Cobourg police are temporarily suspending the use and promotion of the Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers tip line following a cybersecurity incident involving a third-party service provider.
The incident involves Navigate360, which operates the P3 tip management platform used by Crime Stoppers programs across Canada.
The Cobourg Police Service is assessing the potential impact on police operations and determining appropriate next steps.
Police say Crime Stoppers operates independently of local police services, and its platform is separate from internal police systems.
During the suspension, Cobourg police will not receive or act on tips submitted through Crime Stoppers. Anyone wishing to report information directly to police can use the online reporting system at cobourgpoliceservice.com or call the non-emergency line at 905-372-6821.
Anyone witnessing a crime or facing an emergency should call 9-1-1.
Police say they recognize the importance of confidentiality and public trust and will continue monitoring the situation with Peterborough and Northumberland Crime Stoppers. Questions about the cybersecurity incident can be directed to the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association.
(Richard Evans)
