The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is aware of an emerging trend of local online groups that have been created to encourage the gesture of members treating others with a baskets of goodies that are delivered anonymously, in an effort to lift the spirits of fellow community members.

While the groups have been created with the best of intentions, to support local businesses and bring smiles during difficult times of isolation caused by the pandemic, the MHPS would like to share an important reminder about the inherent safety risks of sharing personal information on the internet, including; names, addresses and family details.

While the groups may have some administrative settings in an attempt to restrict the approval of members, there are predators who are also on the internet who are able to easily make a false profile and can be added to these groups inadvertently, especially as the group size grows. In addition, individuals sneaking up to people or homes wearing masks and other costumes may cause concern for other members of the public who are not aware of the group and in turn report to police.

As such the MHPS would like to strongly encourage members of the groups to carefully review the information they have shared and their own personal social media account privacy settings. A safer alternative would be to continue the concept of random acts of kindness, but limit the scope to members of you existing social circle.

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Community Safety Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451