Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested a person wanted in connection with incidents of fraud and theft.
On December 8, 2024, at around 8:15 p.m., OPP responded to a report of fraud where the complainant advised a person entered their residence on Prince Edward Street in Brighton where the individual proceeded to demand money for work that was not completed nor requested.
Police located a person matching the description provided nearby and they were taken into custody.
The accused was wanted in relation to a number of incidents regarding fraud and theft in Brighton, the first of which occurred in June 2023.
In May 2024, the individual was unlawfully in a dwelling and took Canadian currency under false pretenses. On two occasions in November 2024, the person wanted money for work which wasn’t completed at each address. Two more incidents of fraud were reported to OPP on December 2, 2024, where the victim advised that, over the previous week, they were twice intimidated into providing money for work or services not wanted.
As a result, Thomas PAYNE (age 40), from the Municipality of Brighton, was held for bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on the following charges:
– Theft over $5,000
– Theft under $5,000
– Unlawfully in a dwelling – two counts
– Failure to comply with undertaking
– Fraud under $5,000 – four counts
– Fail to comply with release order – other than to attend court.
Northumberland OPP wish to remind residents to only allow access to yo ur property to people you trust. Ask for photo ID, get the name of the person and of the company or business they represent. Don’t feel pressured into making a quick decision and take time to do some research into the person providing the products or service and never hand over money unless you’ve personally approved the work.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim but an attempt was made, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre regardless. For more information, please visit: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-ce ntreantifraude.ca)
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
