Canadian police services keep using Crime Stoppers despite data breach concerns

Some police services in Canada are maintaining public promotion of Crime Stoppers despite a recent data breach that may have exposed identifying details from anonymous tips. The breach, attributed to a third-party intrusion into Navigate360’s systems between Nov. 21, 2025, and Mar. 5, 2026, could have affected names, addresses and other sensitive data.

The Calgary Police Service said it has spoken directly with Crime Stoppers Canada and is satisfied with the additional security measures the program has implemented. > "We have engaged directly with Crime Stoppers Canada to learn more about how the breach occurred, and we are satisfied that the additional security measures they have put in place provide strong protection for their database," a CPS spokesperson told Global News.

The service continues to accept tips, which the spokesperson described as historically valuable for advancing investigations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also affirmed the program’s role in public safety, with media relations director Jessica Kingsbury stating, "Crime Stoppers is an important public safety tool, providing individuals with an alternative to share information that can assist police investigations and help prevent and solve crime."

RCMP detachments in several provinces have promoted Crime Stoppers this week and are working with the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association to assess the breach’s impact. > "We are actively assessing any potential impacts on operations, as are other police services," Kingsbury said.

Toronto Crime Stoppers chair Sean Sportun noted that some tips contain identifying details that are normally removed before investigators receive them, but those original submissions were among the data accessed. Approximately 176,859 tips submitted between Jan. 2022 and Nov. 2025 were affected, including about 12,392 that may contain personal information. A separate list from Navigate360 listed 14,973 names but lacked details needed to gauge risk.

Navigate360, which also supplies software to U.S. schools, said it has found no evidence that the exposed information has been used for fraud or identity theft and reiterated its commitment to privacy and security. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is investigating the company's safeguards for compliance with federal privacy law.

Police services that have halted use of Crime Stoppers advise the public to submit information through regular reporting channels, which are not anonymous. The CPS spokesperson urged anyone who feels threatened or concerned about personal data exposure to contact local police or Crime Stoppers directly.