TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers

November is Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci speaks with retired Toronto Police Service Inspector Hank Idsinga about his major homicide investigations, his bestselling book The High Road and what his experiences have taught him about crime, justice and prevention. In the final two segments, Julia is joined by Kim Varma, professor in the Depa...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci speaks with Neeraj Redhu, Senior Privacy and AI Specialist at Bamboo Data Consulting, about protecting personal information, recognizing online scams and understanding privacy risks associated with artificial intelligence. Then returning guest, Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario, shares essential Halloween road...

Halloween can be about more than collecting candy, it can also be an opportunity to give back. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci speaks with Matthew Simone from Canadian Food for Children about the organization's Halloween candy donation initiative, how donated treats can support those in need and how families, schools and communities can get involved. In the final segment, Julia is joi...

Robbery prevention is about more than protecting a business's property. It's about keeping employees, customers and communities safe. In this episode of TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers, host Julia Vellucci is joined by Dean Correia, a workplace safety and security consultant with over 30 years of industry experience and Police Constable Jesse Nobleman, Media Relations Officer with the OPP’s Caledon De...

October is Fire Prevention Month, making it an important time to talk about the simple steps we can all take to prevent fires and stay safe. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci is joined by Luigi Davoli, who was a senior leader with Mississauga Fire, now serving as a board member at Peel Crime Stoppers. Together they discuss this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety...

Emergencies can happen anywhere and sometimes the first person there to help isn't a first responder, it's a bystander, friend, neighbour or family member. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci is joined by  Angeline Pleunis and Khondoker Rashid  from St. John Ambulance, who are both long-standing volunteers and board members. Together they discuss first aid, emergency preparedness and the...

September is recognized as Recovery Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about addiction, substance use and recovery while challenging the stigma surrounding these issues. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci speaks with Alex Pley, an addiction therapist, Registered Social Worker and Director of New Point Psychotherapy, who brings both personal and professional experience to...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores community safety and crime prevention from two perspectives. Brampton’s Batman joins Julia to discuss crime prevention, community awareness and the importance of looking out for one another. Julia also speaks with Colin Patterson, Director of Traffic Management and Municipal Parking with the City of Mississauga, about back-to-school road safety...

As students across Peel Region head back to school, the roads become busier with school buses, pedestrians, cyclists, parents and young drivers. In this episode of TIPS, we take a closer look at back-to-school road safety and what everyone can do to help keep students safe. Host Julia Vellucci is joined by Police Constable Jesse Nobleman, Media Relations Officer with the OPP’s Caledon Detachment....

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores grief, loss and the many ways people experience and navigate major life changes. In recognition of Grief Awareness Day, Julia is joined by Registered Psychotherapist Aly Bird, who specializes in grief and trauma therapy. Julia is also joined by Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Annie Roper, who specializes in grief, loss and life transiti...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores international student safety, rights and access to resources as students prepare for a new school year. Julia is joined by Sweta Thakur, Advisor, Policy, Research and Evaluation with Peel Newcomer Strategy Group and Liz Estey from the Region of Peel, who has been involved with the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and International Students...

In this special episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci celebrates hitting the 50 episode milestone the same day she marks one year as host of this podcast. Julia reflects on her journey from Episode 75 to Episode 125, the growth she's experienced as a journalist, writer and broadcaster and the lessons she's learned from speaking with experts, community leaders, advocates and public safety profession...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores how collaboration, education and inclusion help build safer communities. In recognition of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Julia is joined by Rebecca Laforme, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who works with the City of Mississauga in Heritage Planning and Indigenous Relations. Together, they discu...

As students and families prepare for the return to school just a month away, this episode of TIPS explores the emotional and social side of back-to-school transitions. Host Julia Vellucci is joined by Rachel Ginsberg, registered social worker and psychotherapist and Heather Ferguson, registered clinical counsellor, to discuss building resilience, managing change, supporting youth, navigating bully...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci is joined by Ingrid Berkeley, former Deputy Chief of Peel Regional Police and the highest-ranking Black female police officer in Canada at the time of her retirement. Drawing on her remarkable 34-year policing career, Ingrid reflects on the evolution of policing, the importance of community trust, diversity and inclusion in leadership, crime prevention...

In this episode of TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers, host Julia Vellucci explores the growing issue of auto theft in Canada and the role awareness plays in preventing it. Julia is joined by Lorraine Sommerfeld, award-winning automotive journalist and consumer advocate, who has been writing for Driving.ca since 2014. Together they discuss how vehicle theft has evolved, why organized crime continues to t...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores auto theft, one of Canada's fastest-growing public safety concerns in honour of Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. Julia is joined by Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations for CAA, to discuss current vehicle theft trends, why organized auto theft continues to rise and the practical steps drivers can take to better protect their veh...

In this special Canada Day episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci speaks with Peel Crime Stoppers Chair Imran Hasan about his appointment as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment. They discuss leadership, community service, the importance of building safer communities and Imran's journey from immigrant to business leader and public safety advocate. The episode also features a...

As Elder Abuse Awareness Month comes to a close, this episode of TIPS brings together legal and community perspectives on protecting older adults and supporting families through complex life transitions. Host Julia Vellucci is joined by Deonah Francis, a social worker with Mississauga Community Legal Services, and Sabrina Parboodial, an associate at Gold Family Law. Together, they discuss elder ab...

As June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this episode of TIPS explores the legal, ethical, and practical issues that can impact older adults and their families. Host Julia Vellucci is joined by Melissa Miller, partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP, for a conversation about elder abuse, seniors' rights, long-term care, financial exploitation, and family decision-making. Together, they discuss w...

In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores the often hidden and misunderstood realities of elder abuse in Canada. Julia is joined by Bénédicte Schoepflin, executive director of the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, for a conversation focused on awareness, prevention, and education. Together, they discuss the different forms elder abuse can take including financial expl...

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, so in this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores the often-overlooked realities of elder abuse, senior safety, and the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Julia is joined by Amy Friesen founder of Tea & Toast, best-selling author, educator, speaker, and one of Canada's leading experts in helping seniors and families navi...

Mental health struggles and unmanaged stress can quietly build over time, sometimes escalating into crisis before the warning signs are recognized. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci concludes this mini mental health series for May by exploring mental wellness as a form of prevention through practical conversations focused on awareness, coping, and early intervention. Julia speaks with r...

Mental health struggles and addiction can affect anyone, even those working in careers built around protecting others. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci chats with Leo Petrilli for the second time on this podcast. They share a deeply personal and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, mental health, and life in law enforcement. After spending 36 years in law enforcement while pr...

Mental health and the justice system often intersect in complicated and deeply human ways but where is the line between getting help and being criminalized? This episode of TIPS explores just that as host Julia Vellucci continues the growing conversation around mental health, public safety, and the criminal justice system in this mental health mini series for May. Julia is joined by criminal defen...