Edmonton Police Service recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers

The Edmonton Police Service has been named one of Alberta’s Top 70 Employers in a competition recognizing the best places to work.

 

 

“We’re a people-driven organization, so being recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers is a tremendous honour for our 2,650 employees,” says Acting Chief Greg Preston.  “At the EPS we realize that a career in policing is all about people.  The job is very challenging but equally rewarding, knowing that you’re making a difference in people’s lives every day.” 

 

The Alberta’s Top 70 Employers is a special designation that recognizes employers for progressive human resources programs, and is open to any private of public sector employer in Alberta.

 

EPS was recognized as a Top Employer for its: ongoing commitment to employee and community engagement, development of employees to their highest potential, and looking out for the mental and physical well-being of employees.

 

Mediacorp Canada Inc. and Eluta (one of Canada’s largest online recruitment sites), announced the winners of the annual competition at the Top Employer award ceremony in Calgary on Feb. 21, 2018. 

 

The winners were also published in the 2018 Alberta’s Top 70 Employers Magazine and the 2018 Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Graduates Career Directory.  Winners included: the City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services, ATB Financial, Edmonton Catholic Schools, PCL Construction, and WestJet Airlines. 

 

The Alberta Top Employer accreditation logo will be proudly placed on EPS recruitment materials and in divisional stations to encourage job seekers to consider a career with the police service. 

 

If you’re interested in a civilian or sworn member career with EPS, please visit www.joinEPS.ca.

 

For more information on the 2018 Alberta’s Top 70 Employers please visit www.canadastop100.com/alberta.

 

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EPS Cyber Crime Investigations team arrests local man for fraud, extortion

The Edmonton Police Service has charged an Edmonton man with fraud and extortion after several local businesses suffered network intrusions resulting in the theft of data and attempted extortion.

In July 2017, police received a report from a local business regarding an alleged hacking of their IT infrastructure. The suspect reportedly infiltrated the company’s IT network, took control of their email and smart phone servers and subsequently demanded payment in the form of Bitcoins to prevent any further damage to their network.

 

Following a thorough investigation, the EPS Cyber Crime Investigations Unit was able to identify the alleged suspect and believes he is responsible for network intrusions to at least four Edmonton-based companies.

 

“The network intrusions appeared to be financially motivated,” says Const. Phil Hawkins with the EPS Cyber Crime Investigations Unit. “Once the networks were accessed, the suspect targeted financial data, including online store accounts and email accounts from the companies and their employees.”

 

“This type of intrusion can result in significant losses to a business, including time and resources. In this case, the businesses affected suffered an estimated $1.5 million in combined damages.”

 

Jeffrey Johnston, 37, has been charged with 18 criminal offences, including mischief in relation to computer data (x3), fraudulently obtaining computer service (x2), mischief relating to data (x2),  unauthorized use of computer services (x2), theft under $5000 (x3), theft over $5,000 and extortion.

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Thieves targeting catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a series of catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter thefts after receiving more than three dozen reports from across the city.

Since Jan. 1, 2018, the EPS has received 39 reports of thefts and attempted thefts of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters. Vehicles targeted include diesel and gasoline trucks manufactured after 2008 and have included Ford F250s, F350s and F450s, Dodge Ram 3500s and larger commercial vehicles.

 

The locations of the thefts are widespread and include residential, commercial and industrial areas in west, northwest, southeast and southwest Edmonton. Parking lots and residential parking areas are the most commonly targeted locations followed closely by commercial properties.

 

“Vehicles left in parking lots over the weekend appear to be the most vulnerable,” says Det. Vern Tuttle with EPS West Division. “However, these thieves appear to be active any day of the week and have targeted some locations numerous times.”

Investigators believe there may be additional complainants and witnesses to these thefts and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

 

“Due to the profitable nature of this crime, we believe several individuals or groups may be responsible for these thefts,” says Tuttle. “If you’ve noticed any suspicious activity in areas where vehicles are parked, please give us a call.”

 

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

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Police seek original owners of recovered property

Downtown Division officers are seeking the original owners of alleged recovered stolen property after arresting two suspects in a recent break-and-enter series.

From Nov. 23, 2017 to Jan. 4, 2018, police received at least 10 reports of break-and-enters that took place in the McCauley, Cromdale, Oliver and Queen Mary Park neighbourhoods.

 

Following a thorough investigation, officers determined that the alleged thieves targeted a variety of locations, including mailboxes, parkades, apartment complex storage units and ATM machines and allegedly stole mailed gifts, cash and a variety of valuables left in vehicles and storage units.

 

Among the recovered items were several pieces of sporting equipment, a home theatre system, two vintage toy car sets and a malt mill. Photos of these items are now posted on the EPS Pinterest page in hopes the original owners will come forward and claim them.

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

“We were able to identify the owners of some of the stolen items, but a few unique items remain unclaimed,” says Acting Detective Jonathon Wong with Downtown Division. “We’re certain that someone is missing these items and are hopeful they will come forward.”  

 

Brandon Okimaw, 23, has been charged with break and enter (x10), mischief under $5,000 (x4), theft of mail (x2), and breach of recognizance (x19).

 

Frank Okimaw, 32, has been charged with break and enter (x7), theft of mail (x4), possession of stolen property under $5,000 (x7) and mischief under $5,000.

Anyone who has information about stolen property is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

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Police remind motorists to “Practise Safe Text” on Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day the Edmonton Police Service is reminding motorists to keep their eyes on the road and “Practise Safe Text.”

February 12-16, 2018 marks distracted driving enforcement week where officers across the city will focus their efforts on inattentive drivers.

 

“The number of tickets we issue only represents a fraction of the people we see,” says Const. Trevor Henderson with the EPS West Division Traffic team. “Despite the danger of taking your eyes off the road, drivers continue to use their devices behind the wheel.”

 

According to Alberta Transportation, distracted drivers are three times more likely to be in a crash than attentive drivers. The most common distracted activity seen by EPS officers is texting, though violations have been issued for a variety of distracting activities, including personal grooming and reading printed materials.

 

“The majority of drivers we see during enforcement are caught by surprise and many don’t believe they’re breaking the law,” says Henderson. “The law doesn’t only restrict manipulating a cell phone or device while driving, such as texting or talking, it also restricts holding or viewing it.”

 

Since 2015, the EPS has issued more than 21,000 distracted driving violations.

 

Distracted Driving Violations issued by the EPS 2015 - 2017
Year	Tickets
2015	5 935
2016	8 065
2017	7 403

 

 

While the number of tickets issued decreased slightly in 2017 distracted driving remains an ongoing issue in Edmonton.

 

The EPS reminds all drivers to put away their devices and has several tips to help motorists "practise safe text” and stop their distracted driving habits:

 

• Set your phone and other electronic devices to silent, do not disturb or off before entering your vehicle.

• Install a mobile application that blocks phone calls and messages and/or locks your mobile device while driving. Set these apps before entering your vehicle.

• Keep your phone out of reach while driving. For example, place it in your trunk, backseat or glove compartment.

• Tell your passengers and other drivers that phones are not permitted in your vehicle and encourage them to do the same in their vehicles.

“Keep your device out of reach and your eyes on the road,” affirms Henderson. “A phone call, text or social media post is not worth risking your safety and the safety of those around you.”

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Edmonton Police Service seeks community input on policing priorities

The Edmonton Police Service will be conducting its biennial satisfaction survey next week, and citizens and businesses are encouraged to provide their input on community policing and priorities.

“The survey offers citizens an opportunity to provide feedback regarding their perceptions of the police and levels of crime in their neighbourhood as well as the ability to help shape policing priorities in the city,” says Andrew Lejeune, EPS Strategic Analyst.  “To be more inclusive, we are also reaching out to local community groups and businesses to get a truer understanding of the diverse needs of Edmontonians.”

 

The EPS conducts its biennial citizen surveys as part of its community engagement program.  The survey helps identify key community issues, concerns, perceptions, and priorities with respect to crime, disorder, and neighbourhood safety.  The results also help to inform the Edmonton Police Service and the Edmonton Police Commission of citizens’ priorities, assist in organizational planning, and determine resource allocation.

 

The 2018 EPS Citizen / Business Satisfaction Survey will be conducted entirely online through the Edmonton Insight Community from Feb. 20 to 27, 2018.  Citizens can register and provide their feedback when the survey goes live.  Links to the survey will also be posted on the EPS Website, as well as the EPS Facebook Page and EPS Twitter Account.    

 

In the 2016 EPS Citizen Survey, citizens reported:  

• 94 per cent of those completing the survey had confidence in the EPS.

• The top issues affecting neighbourhoods were: speeding/careless driving, people breaking into houses, and suspicious loitering.

• The top city-wide issues police should focus on were: traffic, drugs, and general crime. 

 

The 2018 EPS Citizen / Business Survey results will be presented to the Edmonton Police Commission in late spring.

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Police seek public’s assistance in locating Wilfred Souvie

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 30-year-old Wilfred Morris Souvie who is wanted for breach of probation (x3) and mischief under $5000.

Wanted: Wilfred Morris Souvie, 30

 

Souvie is described as 6’1”, 175lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

 

The Edmonton Police Service considers Souvie to be a high risk offender and he should not be approached. Members of the public who have information regarding Souvie’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service.

Information can be shared with the EPS by calling 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.   

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