Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Break and Enter at Local Beer Store

Around 12:30 am this morning City Police attended at the Beer Store in the Churchill Plaza regarding a break and enter in progress. When officers arrived they found that the store had been broken into and 2-6 packs of imported beer had been taken, worth $20. Officers located a 14-year old youth and a 13-year old youth a short distance away from the Beer Store with the beer with them. Both youths have been charged with one count each of break and enter and commit an indictable offence. They will both be appearing in bail court this morning.

Theft Charges Laid Against Youth

A 15-year old youth was arrested yesterday afternoon and charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. It is alleged that the youth broke into a shed in the early part of April of this year and stole a bike. The youth was in possession of the stolen bike when they were arrested yesterday. The youth will appear in court on August 2nd.

Male Charged with Assault

Yesterday morning 23-year old Robert Mallia of 1092 Wellington Street East was arrested and charged with one count of assault. It is alleged that on June 28th just after 3 am the accused and the male victim got into a verbal argument. The incident occurred on Great Northern Road at a public business. The accused the grabbed the victim by the neck and punched him in the face. When the victim fell to the ground the accused allegedly kicked the victim in the head area. The accused has been charged with one count of assault and will appear in court on August 8th.

Motor Vehicle Collision

June 19th around 5:30 pm City Police attended at John Street and Second Line regarding a motor vehicle collision with injuries. A car operated by 33-year-old Dawne Ryan of 504 Douglas Street was stopped at John Street at Second Line East. A car operated by 37-year old Chairina Mah of 347 Sussex Road was traveling north bound on John Street and ran into the back of the Ryan vehicle. A young child in Ryan vehicle was taken by a parent to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The Ryan vehicle sustained severe damage and the Mah vehicle did not appear to have any damage. The investigation is continuing.

Preparing for A Safe Long Weekend

As the long weekend is rapidly approaching the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will likely respond to calls involving break and enters, motor vehicles collisions with injures and thefts from vehicles. There are steps the public can take to help ensure the long weekend is a safe weekend.

If you are going away for the weekend:

1) make your home look occupied when you go out
2) leave lights on and the radio playing, as well as using timers for lights
3) arrange to have your mail and paper delivery picked up or stopped during the time you will be away
4) let your neighbours know you will be away and ask them to call the police if they see anything suspicious.

If you are driving to your destination:

1) keep your car in good condition and the gas tank at least half full
2) never pick up hitchhikers
3) drive with your doors locked and the windows rolled up
4) don’t engage in road rage
5) allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination
6) use your signal lights to advise others you are changing lanes
7) avoid weaving in and out of traffic, speeding and tailgating
8) wear your seatbelt
9) don’t drink and drive

Deputy Chief Bob Kates advises, “Having a safe summer is everyone’s responsibility. Many tragic events, such as fatal motor vehicle collisions, and crimes, such as thefts and break and enters, could be avoided with some careful planning. Taking extra care can make for a great summer and it will go along way to ensuring our long weekends are safe for everyone.”