Thursday, April 12, 2007

Internet Games

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service was advised by a member of the public of a concern about their son’s use of the internet. Police were advised that the child was playing an internet based game which required the participant to call a 900 number (as directed on the web site) to obtain extra clues or information on how to play the game. The child in this case did not realize that each call to the 900 number resulted in charges to their phone bill of approximately $11.00 per call. The parent, in this instance, received a bill for five phone calls.

There were also concerns that these types of web sites exposed the user to viruses and enables hackers to get a hold of another person’s password.

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service is offering this advice to parents. If you discover that your child is on a web site that you do not approve of we recommend the follow steps be taken to block the entrance to a web site.

1. Go to the internet site in your computer (e.g. Google).
2. On the computer tool bar click on the TOOLS tab.
3. Select Internet options.
4. Select CONTENT tab.
5. Under the content advisor click the ENABLE button.
6. Select APPROVED SITES.
7. In the box below “Allow this web site:” “type in the name of the web site you wish to block”.
8. Click the NEVER button.
9. The site will then be listed in a larger box with a red “do not enter” symbol. Click OK.
10. You will then be prompted to create a supervisor password. Do not reveal password to child!
11. Press OK

Parents may want to also consider contacting their telephone service provider and request that the 900 number- capability be blocked on their home phone service.

Parents are reminded that they should always monitor the use of the internet by minors in their home!

Mugging on Dennis Street

Late night at around 8:40 pm the Sault Ste Marie Police Service was called to the area of Dennis St. and Wellington St.E regarding a robbery. Upon arrival officers were informed by the victim that she was walking on Wellington St. E. when she was approached by two females and four males. That one of the females grabbed the victim by the neck and assaulted her. The female then took the victim’s purse and all the suspects then fled from the area. Uniform police officers and the canine unit searched the area and located one of the suspects. Charged with one count of robbery is 18-year-old Melissa Favaro, of 40 Hynes St. Apt. 103. She will be appearing in court on May 14th. The victim did not require medical attention as a result of the assault. The investigation into this incident is still continuing.

Threatening, Assault & Possession of a Weapon

Early this morning the Sault Ste Marie Police Service was called to attend an address in the west end of the city regarding a threatening. Upon arrival officers located a male outside of the complainant’s address. It is alleged that the male made threats to kill several persons inside the residence. As a result the male was arrested. Nigel Precepa aged 22, of 314 Albert St.E. is charged with: three counts of threatening death, one count of assault with a weapon (by threatening to use a weapon), one count of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. He will be appearing in bail court today at 10:00 am. The accused was carrying a concealed knife at the time of this offence.

Charged on Five Past Warrants

Yesterday afternoon city police arrested 21-year-old Cory Pyne, of 110 Wilding Ave Apt. 7. Mr. Pyne was arrested for five warrants dating back to 2006. The accused is charged with two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering forged documents and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. He will be appearing in court on May 14th.

Charged for Stolen Credit Card

Yesterday afternoon Todd Corboy age 18, of 3030 Third Line W. attended at the city police station to turn himself in on outstanding warrants. Mr. Corboy is alleged to have used a stolen credit card in December 2006. He is charged with one count of property obtained by crime, two counts of fraud and two counts of possession of a stolen credit car. He will be appearing in court on May 14th.

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service investigated three break and enters yesterday.

A break in was reported to a shed at a residence in the 100 block of Manitou Dr.

A residence was entered in the 100 block of Cathcart St. Thieves stole electronic equipment and jewellery.

Yesterday afternoon at approx. 3:00 pm a homeowner inn the 100 block of Hocking Ave returned home to discover two males in his residence. The suspects fled from the scene. Suspects were described as males under 20 years of age. One male was wearing a green parka and blue jeans and was carrying a blue backpack. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or the city police at 949-6300.

The city police also received three reports of mischief.

A window was broken on a building in the 600 block of John St. A door window was broken at a residence in the 600 block of Wellington St.E. and a vehicle parked in the 100 block of Queen St.E was damaged.