Friday, May 20, 2005

Bear Sightings

So far this year City Police have received 28 calls involving bears. 10 of those calls have been in the last week. These calls involve persons with close contact to bears or seeing bears in the distance. City Police would like to share 2 phone numbers with the public so that they can contact the proper authorities in the event of a bear sighting:

1) The Sault Ste. Marie City Police - 949-6300 if a bear is an immediate threat such as in your back yard. If the bear is very aggressive and threatening then 9-1-1 is also an option. City Police Officers will attended and will assess the situation to ensure the public safety.

2) The MNR Bear Hotline – 1-866-514-2327 if the bear is not currently present but there have been signs of a bear in your area. This will allow the MNR staff to track bear movements and determine the best course of action.
The Public can take steps to help reduce the calls pertaining to nuisance bears. The majority of bear problems occur as a result of improperly stored household garbage. Bears quickly learn to associate a human residence with a readily available food source. Simple steps such as those listed below can discourage bears:

1) don’t put your garbage out the night before
2) don’t leave pet food dishes outside
3) thoroughly clean outdoor bbq grills after use
4) don’t put meat, fish or sweet food including fruit into your composter.

Above all, if you encounter a bear give the bear it’s space and call the proper authorities. For more information on ways in which you can reduce the attractions for bears, or how to deal with bears, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website at www.mnr.gov.on.ca and click on the “Bear Wise” box. Information pamphlets are also available at the front desk of the City Police.

Male Charged with Assault

Yesterday afternoon City Police arrested a 17-year old youth and charged them with one count of assault with a weapon, one count of possession of a weapon for the purpose dangerous to the public, one count of possession of a prohibited weapon and one count of breach of probation. It is alleged that on May 14th the accused approached a male victim in a west end parking lot in the 200 block of Second Line East and pointed knife at the victim and walked towards the victim. When officers arrested the accused they found the weapon involved and learned at that time the knife was a prohibited weapon that could be opened by centrifugal force. The accused will appear in court on June 28th.

Male Assaults Wife

Last night just after 10 pm a 41-year old male was arrested. It is alleged that the accused assaulted his wife in their east end residence by slapping her in the face and throwing her to the ground. The male was been charged with one count of assault and will appear in court on June 22nd. The victim received a minor injury to her arm. The incident occurred in the City’s east end.

Break and Enter

City Police had one report of a break and enter yesterday. A home in the 100 block of South Gladstone was entered yesterday and a set of stereo speakers was taken.

Reminder

The first long weekend of summer is upon us now. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind the public to drive responsibly this holiday weekend. Also if you are traveling ensure your home is locked up and speak to your neighbours about keeping an eye on your place and reporting any suspicious activity.