NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest in a human-trafficking investigation and believe there may be additional survivors.
Following a brief investigation, 29-year-old Gavin Reid of Brampton was arrested on March 20, 2021 in Barrie.
Reid has been charged with the following:
• Trafficking in persons
• Procuring - provide sexual services for consideration
• Knowingly advertise sexual services
• Withhold or destroy identity/documents
• Receive material benefit resulting from trafficking in persons
• Receive material benefit resulting from sexual services
• Forcible confinement
• Aggravated assault
The accused also goes by the alias of “Blaze." The survivor in this investigation was [allegedly] trafficked within Halton and surrounding jurisdictions.
The HRPS would like to thank the Barrie Police Service for their assistance and collaboration in this investigation.
“This investigation reminds us all of the prevalence of human trafficking in southern Ontario. This is an abhorrent crime that knows no jurisdictional boundaries. If you are a survivor of forced prostitution or forced labour or believe someone else might be, or if you know individuals involved in trafficking in persons, call the Halton Regional Police Service, Crime Stoppers or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline,” says Insp. Dave Costantini of the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit.
Police believe there are additional victims in regards to this investigation and are asking anyone who has come into contact with Gavin Reid or has information to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 5331.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the website.
The Halton Regional Police Service firmly believes that every person has the right to feel safe in our community.
Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in our region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:
• Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777 ext. 5239 or by email at [email protected]
• Nina's Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
• Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
• Radius Child and Youth Services 905-825-3242 (Oakville) or 1-855-744-9001
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
• THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
Signs / indicators of human trafficking:
• Not being allowed to speak for themselves;
• Not having control of their own money or cellphone;
• Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number;
• Being controlled by others and escorted at all times;
• Not being allowed to contact family or friends;
• Withdrawing from family and friends;
• Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions;
• Being secretive about their activities;
• Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
• Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend or friend who they won't introduce to friends/family; and
• Having new items (clothing, jewelry etc.) outside their financial means.
What should I do if I think someone is a victim of trafficking?
If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1.
You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public. The hotline uses a victim-centred approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition, and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement where appropriate.
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