Friday, October 31, 2003

With tonight being Halloween the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wishes to remind motorists that if you must be out, please slow down, drive cautiously and be on the lookout for the children. And parents are also reminded to check their children’s candy before they are allowed to eat it. Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween!

ZELLERS’ HIT AGAIN
Last night at approximately 8:00 pm, the accused, Patrick Chenier, age 24 of 34 Boston Ave. and co-accused Bradley Fraser, age 29 of 178 Andrew Street removed over $150.00 of merchandise from Zellers in Station Mall with out paying for the items.

Store security stopped the individuals and at 8:50 pm they were arrested and charged by patrol officers with Theft. They will appear in court on December 15th.

CAR THIEFT
Also yesterday, at approximately 12:15 am unknown persons stole a 2003 Nissan sedan from the Mike's Mart on Wellington Street and Bruce Street. The vehicle had been left running with the keys in it.

This morning, at 4:10 am patrol officers stopped this vehicle at Pine and McNabb Street with two young persons, age 16 and 17, in it. One of the young persons attempted to flee from the officers on foot, but was unsuccessful. The young offenders had screwdrivers in their possession, along with a stolen speaker. One of the young persons provided the police officers with a false name.

The young persons were arrested and charged with several offences including Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of House Breaking Tools, Obstruct Justice and Breach of Probation. They will appear in bail court today.

USE COMMON SENSE
With this incident in mind and cold weather upon us: The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is warning the public that the common practice of warming up vehicles, or leaving them running during the cold weather, is assisting criminals in their work.

Each year a number of vehicles, left idling, unattended, are stolen. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service does not encourage anyone to leave their vehicle running when it is unoccupied. Crime Prevention Services offer the following tips:

1) Use a remote car starter. If your vehicle is a newer model, please check with your car dealership for details, as to warranty conditions.
2) Have your vehicle positioned where you can see it while it is warming.
3) Ensure your car is not warming up in the garage, as the carbon monoxide can seep into the other parts of your residence. Even with the garage door up, the potentially lethal vapours may get into your residence.
4) If all else fails, have a significant other start and stay with your vehicle.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is requesting the assistance of the public in locking their vehicles and reducing the opportunity for theft.

VEHICLE ROLL OVER
At 2:30 pm yesterday afternoon patrol officers were called to a single motor vehicle roll over on Black Rd. 500 metres north of Second Line East. Officers learned that Melissa Burt, age 16 of Mark Street was driving a 2002 Subaru car north on Black Rd. when she lost control and ran off of the road into the east ditch, struck a telephone pole and rolled her vehicle over.

A passenger in the vehicle, Rob Colombo, age 17 of Grove Crescent was taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injures. The vehicle sustained severe damage in the collision and was towed from the scene.

Burt has been charged with Driving a Motor Vehicle with No Licence under the Highway Traffic Act. The passenger, Colombo has also been charged with Permitting an Unlicensed Person to Drive a Motor Vehicle.

QUIET DEVIL’S NIGHT
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service did not experience any significant problems related to the night before Halloween. Patrol officers in the early to late evening did answer several calls where groups of youth were reported throwing eggs at homes or businesses at various locations in the city, but no injuries or noteworthy damage was reported.

TWO BREAK INS
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service investigated two break ins yesterday. Shortly after 6:30 am Patrol Officers were called to the Steamy Bean Restaurant at 357 Great Northern Rd. for the report of a break in, where thieves removed a small quantity of cash.

And at 10:45 am Officers were called to the Video Max Store on Second Line West where thieves had broken in and stolen a quantity of cigarettes.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service at 949-6300 or Crime Stoppers.