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Media Release - February 4, 2026
Break & Enter Results in Arrest
On February 2, 2026, members of the Port Hope Police Service responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a residence in Port Hope. Upon arrival, officers located and arrested an adult male at the rear door of the residence. No one was inside the home at the time of the incident.
Police determined the accused was bound by three active Probation Orders stemming from previous offences in the Peterborough area. The accused was held for a bail hearing and was subsequently remanded into custody.
Media Release - January 22, 2026
Youth Arrested Following Vehicle Theft
On January 21, 2026, a vehicle was stolen while the owner was inside a local recreation centre. The vehicle had been left unlocked with a spare key and two cellphones inside.
Using a tracked phone, and with the assistance of Cobourg Police, officers were able to locate the vehicle at Cobourg business. During the attempted police stop, the suspect tried to flee, damaging property before becoming stuck.
A youth was arrested and charged with theft of a motor vehicle and mischief to property, and released on an Undertaking with conditions.
Police are reminding residents to always lock their vehicles and never leave keys or valuables inside their vehicles.
Media Release - January 19, 2025
Police Investigating Overnight Thefts
The Port Hope Police Service is investigating several overnight thefts in the area of Deblaquire Street North and Ward Street.
Residents are asked to check their properties for any missing items and review any video surveillance or doorbell footage captured between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on January 19, 2026.
Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the Port Hope Police Service at 905-885-8123 ext. 1 or Crime Stoppers. Police thank the public for their assistance.
Media Release - January 6, 2025
Port Hope Police Service Mourns the Passing of Jeff Lees
The Port Hope Police Service is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Lees, a long-time Port Hope Councillor, former Police Services Board member, and the 2023 Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
Jeff Lees was a dedicated public servant who devoted many years to improving the quality of life in Port Hope. His commitment to community service, civic engagement, and the wellbeing of residents left a lasting and meaningful impact. Jeff was widely known and well loved for his kindness, approachability, and genuine care for the community he proudly served.
Throughout his years in public life, Jeff worked closely with community partners, including the Port Hope Police Service, always with the shared goal of making Port Hope a safer, stronger, and more inclusive place. His leadership, integrity, and compassion will not be forgotten.
Chief Farquharson shared the following statement:
“I had the fortunate opportunity to speak with Jeff on a few occasions since my arrival in Port Hope and was truly impressed by how deeply he loved this community and its Police Service. Jeff was very much appreciated and loved by the members of the Port Hope Police Service.”
On behalf of the members and staff of the Port Hope Police Service, we extend our sincere condolences to Jeff’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his life and service. Our thoughts are with the community during this difficult time as we remember and honour Jeff’s many contributions.
Media Release - January 5, 2025
Impaired Driver Arrest
In the early morning hours of January 4, 2026, the Port Hope Police Service responded to a report of a possible impaired driver.
Officers located a vehicle stopped on the roadway with the engine running. The driver had left the scene on foot but was located nearby a short time later. Officers observed signs of impairment, and further investigation confirmed the individual was prohibited from driving.
The driver was arrested and transported for a Drug Recognition Evaluation, where it was determined the individual was impaired by drugs. Police also located a quantity of methamphetamine during the investigation.
As a result, the individual was charged with:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Methamphetamine)
- Driving While Under Suspension
The accused was released on an undertaking and will appear in court at a later date.
Media Release - December 21, 2025
Toronto Man Faces Multiple Charges After Incident in Port Hope
The Port Hope Police Service responded to a report of an assault in the downtown area during the evening hours of December 20, 2025.
Police were advised that a male, believed to be intoxicated, had assaulted multiple individuals and made threats of death and bodily harm. One individual required medical attention as a result of their injuries. The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival.
Officers conducted an area search and obtained statements from multiple victims and witnesses. Through the investigation, police identified the suspect and grounds were formed for arrest.
A short time later, officers located the suspect near the river area. The individual was highly intoxicated, uncooperative, and displayed violent and threatening behaviour toward officers. During the interaction, the suspect threw objects at police, including rocks and ice, and armed himself with a broken glass bottle, threatening to use it against officers.
Despite repeated attempts at verbal de-escalation, the suspect continued to behave aggressively and assaulted an officer. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed; however, it was initially ineffective. Officers ultimately gained physical control of the suspect and effected the arrest.
Following the arrest, the individual remained combative and made further threats toward police. Emergency medical services attended to assist, and the suspect was transported to hospital. While in custody, the suspect spat on police officers and paramedics.
As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Tyler Yanaky of Toronto has been charged with the following offences:
- Being Intoxicated in a Public Place
- Assault (four counts)
- Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm (six counts)
- Assault a Peace Officer (four counts)
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for December 21, 2025.
The Port Hope Police Service would like to thank emergency medical services and Cobourg Police Service for their support during this incident. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Port Hope Police Service.
Media Release - December 20, 20925
Follow-Up Media Release – Request for Dashcam Footage
The Port Hope Police Service is providing a further update to the impaired driving investigation that occurred on December 18, 2025, involving a heavily damaged vehicle located in the Toronto Road carpool lot.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been travelling on Highway 401 during the time of the incident and who has dashcam footage that may be relevant to this occurrence to please submit it for review.
Dashcam footage can be securely uploaded using the provided online submission link or QR code included with this release.
The Port Hope Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police continue to work collaboratively on this investigation. Any video footage, no matter how brief, may assist investigators in confirming timelines and vehicle movements.
Anyone with additional information is also encouraged to contact the Port Hope Police Service.
Https://porthopeps.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ph25007061
Media Release - December 19, 2025
Impaired Driving Arrest Following Highway 401 Collision
On December 18, 2025, the Port Hope Police Service responded to a report of a heavily damaged motor vehicle parked in the Toronto Road carpool lot.
Officers attended and initiated an investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the driver for Impaired Operation. Through further investigation and coordination with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), it was determined that the vehicle had recently been involved in a collision on Highway 401.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle struck both a pickup truck and a transport truck on Highway 401, fled the scene of the collision, travelled at excessive speeds, and subsequently collided with a concrete underpass on Highway 401.
As a result of the investigation, Madison Parnell-Robertson, a 26-year-old female from Whitby, was charged with the following offences:
- Impaired Operation
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Refusal to Comply with a Breath Demand
- Failure to Stop After an Accident
- Driving While Suspended
The Port Hope Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police will continue a joint investigation into this incident.
Anyone with information related to this occurrence is asked to contact the Port Hope Police Service.
Media Release - December 18, 2025
Port Hope Police Service Joins Ontario’s Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard
The Port Hope Police Service has officially joined the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard (PBCD), a province-wide tool designed to monitor and share information on individuals released on bail for firearms-related offences and crimes against the person. This initiative supports the proactive management of high-risk individuals within the community and enhances public safety.
The PBCD, managed by the OPP, provides cross-jurisdictional and inter-agency data, giving officers access to near real-time information about offenders on bail. This situational awareness tool allows police services to identify potential risks, track compliance with bail conditions, and respond quickly to any violations, ultimately strengthening officer and community safety.
By providing critical details on offenders released on bail for a broader range of high-risk offences, the dashboard improves the ability of police services to manage these individuals effectively. Its adoption by Port Hope Police Service aligns with a province-wide effort to standardize bail monitoring, encourage collaboration between police services, and reduce the likelihood of repeat offences.
The PBCD is available to all police services in Ontario and reinforces a shared commitment to public safety through timely information sharing and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
For more information about the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard, visit opp.ca/pbcd.
Media Release - December 15, 2025
Theft Arrests
On December 13, 2025, two individuals entered a retail pharmacy in Port Hope and stole merchandise. A notification was promptly circulated to surrounding retail locations. As a result, the suspects were located shortly thereafter at a retail pharmacy in Cobourg, where they were arrested by the Cobourg Police Service and subsequently turned over to officers of the Port Hope Police Service.
Further investigation determined that the same two individuals were also involved in a similar theft at the same Port Hope retail pharmacy on November 13, 2025.
As a result, both individuals have been charged with two counts each of Theft Under $5,000.
The accused are Romanian citizens who are in Canada on tourist visas. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been notified and will be actively monitoring the progression of this matter through the court process.
The Port Hope Police Service would like to thank the Cobourg Police Service and local retail partners for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation.
Media Release - November 27, 2025
On November 26, 2025, Port Hope Police responded to a shoplifting incident at a local pharmacy. Officers located the suspect vehicle on Highway 401 and conducted a traffic stop.
Two adult males were arrested. One was charged with Theft Under $5,000 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and was held for a bail hearing due to existing court conditions. The second male was charged with Theft Under $5,000 and released on conditions.
The investigation remains ongoing.
THE NEW LIST OF ESSENTIAL WORKPLACES
Supply chains
- Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services within Ontario, or that supply businesses or services that have been declared essential in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario, with the support, products, supplies, systems, or services, including processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance necessary to operate.
Food
- Businesses that primarily sell food, beverages and consumer products necessary to maintain households and businesses including:
- Supermarkets and grocery stores.
- Convenience stores.
- Discount and big box retailers selling groceries.
- Restaurants (take-out, drive-through and delivery service only).
- Beer and wine and liquor stores.
Services
- Pharmacies.
- Gas stations and other fuel suppliers.
- Laundromats and drycleaners.
- Security services for residences, businesses and other properties.
- Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services.
- Courier, postal, shipping, moving and delivery services.
- Funeral and related services.
- Staffing services including providing temporary help.
- Veterinary services (urgent care only) and other businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums and research facilities.
- Home child care services of up to six children as permitted under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, and child care centres for essential workers authorized to operate in accordance with Ontario Regulation 51/20 (Order Under Subsection 7.0.2 (4) of the Act – Closure of Establishments) made under the Act.
- Hotels, motels, other shared rental accommodation including student residences, except for seasonal campgrounds and any pools, fitness centres, meeting rooms and other recreational facilities that may be part of the operations of these businesses.
- Cheque cashing services.
Services to the public that are restricted to alternative methods of sale
- Stores that sell any of the following items and provide them to the customer only through an alternative method of sale such as curb side pick-up or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances:
- Hardware products.
- Vehicle parts and supplies.
- Pet and animal supplies.
- Office supplies and computer products including computer repair.
- Safety supplies.
Financial services
- Businesses that provide the following financial services:
- Capital markets and related securities trading and advisory services.
- Banking/credit union activities including credit intermediation.
- Insurance.
- Land registration services.
- Real estate agent services.
- Pension and benefits payment services.
- Financial services including payroll and payment processing and accounting and tax services.
Telecommunications and IT infrastructure/service providers
- Information Technology (IT) services, including online services, software products and the facilities necessary for their operation and delivery.
- Telecommunications providers and services (phone, internet, radio, cell phones etc.) and facilities necessary for their operation and delivery.
- Newspapers, radio and television broadcasting.
Maintenance
- Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.
Transportation services
- Businesses and facilities that provide transportation services, including,
- transportation services provided by air, water, road, and rail, including taxis and other private transportation providers, and
- support services for transportation services, including,
- logistical support, distribution services, warehousing and storage, truck stops and tow operators,
- services that support the operations and safety of transportation systems including maintenance and repairs, and
- marinas, but only to the extent that the marina is necessary to enable individuals to access their primary place of residence.
- Businesses that provide and support online retail, including by providing warehousing, storage and distribution of goods that are ordered online.
Manufacturing
- Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers, (e.g. primary metal/ steel, blow molding, component manufacturers, chemicals, etc. that feed the end-product manufacturer), regardless of whether those other manufacturers are inside or outside of Ontario, together with businesses that support and facilitate the movement of goods within integrated North American and global supply chains.
Agriculture and food production
- Businesses that produce food and beverages, and agricultural products including plants, including by farming, harvesting, aquaculture, hunting and fishing.
- Businesses that process, manufacture or distribute food, beverages, crops, agricultural products, animal products and by-products.
- Businesses that support the food or agricultural products supply chains and the health and safety of food, animals and plants.
Construction
- Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space.
- Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of, or to provide new capacity in, critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance.
- Critical industrial construction activities required for,
- the maintenance and operations of petrochemical plants and refineries,
- significant industrial petrochemical projects where preliminary work has already commenced,
- industrial construction and modifications to existing industrial structures limited solely to work necessary for the production, maintenance, and/or enhancement of Personal Protective Equipment, medical devices (such as ventilators), and other identified products directly related to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Residential construction projects where,
- a footing permit has been granted for single family, semi-detached and townhomes
- an above grade structural permit has been granted for condominiums, mixed use and other buildings, or
- the project involves renovations to residential properties and construction work was started before April 4, 2020.
- Construction and maintenance activities necessary to temporarily close construction sites that have paused or are not active and to ensure ongoing public safety.
Resources and energy
- Businesses that provide and ensure the domestic and global continuity of supply of resources, including mining, forestry, aggregates, petroleum, petroleum by-products and chemicals.
- Electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage and natural gas distribution, transmission and storage.
Community services
- Businesses that deliver or support the delivery of services including:
- Sewage treatment and disposal.
- Collecting, transporting, storing, processing, disposing or recycling of any type of waste.
- Potable drinking water.
- Critical infrastructure repair and maintenance including roads, dams, bridges etc.
- Environmental rehabilitation, management and monitoring, and spill clean up and response.
- Administrative authorities that regulate and inspect businesses.
- Professional and social services that support the legal and justice system.
- Government services including but not limited to policing and law enforcement, fire and emergency services, paramedics, coroner and pathology services, corrections and court services, licences and permits.
Research
- Businesses and organizations that maintain research facilities and engage in research, including medical research and other research and development activities.
Health care and social services
- Organizations and providers that deliver home care services or personal support services to seniors and persons with disabilities.
- Businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies.
- Regulated health professionals (urgent care only) including dentists, optometrists, chiropractic services, ophthalmologists, physical and occupational therapists and podiatrists.
- Organizations that provide health care including retirement homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, independent health facilities and mental health and addictions counselling supports.
- Laboratories and specimen collection centres.
- Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, including medications, medical isotopes, vaccines and antivirals, medical devices and medical supplies.
- Manufacturers, distributors and businesses that provide logistical support of or for products and/or services that support the delivery of health care in all locations.
- Not-for-profit organizations that provide critical personal support services in home or residential services for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Not-for profit organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals
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