Winnipeg police suspend use of Crime Stoppers after hack
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The Winnipeg Police Service has suspended its 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.
(Mike Deal / Free Press files)
People who want to provide information on crimes and have concerns for their safety can call the service’s tip line at 204-986-6178, police said.
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.
Winnipeg police, in a news release issued Friday, said it recognizes the seriousness of the data breach, “particularly given the critical importance of protecting the anonymity, confidentiality, and safety of individuals who provide information to assist investigations.”
The service said it has been made aware that some data related to Winnipeg was related to the breach.
“As such, the Winnipeg Police Service has suspended its use of Crime Stoppers while we review the information that has become available and assess the additional safeguards and security measures being implemented by Crime Stoppers and its service providers,” the police statement said.
Police said its concern is the safety and security of Winnipeggers who may have been impacted in the breach.
Police advise people who want to provide information on crimes but have concerns for their safety to call the service’s tip line at 204-986-6178. Callers can ask to not provide personal details over the phone and police will accommodate those requests, if feasible.
“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,” the police service said.
The Free Press asked Manitoba RCMP earlier this week whether officials at the divisional level were reviewing the data breach, but was directed to the federal RCMP, who have not returned a request for comment.
fpcity@winnipegfreepress.com