![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976186.1721847997!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police concerned about rumours spreading in suspicious Smiths Falls, Ont. disappearances
Police are warning about the spread of unverified rumours in the investigation into the suspicious disappearances of two men in Smiths Falls, Ont. and renewing a call for those with information to come forward.
In an OPP media release on Tuesday, police said the missing persons investigation into the disappearance of Lawrence Bertrim and Robbie Thomson remains active.
Bertrim was 42 when he was last seen on Sept. 30, 2022 in Smiths Falls.
34-year-old Robbie Thomson went missing sometime between Oct. 12 and 18 of this year.
There have been three missing persons investigations in Smiths Falls this year, including 34-year-old Steven Tate of Montague Township whose body was found dead on Highway 15 earlier this month. In an update on Tuesday afternoon, police said they believe Tate's death to be the result of a hit-and-run collision.
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Investigators say they are concerned by rumours, misinformation and disinformation about the cases being spread in the town, about 72 kilometres southwest of Ottawa. Police say they cannot speculate on any potential connection between any cases.
"We continue to hear stories about disturbing details, but no one has come forward to investigators with any first-hand information. Rumours are not evidence and cannot be used in court," said OPP detective inspectors Jennifer Patton and Daniel Levert in the news release.
Police say unverified rumours can cause delays to the investigation.
"Public safety is our priority. These are individual investigations, however investigators from each case speak regularly with each other to make sure nothing is missed," said Jodi Empey, deputy chief of the Smiths Falls Police Service in the news release.
"Smiths Falls PS investigators continue to work diligently for the families and the community to find answers to these cases. Rumours don't help. If you know something, please call the tip lines or Crime Stoppers."
Police have set up dedicated tip lines on both cases to ensure information gets directly to detectives assigned to the missing person cases. Anyone with first-person information is being encouraged to call.
For Robbie Thomson: 1-855-677-4636
For Lawrence Bertrim: 1-844-677-9404
Those wanting to remain anonymous can contact Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or file an anonymous report on the Crime Stoppers website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.5539352.1628465336!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
DEVELOPING First responders relocated from Jasper National Park to Hinton due to wildfire activity
Vehicles and heavy equipment have been seen leaving Jasper National Park throughout Wednesday afternoon.
2 wildfires less than 8 km away from Jasper townsite, some structures impacted in national park
As the evacuation order continues for Jasper National Park, officials confirm that some structures in the park have been damaged by fire, but they can't confirm what those structures are.
WATCH LIVE Biden to use Oval Office address to explain his decision to quit 2024 race, begin to shape legacy
Insisting that 'the defence of democracy is more important than any title,' U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday will explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.
Wildfire north of Calgary prompts evacuation alert, highway closures
A wildfire is prompting evacuations and highway closures north of Calgary.