Officers from the Renfrew and Arnprior OPP detachments investigated 186 calls for service during the past week.
Leave the Phone Alone When Driving
From December 4-10 the Renfrew OPP participated in the Leave the Phone Alone When Driving campaign in Renfrew County. Officers were strictly enforcing the law which prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices when driving.
Twenty-eight provincial offence notices were issued during the week.
Motorists are encouraged to find alternatives such as Bluetooth or other technologies that make cell phones hands free.
Motorists should find other strategies to deal with the temptation to use cell phones while driving such as putting the cell phone in the glove box, mute your phone, give it to your passenger and make the safe choice to obey the law.
The fine for using a handheld electronic device is $490 and comes with three demerit points.
Domestic Disputes
Officers responded to 11 domestic disputes during the past week. One male was charged with mischief under $5,000 and two counts of assault. No other criminal offences occurred.
Theft
Christmas lights were stolen from the front lawn of several residences.
The first was on First Street in Renfrew on December 12, and again from a residence on McGonigal St. W. in Arnprior on December 16. There are no suspects.
On Wednesday, December 14 at approximately 4:30 p.m., OPP officers responded to a call regarding two quick change artists attempting to steal money from Wal-Mart in Renfrew. When officers arrived the male suspect could not be located. He fled with a quantity of cash. One female suspect was arrested and charged with one count of attempted theft.
Stela Rostas, 24 of North York, was held for a bail hearing on December 15. Two young children who were with the two adults were apprehended as children in need of protection and turned over to the Family and Children’s Services workers. Provincial Constable Sarah Turcotte led the investigation.
On Friday, December 16 a quantity of gas was stolen from a gas station on Raglan St in Renfrew. The suspect pumped gas into the small gray car, paid for other items in the store, but left without making any attempt to pay for gas. A licence plate was obtained and the investigation is continuing.
