real difference. It reminds our members that their service matters and that we are stronger when we stand together. There is no question that the work of our members is both demanding and impactful. From May 12-May 18, the Thunder Bay Police Service received 1,144 calls for service. Of the total calls for service, 197 were classified as Priority 1 calls. Below is a breakdown of some of the call types reported during those 7 days: 90 motor vehicle collisions 38 assaults 15 weapons calls 9 robberies 8 motor vehicle thefts 42 theft/shoplifting During that time period, the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre handled a total of 4,724 calls, with 1,930 of those being calls incoming directly through 9-1-1. People are often experiencing their most difficult moments when they come into contact with police. I recognize that perceptions of policing can vary widely. Some see police as symbols of safety and reassurance, while others may view them with skepticism, shaped by personal experience or broader societal issues. I remain committed to listening, learning, and building trust through every interaction. All community members are invited to ask questions at an upcoming Chat with the Chief event: Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30) Waverley Resource Library, Red River Road To submit questions ahead of the event, visit https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH
Latest The Shift
Community questions answered We’re happy to answer these questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. How does TBPS combat retail thefts? Communities across the country are experiencing retail thefts due complex economic, social, and systemic factors. In one month (April 27 – May 27), TBPS responded to 263 calls related to Thefts. To interrupt this activity, TBPS officers in plain clothes attend stores posing as customers. When they witness theft, officers take suspects into custody. Our Break, Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit members spent time monitoring different retail areas over the course of multiple days. This resulted in several arrests for theft, including one of a person who was wanted on a robbery charge. Primary Response officers watch for theft activity while on patrol. Store windows that are free of obstructions such as posters give officers a clear line of sight from the road. Retail spaces can be planned to enhance staff safety and deter criminal activity. Our officers share advice to businesses that helps to open sightlines, improve, reduce hiding spots, increase the chance of detecting suspicious behavior, limit access to high-value or commonly targeted merchandise. How does TBPS help youth stay away from criminal activities? Protecting youth is a priority and shared responsibility. We are pleased to collaborate on activities to keep youth safe. These are just a few examples: School Resource Officers improve student safety in and around schools. They play a key role in building relationships between students and police. In 2024, School Resource Officers delivered 40 presentations to youth regarding Online Safety, Bullying, Gang Prevention and Student Safety. In September 2024, Voices of Resilience: Gang Prevention Through Experience reached about 2,500 grade 7 and 8 students at local and regional schools. Our Community-Oriented Response & Engagement and Community Inclusion Teams engage with members of our community at countless events and activities. Many of these, like the Sk8 Collaborative, are focused on youth. TBPS members participate in Camp Loon – an outreach program for youth between 12 and 18 from remote Indigenous communities in the north. Our involvement provides training in leadership skills and activities which may not be available to them at home. More Action. More Opportunity. Working in a busy municipal police service means every day brings new challenges—and new chances to grow. From frontline response to specialized units, your career path is yours to shape. Serve Where You Live. Protect What Matters Most. Stay close to home while making a real difference. Our officers protect the communities they live in—because there’s no greater motivation than keeping your own streets safe. If you’re looking for a rewarding, exciting and ever-changing career, answer the call. Join our team through either our Cadet or Experienced Officers program. To learn more about career opportunities at TBPS, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.
