The Renfrew Detachment of the OPP investigated 212 calls for service during the previous week.
Pedestrian Cross Overs in Renfrew are Legal
The OPP wish to remind motorists and pedestrians in Renfrew that all cross overs on Raglan Street are properly marked and legal.
There has been misinformation placed on social media sites talking about “courtesy cross walks” and that motorists are not required by law to stop. That is incorrect.
Motorists must yield to pedestrians using cross walks and cross overs. A cross walk is a pedestrian crossing at an intersection; while a cross over is a pedestrian crossing that is placed in a section of the road, not associated with an intersection. Motorists must stop until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road.
Drivers and cyclists may face a fine in the range of $150-$500 – drivers may also face 3 demerit points. Fines will be doubled in community safety zones.
Domestic Disputes
Renfrew and Arnprior OPP officers responded to six domestic disputes during the past week. One female was charged with breach of a recognizance and trespassing, and one male was charged with assault. No other criminal offences occurred.
Thefts
A fishing tackle box was stolen from a boat. The boat was docked on the Madawaska River near White Lake Road at the time. Also stolen were two fishing rods and the contents of the tackle box. The theft took place between 10-13 September.
A set of keys and an alarm remote control for a residence were stolen from a vehicle in Arnprior. The theft took place while the vehicle was parked at a shopping center on either Staye Court Drive or Daniel Street on Tuesday, September 1. Updated security measures have taken place at the residence to prevent a break in.
One male was arrested and charged after loss prevention officials at No Frills contacted police to report a male stealing from the store on Tuesday, September 13.
While OPP officers were at the store on September 15 viewing surveillance video the suspect returned to the store.
Randy Martineau, 51, of Renfrew, was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on October 26. Provincial Constable Mark Yarmel investigated.
On Thursday, September 15 Provincial Constable Patrick O’Connor attended No Frills to follow up on a theft investigation. While at the store he was advised the loss prevention officer was watching a female in the store concealing items in her purse.
She left the store after purchasing items in her cart, making no attempt to pay for the concealed items. She was arrested outside the store and all stolen property was recovered.
Pamela Belaire, 32, of Renfrew, was charged with theft under $5,000. She was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on October 12.
A shed was entered and a tree trimmer and tool box were stolen. The theft was discovered on Saturday, September 17 from the shed on Rivoire Lane in Greater Madawaska Township.
Officers are investigating the theft of a fully restored dirt bike.
Sometime between Saturday, August 27 and Saturday, September 3, the thief entered a property on Hayes Street in the Township of McNab Braeside. They stole the yellow 1993 Suzuki R25 from inside a shed on the property. Police believe the thief was driven to the property on an ATV.
Fraud
One person has lost $2,000 after responding to the Emergency Scam.
The victim received a call from someone pretending to be their son advising he had been arrested. Another male got on the phone and claimed to be a lawyer. The victim was advised to send cash through a money transfer service for bail money and to pay a fine.
The victim did as instructed and later spoke to their son, and realized they had been scammed. The son was never arrested
Another victim reported being tricked by someone in the Microsoft computer scam. The victim had a pop up window appear on their computer screen advising they had a serious computer virus, and to call a 1-800 number. They were then instructed to make a payment through PayPal of $155. Money was sent and the computer seemed to be working normally.
When they were contacted a second time and advised to send money again as the payment through PayPal was not successful the victim realized it was a scam and called police.
Officers are continuing to investigate Ontario Wide Lumber as they continue to receive complaints from people who have paid for goods they have not received. The owner of the business, Kyle Bancroft, was charged in August 2016 with seven counts of fraud under $5,000. The investigation is continuing.
A past victim of identity theft contacted police to report it appears someone was again able to obtain credit in their name. The victim received a letter from a collections agency demanding payment. The police are investigating.
Protect your identity and credit by contacting Transunion or Equifax. These two companies are legitimate and offer consumer assistance and identity protection. Some services they offer are free, while there is a fee for others.
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. Our telephones are answered 24 hours a day. Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca.
