Peterborough Man Arrested From Lansdowne Place Bomb Threat On Feb. 19

A 21-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested for false information and public mischief after making a bomb threat at Lansdowne Place Mall on Feb. 19, reported Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The threat resulted in the mall being evacuated and shut down for the day while police investigated the validity of the threat. York Regional Police Service Bomb Squad members were called to investigate the matter. This included a bomb-sniffing police dog checking the property and clearing it as safe. 

Peterborough Police Service Major Crime Unit identified a suspect and took them into custody without incident on Thursday.

“This event caused a lot of disruption in our community, not to mention the impact on local businesses,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “These types of incidents strike at the core of safety in our public spaces, and we take them seriously. For our officers, in the Major Crime Unit, to quickly identify and secure an arrest in this case within weeks of this incident, is outstanding.”

The suspect was arrested and charged with:

• False Information

• Public Mischief

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 15.

“I am grateful to the members of the public for evacuating safely, and the patience of the community as a search was completed,” said Betts. “I also extend my thanks to our policing partners from York Regional Police, who supported us that day, with their explosive detection canine, as well as the management at Lansdowne Place for their cooperation throughout the investigation.” 

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Peterborough Police Seeking Two Fraud Suspects Taking A Woman's Bank Card In Taxi Scam

The Peterborough Police Service are seeking two suspects wanted on fraud for taking a bank card from a woman through a taxi scam on Tuesday night.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., officers arrived at a Chemong Road and Towerhill Road area parking lot and learned that a 53-year-old female victim was approached by a young woman who left a red sedan with a taxi sign on top of the car. 

The latter appeared distressed and told the victim that the taxi would not accept cash and that she did not own a debit card. She asked the victim to take her cash and pay with her debit to cover the fee. The victim agreed and the transaction was completed. 

Once the pair had left the area, the victim realized she had given back a bank card that was not hers. Within minutes, the victim received a notification from her bank that there was a withdrawal of $1,500 and another withdrawal at a local business minutes later.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1

• Female

• 16-20 years old

• Long dark hair tied up

• Wearing a light-coloured hoodie

Suspect 2

• Male

• Approx. 40 years old

• Facial hair

• Balding with a medium build with an accent

• Eyeglasses

• Wearing a blue, white and red Adidas tracksuit

Vehicle

• Red sedan

• Tinted windows

• White “City Taxi” sign on top of the vehicle with number 740-2222 listed below

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Teenager Charged With Brandishing Hatchet At Lansdowne Place Mall Security

A 14-year-old Peterborough male teenager is facing charges after brandishing a hatchet at Lansdowne Place security on Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., a call was made to police regarding a disturbance by a large group of teens in the mall. The group started to flee once security arrived.  

The security guards were verbally threatened and then had a hatchet brandished at them. Officers spotted the teen in a parking lot across the street and took him into custody.

He was arrested and charged with:

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Failure to comply with undertaking

The accused is currently bound by an undertaking with the following condition: to not possess any weapons.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 14.

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Peterborough Police Service Launch Pedestrian Safety Campaign

The Peterborough Police Service has launched a pedestrian safety campaign that encourages everyone to walk safe, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

This campaign is in partnership with Peterborough Public Health, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County/  

Whether travelling on a city street or using a rural roadway, the safety of all road users should be front and center. Peterborough Police over the coming weeks will release essential safety tip.

From families on their morning trip to school to someone walking to the bus stop to get to work or even the short trip one may make from the parking garage to a shop, each of us makes many walk or roll trips each day.

In 2024, there were 44 pedestrian-involved collisions in the Peterborough Police Service policing areas (City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield, Township of Cavan-Monaghan), with 39 of them (89 per cent) resulting in injury. In local OPP-patrolled areas, there was one pedestrian-involved collision that resulted in one death and one person injured. 

The Peterborough Police’s goal of releasing these safety tips is to reduce the risk to those walking, running, or rolling on city and rural roads, as well as minimize their exposure to hazards.   

There are tried and true Pedestrian Safety Tips that help everyone to #walksafe: 

1. Be Visible  

• Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: Choose clothing in bright colors (such as neon or white) or wear reflective gear, especially if walking during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, or night) or inclement weather conditions.  

• Carry a Flashlight or Headlamp: If walking in the dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see and be seen by drivers.  

• Use Reflective Accessories: Consider adding reflective tape or vests to your clothing or gear, making you more visible from a distance.  

2. Walk Facing Traffic  

• Face Oncoming Vehicles: On streets without sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles and take action if necessary.  

• Stay Alert: Minimize distractions by only having one headphone in and low volume. If you need to text, stop, text and then continue walking when you are done. 

3. Stay on the Shoulder  

• Use the Shoulder: Walk on the shoulder of the road, as far away from moving vehicles as possible.  

• Give Passing Vehicles Space: When cars or trucks pass by, stay as far off the roadway as possible to give them plenty of space.  

4. Choose Safe Walking Routes  

• Select the Safest Routes: Choose roads with the least amount of traffic or where traffic moves slower. If high-speed roads are your only option, please choose to be extra cautious. Consider roads that have wider shoulders or clearer visibility for drivers. Be alert at curves or areas with limited sight lines.  

5. Cross Safely  

• Use Marked Crossings When Available:  If no designated crossings are present, choose the safest location to cross with good visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.  

• Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Always check for oncoming traffic in both directions, even if the road seems clear. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you.  

• Don’t Rush the Hand: Give yourself plenty of time to cross at intersections and designated crosswalks.  

6. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions  

• Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced. Wear more reflective gear, and if conditions are severe, consider postponing walking if you can.  

• Stay Alert: Be aware of how conditions may impact vehicles. Poor weather may impact vehicles’ ability to stop or steer. Walk with extra caution, particularly when there is no sidewalk or crossing the street.  

7. Carry Identification  

• Carry ID and Emergency Info: Always carry identification and a phone with emergency contacts, especially if walking in more remote areas where help may not be readily available.  

8. Limit/Avoid Walking at Night  

• Utilize Well-Lit Roads: When possible, stick to roads and sidewalks that are well-lit during night or times or low light. 

• Limit Nighttime Walking: If possible, avoid walking after dark, especially on rural roads as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear. 

9. Be Cautious Around Large Vehicles 

• Watch Out for Large Vehicles: Rural roads and areas near construction zones are often utilized by large trucks, farm equipment, and other heavy vehicles. Be extra cautious, as these vehicles require more space and have longer stopping distances.  

• Give Farm Vehicles Extra Space: Always give farm equipment plenty of room, especially when it’s traveling at slow speeds or taking up the whole road.  

Motorists also have an active role to play in pedestrian safety. Motorists are reminded to: 

Be Alert for Pedestrians 

• In the dark or inclement weather, pedestrians may be less visible. Be alert and aware of other road users.  

• Remember to check for pedestrians crossing at intersections. Do a double check when making turns, as a pedestrian may arrive while you’ve been looking for a gap in traffic. 

• If a crossing guard is present, follow their instructions. Be patient and remember that stop means stop.  It’s important that cars remain stopped at crosswalks until everyone is back on the sidewalk.  

Be Aware of the Posted Speed Limit 

• Slow down and give space to pedestrians on roadways  

• Speed limits in many City and County school areas are reduced, be mindful of students walking or rolling to and from school 

• Community Safety Zones are established to provide awareness of higher concentrations of vulnerable road users, speeding fines can be doubled in these areas. 

 Be Mindful of Weather Conditions  

• Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced, and road conditions may be impacted. Leave yourself extra space and extra time to travel. 

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Peterborough Man Faces Child Pornography and Luring Charges After Exchanging Messages With a Minor

A 33-year-old Peterborough man is facing luring and child pornography charges after an investigation after an exchange of inappropriate messages was brought forward, reported on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Internet Child Exploitation Unit officers went to the suspect’s residence and took him into custody without incident.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Luring a Person Under 18 x2

• Possession of Child Pornography

• Access Any Child Pornography

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Police Seeking Missing Peterborough Woman Who Has Been Out of Contact With Family and Friends

UPDATED: 11:16 p.m. 03-03-25

Luxton has been found as of 7:20 p.m. according to the Peterborough Police Service.

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing 35-year-old Peterborough woman, Heather Luxton, reported on Monday afternoon.

Her family last saw her at the end of October. They are concerned for her safety and well-being. While they do have sporadic contact with her, this is a longer period without contact with friends or family.

She was last seen in Downtown Peterborough. Luxton was wearing a blue jean jacket lined with white fleece, grey track pants, black running shoes and had long faded red hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Man Arrested and Charged With Mischief After a Break-and-Enter Incident at the Back of a Restaurant

A 35-year-old Peterborough man faces a mischief charge after a break-and-enter incident at a restaurant on Sunday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5:45 p.m., a break-and-enter occurred at a Brock and George Street-area restaurant where officers located a man matching the description given to police at the back of the building. He was taken into custody without incident.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Mischief Under $ 5,000

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused is being held in custody and appeared in court on Monday.

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Peterborough Police to Let Kids Take Charge With "Chief For a Day" Program Essay Contest

The Peterborough Police Service is returning the ‘Chief For A Day’ program which gives a Grade 5 student an opportunity to experience a day as Police Chief for the Peterborough Police Service. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Students from Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan are eligible to enter. Entrants are asked to write a 300 to 500-word essay on what they would do if they were Chief for a day.

The contest winner will be fitted with a full Peterborough Police Service Uniform and experience a day in the life of our Police Chief, including being sworn in, meeting the officers and different units, as well as presenting your essay to the Peterborough Police Service Board.

Completed essays can be sent to chiefofpoliceoffice@peterboroughpolice.ca with the entrant’s full name, school, the city the school is in and the school board the student attends. The deadline is on March 25.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Uttering a Death Threat During An Online Sale

A 26-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after uttering death threats to another man on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The threats were uttered during an online sale attempt between two men known to each other. The threats toward the victim included images of weapons and threats of harm. 

The High Risk Unit, Street Crime Unit and Emergency Response Team (ERT) were called in and the suspect was taken into custody without incident in the Burnham Street and Hunter Street area. Officers also conducted a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, during which officers seized a live round of ammunition.

The man has been charged with:

• Utter Threats to Cause Death

• Fail to Comply with Release Order x2

• Breach of Recognizance

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following conditions: to not possess a cell phone or device with access to the internet and to not possess any weapon or ammunition as defined by the Criminal Code. 

The accused is also currently bound by a recognizance with the following condition: not possessing any weapon or ammunition as defined by the Criminal Code.

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Thursday.

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Peterborough Man Charged After Throwing TV Remote At a Woman Resulting In Minor Injuries

A 27-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after an incident of intimate partner violence on Tuesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5 p.m., a disturbance occurred at a residence in the Hunter Street East and Armour Road area. A verbal disagreement escalated, resulting in a woman receiving minor injuries from a TV remote being thrown at her face by a 27-year-old Peterborough man.

He was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon - Spousal

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

They are being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

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