Peel - Peel Regional Police would like to alert the public to a scam to that is being used to defraud seniors. Since February 2010, there have been five (5) reported incidents, all with the same method of operation.

Typically, a female suspect will select an elderly victim, approach them, and ask for assistance in locating an address. The suspect would then explain how she is a lottery winner, but needs assistance claiming the winnings, as she is an illegal immigrant. The suspect would explain that she needs collateral to claim the prize.

At this point a second suspect, usually a male, would join the first suspect and victim, and advise that he is willing to help. The two suspects would then attempt to talk the victim into withdrawing money from the bank. Typically victims are asked to withdraw amounts ranging from $2,800.00 to $10,000.00 cash.

Once the money is withdrawn, the male suspect would place the money into a bag and exchanges it for another bag that contains newsprint. The bag containing newsprint is given to the victim, who is unaware of the switch. Then, on the way to the lottery office, the male suspect would tell the victim that he needs some stamps and would stop at a local pharmacy. The victim would be asked to go into the store, to purchase the stamps, and the two suspects would flee before the victim returned.

These incidents have occurred in both Mississauga and Oakville, with all five incidents occurring along the Dundas Street corridor. Two incidents occurred in Mississauga, in the area of Dundas Street and Hurontario Street. Investigators suspect that the victims are being targeted in areas that are in close proximity to a pharmacy, so that the suspects can use the guise of buying stamps to flee with the victim's money.

The suspects described in the incidents are both of Hispanic descent. Both the female and the male suspects appear to be in their early 30's to early 40's, 5'2" to 5'7" tall and have accents. In four of the five occurrences, the suspects were driving a silver coloured four-door compact vehicle, similar to a Toyota or Nissan.

The following tips are measures that may be undertaken to prevent this type of deception:

• Don't do business with people who approach you first.
• If you are asked to sign any cheques or documents, ensure that it is for a legitimate reason. If in doubt, check with a trusted friend, lawyer, accountant or the police.
• Never give your credit card number, bank information or social insurance number for "verification" purposes.
• Be wary of any "nice" stranger, if the conversation deals with money.

If you, or someone you know, has been victimized in this manner, please contact the Fraud Bureau for assistance.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who may have information regarding the suspects' identity or whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3335. Information can also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by texting "PEEL", followed by your tip, to CRIMES (274637).

Peel - During the summer break, children may have a greater opportunity to go online and increase their risks associated to unsupervised use of the internet. Internet sites such as MySpace and Facebook have dramatically increased in popularity amongst our youth. These sites should only be accessed after your children have been educated about the dangers that exist when using these applications.

It’s also important to remember that the use of social networking sites may increase the risk of cyber-bullying and identity theft, if you don’t manage your privacy settings appropriately. Both children and adults alike can be victimized.

The Toronto Star is reporting "Peel’s public board warns it won’t open all 45 full-day kindergarten classes in 2011, as announced Tuesday by the education ministry, unless they are fully funded."

Mississauga - Investigators from the Special Victims Unit are looking for witnesses to a sexual assault that occurred in Mississauga.

On Thursday, May 27, 2010, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a female victim was walking on Lakeshore Road East, near Briarwood Avenue in Port Credit. The suspect stopped his vehicle and offered the victim a ride home. The victim accepted and entered the vehicle.

The suspect drove to a plaza located at Hurontario Street and The Queensway, prior to driving the victim to an industrial area of Mississauga, near Wolfedale Road, south of Burnhamthrope Road. There, the suspect parked the vehicle, sexually assaulted the victim and then forced her out of the vehicle.

The victim was picked up and driven home by three witnesses, one man and two women, on Wolfedale Road at Central Parkway. Investigators have yet to speak with these witnesses and are asking them to come forward to police.

The suspect is described as a South Asian male, approximately 20 years-old, 5’ 10” tall, with a heavy build and weighing around 200 lbs. He had short black straight hair and was unshaven. The suspect was last seen wearing a plaid stripped shirt and jeans.

The vehicle that the suspect was driving is described as an older model four-door, with a beige interior.

Anyone who may have information with respect to this assault is asked to call the Special Victims Unit at (905) 453-2121, ext. 3460. Anonymous tips can also be left with Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or through their website, www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.