Hamilton Police are asking residents in the area of Homestead Drive and Strathearne Place, Mount Hope, to check their security cameras for suspicious activity after receiving information about a male posing as a K-9 officer.

On Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., a male attended a residence in the area of Homestead Drive and Strathearne Place presenting himself as a K-9 officer.  He was wearing dark clothing which resembled a police uniform and was believed to operating a dark coloured vehicle which did not have any police markings. He spoke with the homeowner and asked to use her property for a K-9 exercise. The male was given permission by the homeowner who then left the residence. The incident was later reported to police who checked the area but did not locate the male.

On Friday, April 5, 2019, Hamilton Police returned to the area to canvass for witnesses. After speaking with a neighbour, police confirmed he had also spoken with a male who attended his residence around the same time and made a similar request. He gave the male permission to use his property believing he was involved in law enforcement. A short time later he observed two males walking through his rear yard. He did not notice a dog.

Hamilton Police have confirmed the male is not an employee of the service or any other local agency.

Residents in the area are asked to check their security video for any suspicious activity and to contact police.

Hamilton Police recognize the public's trust in the police is very important and incidents like this can cause the community to second guess a police officer's identity. If you are questioning whether the person you are dealing with is an officer, you can ask them for their badge number and contact police for confirmation. If the person does not want to provide you with their badge number, they are likely not a police officer. If that is the case, obtain a description of the person and a licence plate if a vehicle is involved, let them know you are contacting police and do so immediately.   

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION

• Male
• Caucasian
• 35-45-years-of-age
• Short blond hair 
• Clean shaven
• Wearing dark clothing, resembling a police uniform

SUSPECT VEHICLE

• Dark coloured vehicle with no police markings

If anyone has experienced a similar incident or has any information that can assist with this investigation they are asked to contact Detective Constable Jeff Clushman by calling 905-546-8963 or the Division three Staff Sergeant's office at 905-546-3886.