Source: BPS News Release On August 22, 2022 at approximately 12:30 pm, an off duty police officer located an individual with a bicycle he knew to be stolen.  The individual was captured on security footage a short time earlier cutting the lock, which secured the bicycle, and the images were shown to the officer. The officer arrested the 41-year-old male as an on duty member arrived to assist.  The male was also found to be in possession of a hatchet upon his arrest.  He was later released and will appear in court on October 24, 2022 on charges of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Possession of a Weapon.

Source: BPS News Release At approx. 2:00 PM Saturday, Police were called to a business in the 1000 block of 10th St.  A male had entered the business and was observed by staff to be shoplifting.  A staff member confronted the male, and the suspect pulled out a large knife and threatened the staff member.  The suspect then fled on a bicycle prior to police being called.  At approx. 4:30 PM, an officer spotted the suspect from this incident in the 2500 block of Victoria Ave. The officer attempted to detain the suspect but he fled on foot.  As the officer pursued the suspect pulled out a large knife.  A second officer arrived on scene and ordered the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect then took an aggressive stance against police and then stabbed himself in the cheek area of his own face. Again he was ordered to drop the knife and he stabbed himself in the other cheek.  At that point one of the officers deployed a Taser which subdued the suspect allowing them to safely take him into custody.  The 20 year old male was taken to hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released back into police custody.  He will appear in court today charged with robbery, possession of a weapon and resisting arrest.

The Keystone Centre has replaced the facility wide surveillance system, improving facility, guest, and staff security. "The upgrade and replacement of the facility's aging surveillance system is a long anticipated improvement," says Jeff Schumacher, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. "It's not only an improvement that will increase the safety of our patrons, staff, and partners, but one that will also enable us to provide a higher level of confidence to our clients holding multi-day events here at the facility, where equipment may be on-site during hours of lower staff presence." The Keystone Centre has received partial funding through the Brandon Area Community Foundation to assist with the upgrade, and replacement of the facility's aging surveillance system. The system will have coverage in Westoba Place, the Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence, the facility's expansive outdoor grounds, and all other key areas. "Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) is pleased to support the surveillance system at the Keystone Centre," states Michelle Hood, chairperson of BACF. "The Foundation has a passion to contribute to such projects that increase safety for the public and the people who work there." Summus Inc., a Westman-based security contractor, headquartered in Douglas, MB, secured the rights to the project after a competitive tender process. "Summus is proud to have this opportunity to design, construct and install a state of the art security video solution right here at home," says Ted Dzogan, owner & president of Summus Inc." We've spent 22 years traveling across Canada, providing solutions just like this in places like Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg. Deploying those skills and experiences to keep our friends, families and neighbours safe here in Brandon at the Keystone Centre has an emotional payoff that's greater than just doing a job to get paid. At every turn the Keystone Centre staff has been focused on creating a safe, family friendly environment for their facility and this is exactly what we want from them as a customer but also as a community member. Each and everyone of our staff members that worked on this project attend and enjoy events at the Keystone Centre. We could not take this job more seriously, because we know the people we are working to keep safe." Installation of the brand new, state-of-the-art system is currently underway, with more than 90% of the project completed, and the expectation that the full installation will be finished by the beginning of the upcoming events season.

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: August 19th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Sean Paul CONNORS (40 yrs) FOR Breach of Release Order On August 8th, 2022, Sean CONNORS entered into a release order with a 24hour curfew at a residence in Brandon. The following day police attempted to conduct a curfew check and were advised the suspect did not reside there. His current whereabouts is unknown and a warrant for his arrest has been issued. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime. ****************************************************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for August 19th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Theft Under $5000 On July 13th, 2022, at 5:34pm, two teenage females attended a store in the 500’ block of 8th Street and concealed a quantity of merchandise in their bags. They then left the store without paying. The first female is described as wearing all black with blonde hair worn in two high ponytails. The second female had short hair, wearing a tank top, black backpack, and a sweater tied around her waist. Photos of the suspects are attached to this release:

The Manitoba government is announcing its plan to increase the minimum wage to $15 by October 2023, Premier Heather Stefanson announced today, noting government will soon begin consultations with small businesses on the effects of this change. “Our government recognizes the financial challenges many Manitobans are facing as a result of global inflationary pressures,” said Stefanson. “Today’s announcement delivers on our commitment to making life more affordable for all Manitobans. This phased-in approach will ensure small businesses remain strong and continue to grow while helping workers and their families get ahead by earning bigger paycheques. Our balanced approach to increasing the minimum wage will help workers make ends meet while also recognizing the concerns of small businesses who are struggling during this difficult time.” Earlier this spring, in recognition of exceptionally high inflation, the Manitoba government passed amendments to the Employment Standards Code to increase the minimum wage above the rate of inflation, the premier noted. Following consultations with the labour and business communities, the provincial hourly minimum wage will increase to $13.50 from $11.95 on Oct. 1, 2022. Additionally, the province intends a further increase of 65 cents on April 1, 2023, that will raise the minimum wage to $14.15 per hour. With the expected consumer price index increase for 2022, the next indexed adjustment will bring Manitoba’s minimum wage to around $15 for Oct. 1, 2023, the premier added. “This wage increase will provide much-needed support to hard-working Manitobans who have been burdened by soaring cost-of-living increases,” said Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer. “Manitobans have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to relieving some of the financial strain.” However, an additional increase to the minimum wage could create pressure on Manitoba’s small businesses. To help reduce this risk, the Manitoba government will be consulting with the industry on support programs to help adjust to higher payroll costs. “Manitoba small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we are committed to helping them grow and thrive,” said Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen. “As we continue to grow our economy, we want to attract more workers and high-quality investments to our province. We are committed to working with our business community to address the impacts of this wage increase and find workable solutions together.” Information on Manitoba’s minimum wage and other employment standards is available at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/.