Peterborough Police Service is pushing pause on the Crime Stoppers Submission Portal and Tip Line

It has come to the attention of the Peterborough Police Service that there has been a data breach involving Navigate360, the vendor that provides tip-management software to Crime Stoppers programs in Canada and the United States.

It is important to note that the Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers program serves the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County OPP, Northumberland County OPP, Cobourg Police Service, Port Hope Police Service, Curve Lake Police, the Ministry of Natural Resources, CBSA, and other partner agencies.  

The Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers program is a trusted partner and ardent supporter of providing a means for the public to submit tips that may assist in the solving of crimes. It is a separate and independent entity distinct from the Peterborough Police Service and does not interface, directly or indirectly, with any Peterborough Police Service databases.

At this time, we have been advised that it is not yet known how many, if any, data files involving matters in the jurisdiction of the Peterborough Police Service may have been compromised. That investigation is actively underway.

Out of an abundance of caution, and until we are confident that any vulnerabilities have been addressed to mitigate against any future breaches, the Peterborough Police Service is pausing the use of the Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers portal and tip line until we are satisfied that a new and secure portal is available. This decision is in no way a reflection of our confidence of the Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers program.

When the details of the breach become known to us, we will review the details to assess the impact to police operations, and the safety and privacy of tipsters who provided information to support Peterborough Police investigations.

Citizens seeking to provide information about a crime or public sa­fety concern should contact police directly through our existing reporting channels. In an emergency or to report a crime in progress, always call 9-1-1. To provide a tip by phone, call 705-876-1122 Ext. 388. When calling, please listen to and follow all guidelines provided to you. This line connects tipsters with the Peterborough Police Service, and while we will work to keep your identity private, anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

To leave a tip by email you can do so at: tips@Peterboroughpolice.ca. If leaving a tip by email please attempt to do so from an address that does not readily identify you. Do not include your name, address, phone number, e-mail or location. Do not mention how you know the information such as your relationship to the people involved or whether you were there. Do not attach photos, videos or files. Only describe the crime, what happened, when and where it happened and who was involved. If you include personal details, we may not be able to protect your identity. We will work to keep your identity private, but we cannot guarantee anonymity and we may have to share tips if the law requires it. 

The tip line and email portal are run by the Peterborough Police Service and are not part of the Crime Stoppers program. Please only report information you believe to be true, as false reports can be a crime.  By submitting a tip, you confirm that you agree to these guidelines and agree that Peterborough Police Service is not responsible if your identity becomes known.

“This breach of data is concerning to our Organization and upon learning of this breach, I immediately initiated a request of the extent, if any, to which tips provided to the Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers program, about cases in the jurisdiction of the Peterborough Police Service may have been compromised. We value our relationship with the Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers program and will work closely with them to address any data breaches that impact our Organization.” - Chief Stu Betts

Any questions regarding the breach or measures taken in response should be directed to Crime Stoppers.

Alexandra Crowley
Community Development & Engagement Coordinator
Peterborough Police Service
Phone (705) 876-1122 x 290
982@peterboroughpolice.ca