Domestic dispute results in charges for Chatham couple
A Chatham couple is facing charges after a verbal argument took a violent turn.
Police say on January 4, a 33-year-old man charged with assault causing bodily harm was released from custody with conditions to communicate or be within 100 metres of the woman involved in the incident.
Officers were called to a home on Campus Parkway in Chatham on Monday to investigate a domestic dispute.
A verbal argument between the man and the woman escalated when the man allegedly caused damage to a door and a wall, threatened to cause harm to the woman, and physically assaulted her.
Police say the woman initially provided false information to the police regarding the man's living arrangements.
However, through investigation, the police discovered that the man had been staying at the residence with the woman involved in the incident.
The 33-year-old Chatham man was charged with mischief, uttering threats, assault, assault causing bodily harm and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. He was transported to police headquarters and held for bail.
The 31-year-old Chatham woman was charged with facilitating a breach of a release order and obstructing the police.
She was transported to police headquarters and released with conditions and a future court date.
Police issue fraud warning
Chatham-Kent police are reminding the public be vigilant when selling items online.
An individual was selling two hunting bows through an online platform for $1,000 when they received a message from a potential buyer on Friday, August 4.
Police say the buyer agreed to the price and to pay with a certified cheque, but when the seller received a FedEx envelope, it contained a cheque for $3,000.
When they went to verify the cheque, they discovered it was fraudulent.
Police say this is a typical scam where fraudsters send overpayments via fake cheques in the hopes the recipient will send back the excess along with the purchased item.
Luckily, the seller did not lose any money or property in this case.
To protect yourself from similar fraudulent activities, Chatham-Kent police have five tips.
1. Exercise caution with overpayments: Be suspicious if a buyer offers to pay more than the agreed-upon amount and requests a refund of the excess money. Verify the authenticity of any payments before proceeding.
2. Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Conduct thorough research and be cautious before engaging in online transactions.
3. Use secure payment platforms: Utilize reputable and secure online payment services that protect buyers and sellers. These platforms can provide an added layer of security.
4. Limit personal information sharing: Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information with unknown individuals. Minimize the risk of identity theft or fraud by providing limited details during online transactions.
5. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter suspicious or fraudulent transactions, promptly contact your local police department and provide them with all relevant information. Reporting these incidents can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
