Episodes

  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 105 - Youth Scams and Sextortion: Protecting Young People Online

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 105 - Youth Scams and Sextortion: Protecting Young People Online
    Mar 15 2026
    March is Fraud and Scam Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the growing threat of scams and fraud in today’s digital world. As technology continues to evolve, scammers are finding new ways to target people online and increasingly, young people are becoming a focus. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci is joined by Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, to discuss youth scams, online fraud, and the importance of digital literacy.Together they explore common scams affecting young people, how fraudsters use social media and messaging platforms to build trust, and the warning signs that something may not be what it seems. The conversation also takes a closer look at sextortion, a growing form of online exploitation, and what young people and families should know about recognizing and responding to these situations. Through education and awareness, people can better understand the tactics scammers use and learn how to navigate digital spaces more safely.
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    50 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 104 - Undercover & Unstoppable: Women Redefining Power in Policing

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 104 - Undercover & Unstoppable: Women Redefining Power in Policing
    Mar 8 2026
    In this special International Women’s Day episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci sits down with Pamela Barnum, former undercover police officer, federal prosecutor, and trust expert. Together they explore her remarkable journey in male-dominated fields like policing and crime prevention. Pamela shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the successes that shaped her career, offering insight into the skills, resilience, and courage required to thrive in law enforcement. From navigating high-stakes undercover operations to prosecuting cases at the federal level, she reveals how women are redefining strength, leadership, and trust in policing.This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about careers in law enforcement, aspiring female leaders, and those passionate about empowering women to step into roles traditionally dominated by men. Tune in for inspiration, advice, and a conversation that celebrates courage, representation, and the power of women making a difference.
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    50 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 103 - Self-Injury Awareness Day: Education, Empathy, & Action

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 103 - Self-Injury Awareness Day: Education, Empathy, & Action
    Mar 4 2026
    March 1 marks Self-Injury Awareness Day, a time to break stigma, encourage understanding, and remind those who may be struggling that they are not alone. In this important episode of TiPS, host Julia Vellucci speaks with Michael Braithwaite, CEO of Jack.org, and Colleen Mousseau, Clinical Director, Co-owner and CEO of AWC Grief Support. Together, they explore the realities of self-injury, why it happens, and how we can better support youth and individuals who may be struggling in silence. The conversation focuses on reducing shame, recognizing warning signs, encouraging healthy coping strategies, and strengthening community response through education and compassion. This episode acts as a reminder that prevention begins with awareness and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.While Crime Stoppers is primarily known for anonymous reporting of criminal activity, it also plays an indirect but important role in mental health support. By connecting concerns to appropriate authorities and community resources, Crime Stoppers contributes to broader community safety initiatives that address underlying issues, including mental health crises. If you or someone you know needs support, consider connecting with a trusted adult, a mental health professional, or a local crisis resource in your community.
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    55 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 102 - National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Understanding the Realities

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 102 - National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Understanding the Realities
    Feb 22 2026
    In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci honours National Human Trafficking Awareness Day by discussing the realities of human trafficking in Canada with two fantastic guests. She speaks with the executive director of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, Julia Drydyk and the Interim Manager of the Anti-Human Trafficking Program at Covenant House, Rachel George.Together, they discuss common misconceptions, who is most vulnerable, and the warning signs communities should be aware of. This conversation also highlights available supports and the importance of coordinated, trauma-informed responses. This episode focuses on awareness, prevention, and the role communities play in protecting vulnerable individuals.
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    55 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 101 - After the Roses: Recognizing Love, & Control

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 101 - After the Roses: Recognizing Love, & Control
    Feb 15 2026
    This episode of TIPS comes the day after Valentine's, taking a closer look at the difference between love and control. In this episode, host Julia Vellucci explores stalking, coercive control, relationship safety, and why it’s important to recognize the warning signs that can sometimes be hidden behind grand gestures or intense affection. While healthy relationships are built on trust and respect, controlling behaviours, persistent unwanted contact, and manipulation can signal deeper safety concerns.Julia is joined by Emily Murray, legal director at Luke’s Place, who shares insight into how coercive control and stalking appear in real-life situations and why early recognition is critical. Julia also speaks with Dana Dignard, national director of communications for YMCA Canada, about the role communities play in fostering healthy relationships and supporting individuals who may be experiencing harm.
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    53 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 100 - Seeing Hate, Stopping Hate

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 100 - Seeing Hate, Stopping Hate
    Feb 8 2026
    In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci is joined by Jonah Fried, Communications Specialist and Researcher at B’nai Brith Canada, for an in-depth conversation on hate crimes, reporting barriers, and the role communities play in preventing harm. From understanding legal definitions to examining patterns of antisemitism in Toronto, this episode highlights why anonymous reporting and collective responsibility are essential tools in confronting hate. After all, hate crimes don’t happen in isolation and neither does accountability.
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    42 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 99 - Hate Crimes and Black History Month: Why Trust Still Matters

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 99 - Hate Crimes and Black History Month: Why Trust Still Matters
    Feb 1 2026
    In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci takes a closer look at hate crimes through the lens of history, trust, and community responsibility. Timed with Black History Month, Julia is joined by Adrian Leckie, the project manager of Black Legal Action Centre's BLAC Out Hate Project, for an honest conversation about why hate crimes so often go unreported, how historical and systemic factors shape trust in reporting systems, and the role anonymous reporting can play in protecting communities.Together, they explore what hate crimes really look like in Canada, the barriers victims and witnesses face when deciding whether to speak up, and why confronting hate is not just a legal issue but a collective one. This episode is a reminder that awareness, accountability, and action, even quiet, anonymous action, can make a difference.
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    47 mins
  • TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 98 - Built To Last: Continuing The 50 Year Legacy

    TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 98 - Built To Last: Continuing The 50 Year Legacy
    Jan 25 2026
    In the final episode of Crime Stoppers’ 50th anniversary series, host Julia Vellucci is joined by two leaders whose careers span decades of policing and public safety. The Honourable Julian Fantino, retired police executive and former federal cabinet minister, and Allan Burns, President of the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, reflect on the evolution of Crime Stoppers and the enduring importance of anonymous reporting. Together, they discuss leadership, public trust, and why community participation remains central to public safety fifty years on and into the future. Be sure to listen to this episode until the very end as the final segment has a special recorded message from Ontario Premier Doug Ford in honour of Crime Stoppers' 50th anniversary.
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    53 mins