CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, with assistance from the 31 Division - Peel Regional Police, have arrested and charged a Wasaga Beach resident following a child sexual abuse and exploitation investigation. 

“On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Wasaga Beach and seized a number of electronic devices,” say Police.

As a result of the investigation, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, a 33-year-old from Wasaga Beach was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

Make child sexual abuse and exploitation material, section 163.1(2);

Access child sexual abuse and exploitation material, section 163.1(4.1);

Voyeurism, section 162(1);

Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, section 163.1(4) - two counts.

The accused was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

The charges have not been proven.

“The OPP will continue to identify and pursue individuals who use technology to exploit children. Parents are reminded to take a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by educating their children on internet safety.”

Parents can find resources at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

HALLIBURTON RESIDENT CHARGED IN BREAK-AND-ENTERS

Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a Haliburton resident with multiple offences following an investigation into a series of break-and-enters and thefts in the Town of Shelburne, Town of Mono and Township of Mulmur.

“On Wednesday September 2, 2026, the accused attended a storage facility on Victoria Street in the Town of Shelburne, where they allegedly entered several storage units,” say Police. “During the incidents, the accused reportedly covered his face in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.

“On Friday September 11, 2026, the accused allegedly attended a rural property in the Township of Mulmur on an electric scooter and stole a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The vehicle was later recovered at a different address.

“On Saturday September 12, 2026, the accused allegedly attended two separate rural properties in the Town of Mono, where break-and-enters occurred. During one of these incidents, a side-by-side UTV was also stolen and later recovered at a different address.

“On Tuesday September 22, 2026, the accused was arrested on the outstanding Dufferin County warrants and subsequently charged in connection with the incidents.”

As a result of the investigation, Dale McCrea, a 40-year-old male from Haliburton, has been charged with:

Break, Enter a place - with intent to commit indictable offence - two counts;

Break, Enter dwelling house - commit indictable offence;

Theft of Motor Vehicle - two counts;

Disguise with Intent.

The charges have not been proven.

“The Dufferin OPP encourages residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and look out for their own property and that of their neighbours. Simple steps can help prevent theft and keep our communities safe

Lock It or Lose It! Secure your homes, vehicles, sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. Keep valuables out of sight, lock doors and windows, and never leave keys or garage door openers unsecured. Take a moment to check that your property is secure before leaving;

Residents are also encouraged to participate in the OPP's CAMSafe program, which allows police to identify security camera locations that may assist in investigations. Security cameras can be a valuable tool in helping police investigate crime and protect our communities;

If you see something suspicious, don't hesitate to report it to police. Being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye out for your neighbours, and taking steps to safeguard your property can make a difference. Working together, we can help deter crime and keep our communities safe.

Members of the Dufferin OPP remain committed to public safety through proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1. To report non-emergency information, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

SUSPECTS SOUGHT FOLLOWING TWO ALLEGED ASSAULTS ON BRAMPTON BUS

Peel Regional Police's Special Victims Unit (SVU) is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect following two alleged stranger sexual assaults on Brampton Transit Züm buses. Investigators believe the incidents are connected and that the same suspect is responsible for both offences.

“Between October 1 and October 15, investigators received reports of alleged sexual assaults involving two victims, including one youth, while travelling on Brampton Transit Züm buses,” say Police. “In each incident, an unidentified male suspect boarded the 511C bus at Humber College Terminal between approximately 4:20 p.m. and 5:11 p.m., sat near the victim, and engaged in unwanted sexual touching during the trip to Brampton Gateway Terminal at 501 Main St. S.

“The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5'10” to 5'11” tall, in his early 20s to early 30s, with a thin build, moustache, and black beard. He has long black hair, possibly worn in a bun. During the incidents, he was observed wearing a black baseball cap, a sage-green hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, beige running shoes, and carrying a blue Under Armour backpack.”

Anyone with information regarding these incidents, or who may have had contact with the suspect is asked to contact investigators with the Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, ext. 3460.

Peel Regional Police recognizes the profound and lasting impact that sexual violence can have on survivors, their families, and communities. Individuals affected by sexual violence are encouraged to access support services when they feel ready, regardless of whether they choose to report to police. Victim Services of Peel provides confidential support, information, resources, and referrals and can be reached 24/7 at 905-568-1068.