The Renfrew Detachment of the OPP investigated 251 calls for service during the past week.
Domestic Violence
Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated seven domestic disputes during the past week. One male was charged with three counts of uttering threats. No other criminal offences were alleged. If you or someone you know is living in or involved in an abusive relationship help is available. Contact Bernadette McCann House 24/7 for support, advice or the safety of a shelter at 1-800-267-4930. The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is also available 24/7 for information and support at 1-800-663-3060. In emergencies call 9-1-1.
Distracted Driving Campaign
The numbers are in for the week long distracted driving campaign and they show that many drivers continue to disregard the law and the safety of other road users. In the Renfrew Detachment area, officers laid 43 charges during the seven day campaign. If you feel you have to use your phone while driving, it must be hands free. Use Bluetooth and other technology to accomplish this. Distracted and inattentive driving is the leading cause of death on OPP patrolled roads in Ontario.
Break and Enter
Two portable job site offices were entered at a property on Magnesium Road between March 10 to 12. A vehicle drove onto the job site after a pad lock was pried off the gate. Significant damage was done on site including broken windows, and debris poured into the gas tank of an excavator. Stolen property included two five-gallon gas tanks, two Dewalt drills, along with chargers, drill bits and bags. PC Amanda Carruthers is leading the investigation.
A home in Griffith was broken into while the resident was away and neighbours discovered the break in. PC David Ladd is leading the investigation into the break in which occurred sometime between March 9-13 at a home on Main Street. The back door was forced open, but it does not appear that anything was stolen. The investigation is continuing.
A construction project in Arnprior on MacDonald Street N was broken into overnight March 16-17. The building was entered overnight through a side window and tools were stolen. PC Erin Densmore is leading the investigation.
Thefts
On Friday, March 16 two males entered The Source in Arnprior and purchased an item. As they were leaving the store they each picked up several items, concealed them and left the store without paying. Staff discovered the thefts, reviewed security footage and contacted the OPP.
PC Erin Densmore investigated the theft.
The two males were known to the officer. Both males were arrested and charged. Most of the stolen property was recovered. Both males had a quantity of drugs in their possession when they were arrested.
Shane Laundrie, 31, and Ton Laundrie, 50, both of Arnprior, are each charged with theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property, and possession of a schedule 1 drug.
Shane is also facing charges of possession of a schedule 2 drug, and 2 counts of breach of probation.
They were each released from custody on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on Wednesday, May 2.
Fraud
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) continues to receive reports of emails, text messages and telephone calls related to tax scams. Tax scams can involve the following:
- Fraudsters are calling consumers impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and claiming that a recent audit has identified discrepancies from past filed taxes. Repayment is required immediately. Fraudsters threaten consumers that failure to pay will result in additional fees, jail time and/or deportation. Fraudsters may request payment via money service business, pre-paid cards / gift cards (iTunes) or bitcoin
- Consumers receive an email or text message indicating a refund is pending from the CRA. The email includes a link that directs consumers to a website that looks like the actual CRA. Consumers are asked to fill in their personal information such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Date of Birth (DOB) and banking information before receiving the refund (email money transfer). Victims who input their personal information are subject to identity fraud. No refund is ever issued.
Protect Yourself
Remember, legitimate telemarketers have nothing to hide
- However, criminals will say anything to part you from your hard-earned money.
- Be cautious. You have the right to check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and time to think over the offer.
Legitimate business people will be happy to provide you with that information. After all, they want the “bad guys” out of business too. Always be careful about providing confidential personal information, especially banking or credit card details, unless you are certain the company is legitimate. And, if you have doubts about a caller, your best defence is to simply hang up. It’s not rude – it’s smart.
If you’re in doubt, it’s wise to ask the advice of a close friend or relative, or even your banker. Rely on people you can trust. Remember, you can Stop Phone Fraud – Just Hang Up!
Stunt Driving Charge
PC Mark Cranford stopped a speeding vehicle on Highway 60 west of Haley Road shortly after 5 a.m. on Thursday March 15. The male driver was travelling in excess of 50 km/hr above the posted speed limit of 80 km/hr. Brandon Drew, 30, of Eganville was issued a summons to appear in traffic court charged with stunt driving. The vehicle he was operating was impounded for seven days, and his driver’s licence was suspended for seven days.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information on any criminal offence that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000.00. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day. Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca.
