The Halton Regional Police Service has suspended its use of Crime Stoppers after learning that data connected to the region was caught up in a cybersecurity breach at the program's third-party tip-management platform.
The breach affects the platform used by Crime Stoppers organizations, which allows members of the public to submit anonymous tips about crimes. According to a Halton Regional Police Service statement, some of the data included in the breach relates to Halton.
The police service said it is treating the incident seriously because of the importance of protecting the anonymity and safety of people who come forward with information to assist investigations.
What police are saying
While Halton Crime Stoppers and the police service have long worked together in support of community safety, Crime Stoppers operates independently of the police service, and its tip-management platform is not connected to Halton police internal systems.
"The safety and security of Halton residents who have interacted with Crime Stoppers is our primary concern," the statement reads.
The service said it recognizes the importance of public trust, confidentiality and tipster safety, and that the protection of confidential information is paramount.
Use of program paused
Halton Regional Police Service has suspended its use of Crime Stoppers while it awaits further information on the scope and impact of the breach.
In the meantime, residents who wish to report a crime or raise a public safety concern are being encouraged to contact the police service directly through its existing reporting channels.
Police acknowledge that going through the service directly does not provide the anonymity that the Crime Stoppers program offers, but said it will ensure information is received directly by investigators.
Investigation and unanswered questions
The police service said it is actively investigating and assessing the potential impacts of the incident on its operations.
Questions about the breach itself, including the scope of any affected information and the measures being taken in response, should be directed to the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association, according to the statement.
Media inquiries to Halton police can be directed to the service's media relations line.
