Detectives from the 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service are investigating incidents involving defamatory posters publicly displayed in Thorold.
In late March 2025, several posters were discovered taped to hydro poles and other public locations throughout Thorold. These posters featured an image and personal contact information of the victim, alongside unfounded and defamatory allegations. The identity of the person responsible for creating and distributing the posters remains unknown at this time.
The investigation is ongoing. To protect the victim’s privacy, no further details about the content of the posters will be released.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009610.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
The public is reminded that posting defamatory content in public spaces is not only harmful — it is illegal. Defamatory libel is a criminal offense subject to arrest and charge under Section 298(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada. It may also result in civil consequences.
What is Defamatory Libel?
Defamatory libel refers to any published matter — including posters — that, without lawful justification or excuse, is likely to harm a person’s reputation by exposing them to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or is intended to insult.
Such acts are not protected under freedom of expression laws. Posting defamatory material on public property such as poles, fences, buildings, or noticeboards may lead to criminal charges.
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