The Renfrew Detachment of the OPP investigated 207 calls for service during the past week.
Domestic Violence
Officers investigated 11 calls related to concerns regarding domestic violence or disputes. In two separate cases a male was charged with domestic mischief for property damage.
Thefts
Provincial Constable Dallas MacLeod is investigating a theft from Rick’s Pet Store located in the Arnprior Mall. The theft was captured on video surveillance on Monday January 30 of a female stealing items from the store. Managers posted photos of the suspect on Facebook and several people identified the suspect to them. The OPP are continuing the investigation.
A wallet was stolen from a jacket at The Grove nursing home in Arnprior on Wednesday February 1. The victim hung up the jacket in a chapel in the morning. In the evening the wallet was gone. There was only identification contained in the wallet.
On Thursday, February 2 Provincial Constable Troy Dobbie investigated a theft from Giant Tiger in Arnprior. The theft happened between Feb 1 at approx. 1 p.m. and Feb 2 at approximately 3 p.m. No charges have been laid.
Impaired Drivers
OPP officers dealt with two drivers last week who decided to drive, or have care or control of a motor vehicle after consuming too much alcohol.
On January 30 shortly after 11 a.m., Renfrew OPP officers received information about a possible impaired driver on Coleraine Drive in Renfrew. Officers attended and located the male suspect in the vehicle identified to them. The investigation revealed the male had been drinking and he was arrested for impaired care or control of a motor vehicle. Following breath tests at the detachment Kerri Wayne Niemi, 31, of Renfrew, was charged with impaired care or control of a motor vehicle, over 80mgs care or control of a motor vehicle, and breach of probation. He was held in custody for a bail hearing. Provincial Constable Amedeo Jean-Louis led the investigation.
On Sunday, February 5 at approximately 11:35 p.m., Arnprior OPP officers received a call about a possible impaired driver in the area of Claude Street in Arnprior.
Sgt Steve Linton responded and located the suspect vehicle. After stopping the suspect and speaking to the driver, the officer arrested the male driver for impaired driving. After breath tests were completed at the detachment Jeffrey Leahy, 52, of Claude Street, was charged with impaired driving, driving over 80mgs, and 2 counts of driving while under suspension. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on March 1.
Fraud
It looks like there’s a new phone scam to be wary of. When the phone rings and the caller say “Can you hear me?” don’t even answer. Just hang up. In this one, the scammer (a robo-caller) will record the victim’s voice saying “yes” and then follow up with an aggressive pitch telling the unsuspecting victim they’ve agreed to buy something. Then they will play a recording of the victim’s voice where it sounds as if they have agreed to buy something and then threaten to take legal action if they try to deny the charges. It has been rampant in the U.S. and the OPP are starting to receive calls regarding this. For more information contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca
Drug Concern
Renfrew OPP officers were contacted by a merchant in Renfrew concerned about the activity of some young shoppers. The merchant noticed young people recently buying several packages of Morning Glory seeds. After searching online and learning that ingesting the seeds can cause hallucinations and people experience a high after eating them or using them to making tea. Ingesting these seeds can cause considerable nausea and hallucinations. Parents are encouraged to monitor their kids and have a discussion with them if they are concerned.
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.
