Motor Vehicle Collisions
There were 31 motor vehicle collisions investigated during the previous seven days.
Winter driving can be challenging and drivers are encouraged to slow down. The biggest cause of collisions and vehicles in the ditch in the winter is drivers going too fast for road conditions.
When accelerating or braking on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping, sliding, or skidding. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others, and be aware the faster you go, the longer it will take to stop.
Remember if you see snow – go slow.
RIDE Checks
Motorists are reminded they may encounter frequent RIDE spot checks during the next few weeks. OPP officers are conducting the checks to make sure drivers are choosing to drive sober.
When you know you will be drinking make alternate arrangements for transportation rather than driving impaired. Have a designated sober driver, call a friend, take a taxi, stay overnight or call a relative. Please think of other road users so everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas.
Domestic Disputes
Renfrew and Arnprior OPP officers investigated 9 domestic disputes during the past week. One male was charged with two counts of assault. No other criminal offences occurred.
Thefts
A quantity of gas was stolen from the Shell gas station on Daniel Street in Arnprior. The theft happened on Thursday, December 8 at approximately 12:40 p.m. The male pumped gas into a portable container and went into the store, but failed to pay for the fuel. A licence plate was obtained and Provincial Constable Joel Cobb is investigating.
Loose change was stolen from a vehicle parked in a laneway on Peter Street in Renfrew. The victim heard a noise outside and observed footprints around their home and vehicle. The suspect removed a quantity of loose change from the vehicle. Police seized physical evidence from the scene. Provincial Constable Amedeo Jean-Louis is investigating.
Provincial Constable Helen Patterson is investigating a report of personal computer files being stolen. The victim reported the theft from a cloud account on December 5. The investigation is continuing.
Fraud
A victim reported losing over $2,500 to the emergency scam over the telephone on Wednesday, December 7. The victim received a phone call from someone stating the victim’s son had been arrested for causing a collision and damaging City of Gatineau property. As a result of the collision, the son would have to pay a fine. The victim agreed to transfer the required funds through a money transfer business to an account in Westmount Quebec.
The next day the victim spoke with their son and learned it was a fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is assisting with the investigation.
A person in Renfrew was called and told they had a computer virus. They allowed them access into the computer and they seem to have accessed banking and credit card. After police investigated no money was lost. The incident was reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-800-495-8501.
Mischief and Uttering Threats
Charges are pending against a male after complaints were received about a person driving a snow mobile over people’s property causing damage. The incident was reported on Wednesday, December 7 in the Braeside area of McNab Braeside Township. One victim also reported the male threatened him after attending the suspect’s residence to discuss the matter. Provincial Constable Joel Cobb led the investigation.
