Local police continue to avoid Crime Stoppers as Toronto reports data breach
Posted Oct 23, 2026 06:38:30 AM.
As Toronto Police Service (TPS) temporarily suspend use of Crime Stoppers following a data breach, the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is commenting on its own move to suspend use of the anonymous tip service.
Back in early July, WRPS stopped promoting the Waterloo Regional Crime Stoppers service after learning of a cybersecurity incident involving Navigate360 used by Crime Stoppers programs across Canada.
At the time, it was not clear to what extent what data had been breached. This week it was learned the stolen data contained nearly 15,000 names, though it’s unclear whether they belonged to tipsters or people named in reports.
“WRPS continues to actively monitor the situation and is working with Waterloo Regional Crime Stoppers as further information about the breach becomes available and to determine the appropriate next steps,” read a statement from Waterloo Regional Police.
The local service stressed that WRPS and Crime Stoppers are two separate organizations, and the breach is in no way connected to WRPS’ information technology systems and infrastructure.
Those looking to provide police with information on an investigation can do so through the non-emergency line at 519-570-9777.
“While these reporting channels do not provide the anonymity associated with the Crime Stoppers program, it will ensure that the information is received by WRPS’ investigators.”
Toronto Crime Stoppers meantime has removed the “Tip Submit” feature from its website and advised the National Anonymous Call Centre to cease accepting or processing any new information intended for them, including telephone calls.
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