Broadcast time: 15:59
Friday, July 20, 2007
53 Division
416−808−5300

Toronto - The Toronto Police Service wishes to advise the public of fake police news releases that have been posted in the Yonge Street/Summerhill Avenue area.

From Wednesday, July 11, 2007, to Thursday, July 19, 2007, police received several calls from concerned citizens who advised that they saw a man who matched the description of a potential sex offender. This description was seen on what purported to be a Toronto Police Service news release that had been posted in the area.

A man matching the description was investigated, when it then became evident that the posted news releases were fakes.

The fake news releases had been posted on lampposts in and around the Summerhill subway station.

Police wish to advise the public that news releases are not posted in this way by the police. If they see such fakes, they should call police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com.