Brandon police pause use of Crime Stoppers

Police services in Brandon and Winnipeg have suspended their use of Crime Stoppers after a significant data breach.

An activist group hacked and stole a massive trove of data from United States firm Navigate360 and the tip-management platform it operates last March, the CBC has reported. Crime Stoppers chapters in Canada and the U.S. use the platform to keep data anonymous.

More than 1.5 million tips submitted to Canadian Crime Stoppers programs over the last 25 years were exposed in the hack, along with unredacted personal information, the public broadcaster reported.

Crime Stoppers chapters collect what are supposed to be anonymous tips from members of the public on criminal activity, which are then provided to law enforcement, with cash rewards offered.

The Brandon Police Service, in a news release published on social media Friday, said it is aware of the reported cybersecurity incident and recognizes “the seriousness of this matter, particularly given the critical importance of protecting the anonymity, confidentiality, and safety of individuals who provide information to assist investigations.”

BPS said it is not aware of any data related to Brandon included in the breach.

“Out of an abundance of precautions, the Brandon Police Service has suspended its use of Crime Stoppers while we review the available information and consider the additional safeguards and security measures being implemented by Crime Stoppers and its service providers,” the release said.

Residents who wish to provide information about a crime or public safety concern are encouraged to contact BPS directly through its front-desk line at 204-729-2345.

“While this does not provide the anonymity associated with Crime Stoppers, it will ensure information is received directly by investigators,” BPS said.

“Residents may request not to provide personal details over the phone, and where feasible, those requests will be accommodated,” the police service added.

BPS noted that though it has worked closely with Crime Stoppers for many years in support of community safety, Crime Stoppers operates as an independent organization, and its tip-management platform is not connected to BPS systems.

“Our foremost concern is the safety and security of Brandon residents who may be impacted. Public trust is essential to the success of any reporting platform, and we recognize the importance of maintaining confidence in the security and confidentiality of information shared by members of the public,” the release said.

“We recognize the important role Crime Stoppers has played in supporting community safety and investigations over many years and appreciate the seriousness with which it is approaching this matter.”

Winnipeg police say they have been made aware that some data related to the city was included in the breach.

Other police forces in Canada have also suspended use of the service, including several in the Toronto region.

» The Brandon Sun, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press and The Canadian Press