BPS COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 and the Barrie Police Service

The safety of our staff, both sworn and civilian, is a top priority for the Barrie Police Service and we recognize that the next few weeks will be challenging for our community as well.

We will provide updates on how our response to COVID-19 will affect the public, but the public is assured that our 911 system continues uninterrupted.

We ask that everyone be patient, keep yourself updated from reputable sources and always practise proper hand hygiene.

Criminal Records Checks

The Records and Information Management Services counter will be open to the public as of June 14, 2021.

Everyone is encouraged to apply online for their Criminal Record Check, and kiosks are available at the BPS Headquarters for those who attend in person for a record check.

For all other inquiries, please contact 705-725-7025 Ext. 2141.

Criminal Record Check applications can be made online: https://www.barriepolice.ca/services/records/

Mental Health during COVID
The Canadian Association for Mental Health (CAMH) has provided resources and information for those who may be struggling with their mental health during the COVID pandemic, or who have loved ones who may be struggling.

Please visit the CAMH website for more information, and please reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance.

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19

 

Known frauds / scams

Recognize it * Reject it  *  Report it
Canadian Anti-Fraud Center 1-888-495-8501

Criminals are using the COVDI-19 pandemic to frighten our communities. Our Crime Prevention Office has listed some of the most recent scams. Remember pressure tactics are being used to prey on those fears.

1. Calls offering you duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19. There are no services or filters available to protect from COVID-19.

2. Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies will not be calling you to threaten to disconnect your power for non-payment.

3. A caller who identifies themselves as a Public Health Agency of Canada rep offering lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood. These lists are FAKE! They then try and trick you to give your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription.

4. Red Cross and other known charities supposedly offering medical products such as masks and gloves for a donation. FAKE!

5. Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale. FAKE! Remember that ONLY health care providers can perform tests. No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results.

6. People are receiving phone calls where the caller claims to be calling from the Ministry of Health demanding you stay on the line to talk to them. We suggest you just hang up.

7. Fraudsters call and offer a service that sanitizes your home and claims to be from a company called Ontario Public Health. There is no such service. Our advice is to simply hang up.

8. Phishing emails pretending to be linked to an Employment Insurance claim due to COVID-19 requiring the recipient to validate their information.

9. Emails claiming to be from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The email claims to provide an update on COVID-19 and directs people to click on the link provided. Reports show that these links have asked for personal information but may also contain malware.

10. Scams claiming to be from retailers you may shop at offering you bonus ‘points’ for their loyalty program due to COVID-19. In order to claim the points, consumers are being advised to follow the link and provide their information.

11. Text messages asking citizens to click on a link to receive their Government of Canada benefit or to verify their eligibility for financial aid due to COVID-19.

Collision Reporting Centre

 

The Collision Reporting Centre will be operating under reduced hours due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The hours will be:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Calling 911

Please be assured that our 911 system continues to function without interruption. If you are calling 911 for police assistance, you may be asked several screening questions to ensure that our Officers can wear their Personal Protective Equipment while responding to your call if required.

Officers asking screening questions

If you are interacting with our Officers, they may ask you several screening questions in order to determine whether they need to wear their Personal Protective Equipment. They may ask these questions while standing approximately 6′ away from you. This is being done for the protection of the public and the Officers. 

Victim Services of Simcoe County

During the ongoing COVID-19 situation, please contact Victim Services of Simcoe County by phone at 705-725-7025 ext 2120, or by email at [email protected].

Crime Prevention Tips during COVID-19
  • A reminder also that as many of us transition to working from home for the next little while, fraudsters are also working from home. Continue to watch for signs of scam emails and other cyber and phone scams. If you get a request that seems odd, whether by email, phone or online message, verify by speaking with the ‘sender’ to confirm. If you’re contacted by phone, hang up and reach out to the supposed caller yourself to confirm.
  • Log important serial numbers or take photos of valuables and store them in a safe place in case of a theft.
  • Take a moment to register with our Business Key Holder Registry so police know who to contact if there is an after-hours emergency with your business or property.
  • Check out our online crime prevention resources for businesses. We have information for securing commercial buildings inside and outside.
  • Move all valuables so that they cannot be seen by anyone traveling past your business and empty your till and place it in clear view to demonstrate that there is no cash left on the premises.

Last updated:
14 June, 2021 at 3:15 p.m.

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