Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Male Charged with Two Counts of Break and Enter

A 33-year old male will appear in bail court this morning. It is alleged that just 1:30 am this morning the accused called his ex-girlfriend and asked to come over. The female advised him he was not welcome. Shortly after the phone conversation the male attended at the victim’s downtown residence. The female called police and while she was on the phone with police the male allegedly kicked in the victim’s door. Police arrested the male just after this happened. The female was not harmed in any manner. The male was on conditions not to consume alcohol and not to molest, harass or annoy the victim. The male has been charged with two counts of breach of release orders and one count of break and enter.

Male Charged with Theft

25-year old Steven Nicholson 308-222 Albert Street East was arrested last evening around suppertime. The accused attended at LCBO store in the Station Mall and alleged placed a 12-ounce bottle of vodka down the front of his pants. When he attempted to leave the store with the hidden bottle he was apprehended by store employees and turned over to City Police. The accused has been charge with one count of theft under $5,000 and will appear in court on January 9th, 2006.

Theft From Local Clothing Store

18-year old Ajanees Gingras of 2820 Mission Road, Goulais River was arrested last evening just before 9 pm. It is alleged that the accused place just over $200 dollars worth of clothing in bags she already had and attempted to leave the store with the merchandise. When she went to leave the store with the unpaid merchandise, the security alarms activated. It is alleged that the accused fled the store, but was apprehended by store security outside. The accused has been charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and will appear in court on January 9th.

Laptop Stolen

Yesterday morning City Police attended at the Algoma Crisis Pregnancy Centre at 177 McDougald Street for a break and enter. Thieves stole an Acer laptop computer from the office area.

Reminder

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service would like to remind the public that the holiday season should be a time of great joy as we celebrate and share gifts with those close to us. Unfortunately, it can be a time when crime becomes more prevalent. These "Holiday Safety Tips" are offered to help make your holiday season a safe and happy one.

Be alert: Walk confidently, with your head up, and stay in well-lighted and well-traveled areas. Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you. Pay particular attention when you are in crowded areas, such as buses or malls and stores that are filled with other shoppers. Places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.

If you carry a purse, keep it in front of you and close to your body. You can do this by covering the flap or clasp with your hand or forearm. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases. When using public washrooms, use extreme caution--try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles. Remember not to carry open-weave bags or purses without zippers or flaps. Those items are easy marks for pickpockets.

Be discreet: Never carry large amounts of money. Whenever possible, use credit cards, cheques or your debit card instead of cash. When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction. Credit card fraud can ruin your holiday season.

Thieves and pickpockets are more likely to be attracted by expensive clothes and jewelry. When you are out doing your holiday shopping, dress comfortably and casually.

Secure your car: Cars can be an easy target for criminals. Park your car as close to your destination as possible and in a well-lighted area. When you do your shopping, remember to store your packages in the trunk of the car and not on the back seat. Also, if you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location within the parking lot. Criminals can be on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and then return to keep shopping.

When returning to your vehicle (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door. The few moments you save may keep you from becoming a crime victim. Before entering your vehicle, carefully check the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.

Secure your home: When you are out shopping, leave some lights on at home. You may also want to let a neighbor know that you will be out of the house for a short time, so they can watch your house for you. If you plan to be away for a longer period to visit friends or family over the holidays, make sure to tell a neighbor or friend who can keep an eye on your house. Have them check periodically to make sure packages that may have been delivered while you were gone aren't sitting on your porch.