The Belleville Police Service is doing well when it comes to criminal charge clearance rates.
In 2021 the clearance rate was 64%, among the highest in the province.
However one crime is proving to be especially hard to solve and that is fraud, and technology is to blame.
The clearance rate for fraud was down 32% last year from 2020 and Chief Mike Callighan says the crime has become incredibly complex with much of it originating from overseas with fraudsters using multiple internet addresses.
“Once again if a member of the community is uncomfortable with something they’re seeing on the internet or someone asking them to make a donation, reach out to the Ontario fraud line and inquire to see whether they’re reputable or not.”
Cryptocurrency fraud is becoming more prevalent and Chief Callaghan advises anyone interested in getting involved to find a reputable financial advisor for guidance first.