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July 25, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise awareness of fraud schemes and scams that target local residents. Distraction fraud is a tactic used by scammers where they’ll identify targets about to use a debit or credit card, such as in a store making a purchase or at an ATM. It’s common for the scheme to have multiple individuals involved and to target elderly victims. With this fraud, perpetrators will observe their targets entering the PIN of their debit or credit cards and may discretely use video recordings to detect the number. Then, the perpetrators will distract the victim while the card is stolen. The card, with the PIN, is then quickly used to withdraw cash or make high-value purchases. Anyone who has had a debit or credit card lost or stolen should contact their financial institution immediately to prevent someone else from being able to access funds. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) 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
July 25, 2025
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July 25, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is appealing to the public for any information that can assist with the Alma TERAVAINEN homicide investigation, 20 years after her death. Alma TERAVAINEN, 67, was found deceased on Monday, July 25, 2005, inside the Harbour Terrace Variety Store which she operated in the apartment complex at 122 Cumberland Street South. Alma was well known and respected by many tenants who knew her. Following the incident, police canvassed the area, collected evidence, and conducted numerous interviews. The Major Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate the homicide. Police are urging anyone who has any information to come forward. Any new information could be the key to providing investigators with the lead needed to solve this case and provide answers to the family. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .
July 20, 2025
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July 19, 2025
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July 18, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of financial scams that target local residents. A common scheme is the repayment scam. Scammers will send an email advising the recipient that they are due a refund or reimbursement after an overpayment for an account on a platform like Amazon or Paypal. The email will likely ask the recipients to provide banking information and may either provide a "refund form" or a request to send money by e-transfer to validate the account. Recipients may also be asked to download an app, such as AnyDesk, which will provide external control of the device, allowing scammers to have access to personal information. This is a scam. The scammers will use that information to compromise a bank account and any money sent by e-transfer will be lost.  People who receive these messages are urged to ignore or delete them. If in doubt, check your account status directly on the platform in question. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) 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
July 18, 2025
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July 17, 2025
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June 19, 2025
This week, the Thunder Bay Police Service issued its 2024 Annual Report. The report highlights compelling data and stories that illustrate the high demand for our services and the outstanding performance of our team. I am proud of the professionalism and bravery shown by all our members—both sworn officers and civilian staff—who serve our community with compassion and integrity every day. I am grateful to the many partners, organizations and individuals who continue to support the integral work we do. It is a privilege to serve this community. I encourage everyone to view the full report . Here are a few of many 2024 statistics of interest. 
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Community questions answered We’re answering your questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. "If officers are really busy, how do they have time for things like community walks and serving pizza?" We’re proud to be part of community events because it’s a great way to support important causes and connect with people. A lot of our officers and staff even volunteer their own time to help out and show their support. Our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and Community Inclusion Team members also get involved to build stronger relationships with the community. Being present is part of serving our community. How does TBPS support vulnerable people? The Thunder Bay Police Service works to protect vulnerable people by focusing on major issues like guns, gangs, and drugs—crimes that often affect and even target those who are most vulnerable. Concentrating on these activities directly reduces incidents of violence and improves public safety. On a daily basis, our approach is compassionate and community-focused, aiming to improve safety and well-being: Mental Health Response: Our IMPACT teams pair police officers with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) workers to respond to crisis calls. In the first year, the program reached over 1,600 people. Support and Training: Officers are trained to de-escalate situations and connect people with support services. A Social Navigation Coordinator also helps individuals access care and reduce repeat interactions with police. Community Partnerships: We work with 30+ local organizations to address social challenges through collaboration and ongoing dialogue. Advocacy and Awareness: We know police aren’t always the right resource. Our Social Navigator links people to the help they need and advocates for more funding and public awareness to support long-term solutions. We're Hiring What if your next job wasn’t just about earning a paycheque — but creating real, lasting change in your community? At the Thunder Bay Police Service, you don’t just work. You protect, support, and inspire. Every call. Every shift. Every moment — it counts. A new career with serious purpose starts here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board This month, the Board said goodbye to a long-serving and dedicated public servant, Board Secretary/Administrator John Hannam. The Board would like to thank and recognize John for his invaluable service, commitment, and dedication to the Board. We congratulate John on his upcoming retirement and wish him all the best. Thank you to our media partners for sharing this news with our communities: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/after-decades-with-the-police-board-senior-administrator-calls-it-a-career-10822861 Also in June, the Board released its inaugural Annual Report (2024.) Coming up in July, the Board will release its Q2 report. The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to participate in two flag-raising ceremonies this month: The raising of the Anishinabek Nation flag in recognition of National Indigenous People’s Day and The raising of the Progress Pride flag in recognition of Pride Month. 
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