Expectations

Exceeding ExpectationsExceeding Expectations#1 in Canada...Again!For the second year in a row, DRPS had the highestnational weighted clearance rate. This is a measurementof how well Canadian police services solve the moreserious crimes, such as homicide, robbery or break andenter. DRPS is the only police service in Canada that hasbeen consistently in the top two for the past four years.Project Mansfield DismantlesInternational Crime RingAn investigation into several distraction-style thefts at local stores turned into aninternational affair involving multiple countries, numerous police services and hundreds ofarrests.Durham Regional Police demonstrated once again that, when required, we are capable ofdisrupting international crime rings by working closely with other policing agencies andvarious levels of government. Project Mansfield began with the DRPS in November 2011when two frontline officers in Oshawa noticed a trend in distraction-style thefts and fraudsoccurring in Durham Region. It eventually uncovered a Roma organized-crime ring in whichEuropean immigrants would enter Canada through Mexico and the United States. Oncehere, they entered into the social-assistance stream and were “put to work” in teams thatwould target stores and steal thousands of dollars in merchandise. Much of the profits weresent back to individuals in Europe.The investigation grew and eventually involved the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA),RCMP, Toronto Police, OPP, FBI, Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,Interpol and police services in Montreal, York Region, London, Sudbury, and Peel Region. Inthe end, 34 suspects were arrested/identified and 263 charges laid. The investigationidentified more than 400 persons associated to this organized-crime ring and opened similarinvestigations in Quebec.Suspects would target jewelrystores, convenience stores andeven senior citizens. As onesuspect distracted the victim,others would steal valuablesand leave the scene. Thesuspects involved men, womenand their children who wereobserved tucking stolen itemsinside their coats and longskirts, which had inside panelcompartments.The investigation was thelargest of its kind in DurhamRegion and opened debateacross the country on illegalimmigration and social-welfarefraud.Chief Ewles, D/Sgt. Cathy Bawden and Insp. Bruce Townley display some of the stolenproperty recovered during Project Mansfield.8 – Durham Regional Police Service2012 Annual Report – 9