Police seeking tips, not rumours, in cases of two missing Smiths Falls men

Police say they are investigating the disappearances of Lawrence Bertrim and Robbie Thomson, but “cannot speculate on any potential connection” between the two cases.

Published Nov 28, 2023 • Last updated 6 hours ago • 2 minute read

Ontario Provincial Police File

Ontario Provincial Police are still seeking tips in the case of two missing men in Smiths Falls, but are also warning against “rumours, misinformation and disinformation.”

Police said Tuesday they were investigating the disappearances of Lawrence Bertrim and Robbie Thomson, but “cannot speculate on any potential connection” between the two cases.

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Bertrim, 43, was last seen Sept. 30, 2022, in downtown Smiths Falls. Thomson, 34, was reported missing on Oct. 19, 2023, and is believed to have gone missing sometime the week prior to that.

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“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,” OPP detective inspectors Jennifer Patton and Daniel Levert said in a news statement, adding that rumours could also cause delays in the investigation.

The statement said teams of investigators from the provincial police force and the Smiths Fall Police Service “continue to follow-up on any potential leads that are provided.”

Police said the disappearances of the two men were being investigated separately, though investigators from each case “speak regularly” to “make sure nothing is missed.”

Lawrence Bertrim, left, and Robbie Thomson, both from the area of Smiths Falls, are the subjects of separate Ontario Provincial Police missing person investigations. Photo by Ontario Provincial Police/Handou /jpg

The body of a third missing man, Steven Tate, 34, was discovered near Highway 15 on Nov. 8. He was last seen alive four days earlier. Police said Tate died from injuries received in a hit-and-run collision, but have not said if any arrests have been made or charges laid. Investigators believe the vehicle that hit Tate was a dark-coloured hatchback or sedan, which would have damage to the passenger side.

There are dedicated tip lines for Thomson and Bertrim.

For Robbie Thomson: 1-855-677-4636

For Lawrence Bertrim: 1-844-677-9404

“If you have any first-hand information, even if it seems insignificant, investigators want to hear from you,” OPP said in the news statement.

Anonymous tips can be made by Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by filing an anonymous report on the Crime Stoppers website.