NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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As part of the Remembrance Day tradition, poppy boxes owned by local Legions in Niagara are placed throughout businesses and hotels as a means for the public to donate funds in support of the veterans. By giving a donation, a member of the public is able to obtain a poppy which can be worn as a means of support and remembrance.
On Nov. 9, 2019, uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District Niagara Falls office responded to a local business for a report of a stolen poppy box. Over the next two days officers responded to three more similar reports at businesses in Niagara Falls.
On Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, 2019 at approximately 3 p.m., officers responded to a hotel on Victoria Avenue near Magdalen Street in Niagara Falls for a report of theft of a poppy box that had just occurred. Officers located the man a short distance away on Victoria Avenue near Bender Street where he was arrested. During his arrest, officers located stolen credit cards and stolen identification on the man.
Detectives from the 2 District Criminal Investigations Branch have taken over the investigation.
Ronald 'Brady’ Watkins (26 years old) of no fixed address is charged with the alleged offences of:
• Theft under $5,000 (four counts) - CC 334(b)
• Identity fraud (three counts) - CC 403(1)(b)
• Possession of property obtained by crime (2 counts) 355(b)
• Possession of stolen credit card (two counts) 342(1)(c)
• Possession of identity documents (two counts) 56.1 CC
• Identity Documents - 56.1(1)
Watkins was held in custody, and will appear at a bail hearing on Nov. 12, 2019, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Businesses or hotels that have found their poppy box has been stolen or suddenly empty should report it to police.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact 2 District - Niagara Falls detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 9427.
Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
• Telephone - 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
• Online - www.niagaratips.ca
Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous through any of the methods offered to provide tips. You may also be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if the information leads to an arrest.
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