Instead of reproducing the latest entries from police blotters, in this article The Current brings you a selection of timely warnings from local OPP Detachments designed to keep you safe from criminal activity.
FREE sessions to help you stay ahead of Fraud Crime
The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with the Fraud Office Crime Prevention team will be hosting two free fraud crime prevention sessions.
Join a Detective Constable from the Serious Fraud Office Crime Prevention team for an eye-opening session on the most common and emerging frauds affecting Ontarians. Learn to recognize red flags, understand criminal tactics and get practical tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from online scams, financial fraud and identity theft.
Renfrew
Date: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location: Renfrew Legion, 30 Raglan Street South, Renfrew
Arnprior
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: Arnprior Legion, 49 Daniel Street North, Arnprior
Registration is required for these seminars to help us prepare for the number of persons attending. Please register by Friday, January 23, 2026. To register email opp.renfrew@opp.ca or call (613) 432-3211
The Renfrew and Arnprior Legions have graciously donated the space for this session to take place. Come out and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and have your questions answered.
Hunt,T.,OPP Renfrew Detachment(2026,Jan.20) STAY AHEAD OF FRAUD CRIME PREVENTION SESSION [media release]
Emergency / Grandparent scam resurfaces in area
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to warn the public that the emergency/grandparent scam has surfaced in the area again.
On January 7, 2026, a Pembroke senior was scammed out of $800 after receiving a phone call about a grandchild being in legal trouble. On January 9, 2026, a Petawawa senior was almost scammed out of $20,000 after receiving a phone call regarding a grandchild being in jail and needing money for bail. In that case the fraud was averted by the intervention of an acquaintance who recognized the call as fraudulent.
In these cases, the victim typically receives a frantic phone call or an emergency email from someone claiming to be a grandchild, son/daughter, friend or loved one. The scammer will explain they are involved in some sort of emergency which often involves legal trouble, a motor vehicle collision, a serious injury or trouble returning from a foreign country and that they need money right away.
With the emergency scam the scammer attempts to create a sense of urgency which may cause the victim to not verify the story. The scammer will often insist that the victim not tell anyone and to transfer the money that has been requested through a money transfer company or by bitcoin. In some circumstances the scammers have even sent couriers to the victim’s residence to pick up the funds. Also, many scammers want to trick you into providing your banking and personal information. In fact, the criminals will fraudulently use your personal information to steal your money. If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). You can file a report with the CAFC by calling 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST) or by using their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre.ca
Peever,S.,OPP Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment(2026,Jan.13) OPP WARN OF EMERGENCY/GRANDPARENT SCAM SURFACING IN AREA [media release]
Lock it or lose it, say OPP
Members of the Huntsville O.P.P. Detachment want to remind motorists to “Lock it or Lose it.”
The Huntsville O.P.P. want to remind residents that leaving any valuables in a vehicle visible to would-be criminals, only increases the opportunity for you to become a victim. Leaving valuables visible in an unlocked vehicle, makes the likelihood of those items being stolen, or even your vehicle, even greater.
With the cold weather, it is not uncommon to leave a vehicle running, which opens you up to a theft.
Some simple tips to help reduce your risk …
- Never leave a running vehicle unattended
- Lock your doors
- Roll up your windows
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Pocket your keys
- At night or during extended parking periods, always park in a well-lit area.
If you have any information, please call the Huntsville O.P.P. at 705-789-5551 or the non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at www.valleytips.ca.When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.
Warman,E.,OPP Huntsville Detachment(2025,Jan.15) DON’T BE A VICTIM OF THEFT FROM YOUR VEHICLE [media release]