Wednesday, May 23, 2007

THEFT/FRAUD ALERT

The North Bay Police Service would like to caution the public on a recent scam that is being committed in North Bay. A team of organized criminals steal both the ATM card and the corresponding PIN number from the victim.
On the 18th of May of this year two women had their ATM cards stolen while they were at Northgate Square. They then had their PIN numbers used to withdraw thousands of
dollars from their accounts as well as used to make several purchases.

The method used by the thieves is described as the following:
As a person uses their ATM card and fails to cover the numbers punched in, the thief does a shoulder surf and obtains the numbers entered. A very short time later one of
the thieves then approaches the victim and distracts them while a cohort steals the actual ATM card from their purse or wallet. Once this is done the thieves quickly empty the victim's account and obtain merchandise or cash from this same card. This same team of criminals is believed to have also been operating in Sault Ste. Marie. To prevent shoulder surfing, our Police Service is recommending that you shield the keypad from view by using your body or cupping your hand.

The description of the two suspect sought in North Bay is as follows:
Male, dark complexion, 40 to 50 years old, 5'6 to 5'8 and spoke with a Greek accent.
Female, in her 40s shorter than the male and also spoke with a Greek accent.


WOMAN BEATEN


On the 22nd of May shortly before midnight Csts. Stacy Jackson and Richard Hampel of the North Bay Police Service received a 911 call to attend an address on Cassells St. in regards to an alleged assault.

The officers arrived and saw a woman that was covered in blood. She allegedly was struck numerous times in the head and back.

A man was located trying to flee the home and was arrested.

The woman was brought to the hospital by North Bay Ambulance and treated for a broken nose, bruising and possible internal injuries.

David BISO 39 years old of Cassells St. is charged with Aggravated Assault and remains in custody for a bail hearing.

EXTORTION

On the 19th of March of this year it is alleged that a woman phoned a man within the southern part of the Province. At this time it is further alleged that the woman demanded money from the man or she would state that he had sexually assaulted her.

This was reported to Police and Det. Csts. Denis Levasseur and Mel Prevost of our Service arrested a woman in relation to this incident on the 22nd of May in North Bay.

Tammy DALEY 31 years old of McIntyre St. W. is charged with Extortion and will be returned by the Waterloo Regional Police today.