Winnipeg Police suspend Crime Stoppers after data breach hits 1.5M tips

The Winnipeg Police Service has paused its use of Crime Stoppers following a data breach affecting over 1.5 million tips. Anonymous tipsters are redirected to the police tip line.

Winnipeg Police halt Crime Stoppers intake after major data breach

The Winnipeg Police Service has suspended its use of Crime Stoppers after a data breach at the anonymous crime-reporting organization, ca.news.yahoo.com reports.

Police confirmed they were notified that some data linked to Winnipeg was included in the breach. A CBC investigation published Wednesday found that more than 1.5 million tips were affected by the incident. Crime Stoppers is an independent agency that collects anonymous information about crime from the public.

"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," police said in a statement.

Police noted that Crime Stoppers operates as a separate organization and manages its own platforms, including those handling information submissions.

"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 statement added.

During the suspension, residents can submit tips through the Winnipeg Police online reporting portal or by calling the tip line at 204-986-6178. Police said they will try to accommodate requests for anonymity where possible.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)