ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service has been made aware of a scam circulating on TikTok targeting youth.

In the scam, fraudsters will try to convince the victim to provide their bank account information or e-transfer information, so that they can send them $500.  They will then ask the victim to send money back to the scammer.  The first deposit / e-transfer will inevitably bounce, and the victim will then be out the money they sent to the fraudster, plus have $500 taken out of their account by the bank.

If you have fallen victim to a scam on TikTok, please report it to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481. If you have provided banking information, contact your financial institution and report it immediately. You can also report the incident to TikTok. 

Additional tips to help you stay safe from scammers on TikTok, and other social media platforms:

• Keep your account private so fewer users can see it. Only allow your friends to send you messages so you don't get emails from strangers.
• Be skeptical of get-rich-quick schemes or job offers promising high pay for little work.
• Don't send money or gift cards to people you've only met online.
• Avoid clicking links in user bios or messages, as they may lead to malware or phishing sites.
• Use strong, unique passwords for your account and enable two-factor authentication.
• Be wary of accounts impersonating celebrities or brands, especially those asking for money or personal information.
• Don't participate in "money flipping" schemes where users claim they can quickly multiply your investment.
• Ignore messages about winning contests you never entered.
•  Be cautious of romantic interests who develop quickly and ask for financial help.
• Research any product or service extensively before making a purchase.
• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Media Contact:

Cst. Brent Bohrn
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-0209

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is pleased to welcome Rajnish (Raj) Saini as the new Deputy Chief of Police.

DC Saini is a dedicated, results-orientated professional with twenty-five years of distinguished policing experience. He began his policing career with the Brantford Police Service in 1999 and remained there, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant, before accepting the position of Deputy Chief of Police with the Nelson Police Department in January 2022. In his current role he oversees both the operational and administrative functions of the department and has been involved in implementing the use of technology to increase efficiency. 

DC Saini holds a Master of Public Safety degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Safety from Charles Sturt University.

With an extensive background in leading diverse teams, managing complex investigations and implementing technology-driven solutions, DC Saini is excited for the opportunity to bring his passion for public safety and community engagement to Medicine Hat and contribute to the strategic goals of the MHPS and the community.

"I am truly honoured and humbled to join the Medicine Hat Police Service as Deputy Chief. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated and passionate members of the MHPS and to serve and engage with the Medicine Hat community. Together, we will continue to build on the proud legacy of this Service while striving to create a safer and stronger community for everyone," said Saini.

“Deputy Chief Saini was identified as the successful candidate after an extensive search that included candidates from across Canada. Raj will be an excellent addition to the MHPS team as we continue to be leaders in policing innovation and public safety.” – Chief Al Murphy MHPS

Saini will officially assume the role of Deputy Chief on January 6, 2025.

Media Contact:
Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Medicine Hat College (MHC) and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) are proud to announce a collaborative partnership to develop a Police Training Program in Medicine Hat. This collaboration focuses on training recruits within the community, reflecting our shared commitment to fostering vibrant local partnerships that support and strengthen our city.

This program combines MHC’s educational expertise and resources with MHPS’s practical knowledge to create a training experience that meets the needs of recruits. Participants of the program will be selected through the MHPS recruitment process.

Medicine Hat Police Chief Alan Murphy says, "This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to providing the highest standard of service to our community, but it also ensures that our officers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to handle the complex challenges they face. By working closely with a college in our community, we are investing in the future of policing in Medicine Hat and building a safer community for all."

The impact of this corporate training partnership will be felt for years to come.

“Our partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Service reinforces the vibrancy of our community and region,” adds Dr. Morgan Blair, dean of MHC’s School of Business and Continuing Studies. “Those pursuing careers with the local police service can access their training here at home, in our community, where they will live, work, play, and give back throughout their careers. This partnership is a reinvestment in Medicine Hat and everyone who calls this city home.”

The first cohort of the new police training program will be hosted in January 2025.

Media Contacts:

Medicine Hat Police Service
Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416
Email: [email protected]

or

Medicine Hat College
Marketing & Communications
Email: [email protected]

On November 13, 2024, twenty community members celebrated their participation in the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA) with a graduation ceremony.

The CPA is an outreach program intended to provide community members with the opportunity to learn more about their local police service.  Through a series of lectures, hands-on learning and practical demonstrations provided by police personnel over eight weeks, participants gained an increased understanding of the MHPS, its role, daily operations, as well as awareness of current policing issues and community safety concerns.  The Academy concluded with an official graduation ceremony where participants were presented with a certificate.

The weekly presentations were interactive and intended to provide insight into the diverse nature of policing in Medicine Hat.  Topics covered included:

• Overview of police uniformed operations
• Overview of specialty teams including Tactical Arrest and Control Team, Explosive Disposal Unit and Crisis Negotiators
• Major Crime Investigations
• Community Safety Initiatives
• Community partnerships including Police and Crisis Team and Safe Families Intervention Team
• Victim Services
• Employee wellness programs
• Emerging crime trends
• Firearms and Control Tactics
• Canine demonstration

Reflecting on their experience the participants felt that the CPA was “very informative and offered great insight into police work”.  One member shared that the “information shared exceeded their expectations: and that “prior to attending they were not aware there were so many different kinds of police units”.  Another remarked that while they had “come into the class with a fairly negative view of policing in general, the class helped inform me of the MHPS and has given me confidence in the service and its officers.

The CPA is offered annually in the fall.  Anyone interested in participating in the next class can watch for announcements on the MHPS website (mhps.ca).  The application process will open in the summer of 2025.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Carissa Witkowski
Training Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph; 403-952-5642

Two males have been charged after investigation into a break and enter to a local business this summer.

On August 29, 2024, members of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) responded to a report of a break and enter that had occurred at a commercial property located in the 700 block of 20th Street NE.  Investigators determined that two individuals had unlawfully entered the premises, stealing a significant amount of cash and various products.

During the investigation completed by the Criminal Investigation Section it was also discovered that the incident was orchestrated with the assistance of a former employee who possessed detailed knowledge of the business's operations and security measures.

Resulting from the investigation, Kallon Matchett (33 years old), and Nicolas Belanger (35 years old), both of Medicine Hat, have been charged with break and enter, and theft exceeding $5,000. Additionally, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Alexandra Chilson (22 years old), of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. 

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may result.

Media Contact

A/SSgt D Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 581-1061

On November 11, 2024, Medicine Hat Police Service patrol officers responded to a noise complaint at a residence on Belfast Street SE. During their investigation, officers discovered a male who had been assaulted and unlawfully confined within the residence. Two individuals at the scene were identified as responsible for holding the victim captive and were subsequently arrested. The victim was transported to hospital for treatment, and later released.

Further investigation revealed that four additional individuals were involved and had left the location to break into the victim's residence located in the 400 block of 5th Avenue SE. Their intent was to recover items they alleged the victim had taken from them earlier that week. These suspects were apprehended in the act of committing the break and enter, during which they were wearing disguises to conceal their identities, however all parties were known to one another.

All six suspects involved in the matter were taken into custody and have been charged including: Daozhong Wang (22 years old), Jesse Keller (44 years old), Alexander Granger (19 years old), Anyanka Granger (21 years old), Jeremy Anderson, (45 years old) and Brittney Wells (22 years old).  All been charged with the following offences: Forcible Confinement, Assault with a weapon, Break and Enter with Theft under $5,000, and disguise with intent.  Five of the six accused were remanded into custody, and one was released with conditions.  

Media Contact

A/SSgt Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: (403) 581-1061

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) recently received several reports of parcel thefts from the porches and front door areas of residential homes within the city. These thefts occurred after parcels were delivered and left unattended, giving thieves an opportunity to intercept the packages before homeowners could retrieve them.

On November 8, 2024, a 38-year-old male was charged in connection with one of these thefts. It is believed that the suspect may be linked to additional similar incidents, and investigations into those files are ongoing. The suspect’s identity cannot be released at this time, as the charges have not yet been sworn to in Provincial Court.

As we enter the holiday season, and parcel deliveries are more frequent, the MHPS is encouraging residents to take extra precautions to prevent these types of thefts. Some effective tips to keep your parcels secure include:

1. Use an Amazon Locker or Pickup Point: Many retailers, including Amazon, offer secure locker or pickup point options for convenient and safe parcel retrieval.

2. Install Security Cameras and Signage: Visible cameras and security signage can deter would-be thieves. Ensure cameras are positioned to clearly capture activity on your porch.

3. Schedule Deliveries or Use Specific Instructions: If possible, arrange deliveries for times when you’re home or provide instructions for a hidden, secure location for packages.

4. Install a Smart Doorbell: Smart doorbells with cameras allow real-time monitoring and communication with visitors at your front door, even if you’re not at home.

5. Consider a Parcel Delivery Box or Lockbox: A delivery box or lockbox offers a secure spot for parcels. Many models can be bolted down or use smart locks accessible to delivery personnel.

6. Ask a Neighbor for Help:  If you have a trusted neighbor, ask if they can retrieve your package if they’re home during the delivery.

7. Use Delivery Alerts and Tracking: Enable delivery notifications and tracking to know exactly when your package will arrive and adjust delivery options if needed.

8. Require a Signature for Delivery: For high-value items, request a signature upon delivery to ensure the package isn’t left unattended

If you observe suspicious activity in your neighbourhood report to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 for all non-emergencies or 911 in an emergency.

Media Contact:

Inspector Jason Graham
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Traffic Advisory: The Medicine Hat Police Service will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on November 12, 2024, starting at 10 AM.

The over dimensional load will be starting at Bromley Mechanical (925 23 Street SW) travelling to the west Redcliff town limits on Highway #1. Traffic will be affected in both the East and West bound lanes on Highway #1 and in the SW Industrial Area due to possible counterflowing of the over dimensional load.

Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/ pilot vehicle directions.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is receiving reports that the “Grandparent Scam” is once again circulating in the Southern Alberta area.

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

Unfortunately, victims do not verify the story until after the money has been sent as the caller specifically asks “Can you please help me? I'm in jail (or in the hospital / legal trouble or in some type of financial need). But don't tell Mom/Dad. They will kill me if they find out, please sent the money ASAP. I'm scared".  Wanting to help their grandchild, the victim sends the money as requested. 

Variations on the scam are an old neighbor, a friend of the family etc. but predominantly the emergency scam is usually directed towards seniors and grandparents.

The MHPS is encouraging residents to talk with their older relatives about what to do when they receive a suspicious call:

•              Verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of the story. Call the grandchild directly and if they can’t be reached, contact their parents, siblings, or another relative who can help verify the story.

•              If the caller claims to a police officer, lawyer or other official, call the police station or officer directly to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

•              Do not use any phone numbers or other contact details provided by the caller to try to verify the information.

•              Do not provide money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or any other form of payment to someone you do not know.

•              Bail is always paid in person and the police station, courthouse or correctional centre and receipt of payment is provided.  Police and court officials will never attend your home to pick up cash.

•              Never disclose personal information over the phone to someone you do not know.

If you or someone you know has received such a request for money, contact your family or the MHPS who can advise you further.  If you have fallen victim to this scam, and have not already reported it, please contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Cst. Kurtis Ladouceur
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-502-1188

On October 29, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a report about a traffic related altercation that had occurred the previous day but had not yet been reported. According to the information received, a verbal dispute had occurred on the roadway between two motorists which then escalated shortly thereafter into a physical altercation. 

A 63-year-old man was seriously injured during this altercation and subsequently transported to hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

During the investigation, the second person involved in the dispute came forward to police. As a result of this investigation, a 28-year-old male from Medicine Hat has been charged with one count of aggravated assault. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on December 17, 2024.

The identity of the accused cannot be released as the charges have not yet been sworn in court.

Media Contact:
Inspector Jason Graham
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8481