BELLEVILLE, ON – As Fraud Prevention Month comes to a close, the Belleville Police Service reminds the community that fraud can happen to anyone, and vigilance does not stop here. Our Criminal Investigation Division continues to share resources throughout the year. Fraud can take many forms, from cryptocurrency scams and phishing emails to online shopping and investment fraud. Common warning signs include urgent requests, unusual account activity, unsolicited requests for personal information, or offers that seem too good to be true. Education is your best defense. Follow us on social media for weekly posts highlighting common scams and practical tips on how to protect yourself throughout 2026. Even after March, our team continues to visit local businesses to provide in-person education and resources on fraud prevention. Stay tuned for future events and updates. We encourage everyone to stay alert, stay safe, and remember: fraud prevention starts with you. If you

BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Belleville Polar Plunge, originally set for Friday, March 27, has been rescheduled due to ice conditions and for safety reasons. The event will now take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Herchimer Boat Launch. Updated Event Details: Date: Friday, April 10, 2026 Time: 1:00 pm Location: Herchimer Boat Launch, Belleville   This date change does not affect the status of existing teams or plungers. There is still time to register a new team or donate to the Belleville Polar Plunge. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4tdcHt6   ORIGIANL RELEASE SENT ON FEBRUARY 6 Special Olympics Polar Plunge Returns to Belleville! Back to Briefs

BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Special Olympics Polar Plunge is almost here! Join us on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm at the Herchimer Boat Launch in Belleville for this event that helps support Special Olympic athletes across Ontario. Belleville’s bravest will once again take the icy plunge into the Bay of Quinte to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. This is your chance to get involved and make a real difference in the lives of over 23,000 athletes across the province. Ways to Get Involved: Create a Team and Fundraise: Gather a group of friends, coworkers, or community members and dive in together. There are currently 13 teams registered to get #FreezinForAReason! Donate: Can’t take the plunge? Make a donation to the City of Belleville Polar Plunge, a specific team, or an individual. Cheer Them On: Show your support by attending and cheering for the participants.   Last year,

BELLEVILLE, ON – On behalf of the Belleville Police Service members, the Police Service Board, Chair Heather Smith, and Chief Murray Rodd, the Belleville Police Service is releasing a detailed look into our 2026 operating budget request. Policing, like fire and ambulance services, is a 24/7, year-round necessity. As Belleville grows, so does the demand for increased police visibility, faster response times, and additional services. Some of the needs are expressed by our community, while others are driven by legal obligations that we are required to meet. Safety, freedom, and justice are non-negotiable, but they come with a significant cost. This document offers an honest look at the true expenses of policing in Belleville. It highlights the round-the-clock response, long hours, specialized training, and the investigations that ensure justice and public safety. We’re proud to serve Belleville and will continue to ensure we have the resources needed to do so

BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario is here, and it’s time to get #FreezinForAReason! This incredible event will take place on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm at the Herchimer Boat Launch in Belleville. Once again, Belleville Police, Belleville Fire and Emergency Services, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, Belleville Probation and Parole, and other local organizations will brave the icy waters of the Bay of Quinte to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. This is a great opportunity for Belleville residents, businesses, and organizations to get involved, show their support, and help make a lasting impact on the lives of athletes. Last year, the Ontario-wide event raised a record-breaking $1,176,390, with Belleville contributing over $18,000. This generous support directly benefited more than 23,000 Special Olympics athletes across the province, funding essential programming and events for these athletes. Event Details: Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 Time:

BELLEVILLE, ON – The Belleville Police Service, in partnership with community leaders and the Real Lives Touched by Addiction movement, hosted a Flag Raising Ceremony on February 5th in recognition of Preventative Health Awareness Month (PHAM) and in support of the Belleville Mental Health and Addiction Awareness Event. The ceremony, held at the Belleville Police Service, was attended by a diverse group of community leaders, all united in a shared commitment to advancing preventative approaches to mental health and addiction recovery. Families and individuals with lived experience stood in solidarity, underscoring the community’s collective drive to reduce stigma and foster understanding around these pressing issues. The flag raising represents a powerful call to empower individuals and families to take charge of their own health, while working to create long-term, community-centered solutions to mental health and addiction challenges. “This ceremony is a pivotal moment for our community,” said Jen McCutcheon, Founder