News Release
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Between February 27th and March 12th, the West Nipissing Police Service logged 288 calls for service. Among those were 45 Police Assistance calls, 29 9-1-1 calls, 9 Noise Complaints, 8 Alarms, 7 Thefts, 3 Unwanted Person calls, 3 Drug Offences, 2 Domestic Disturbances, 1 Fraud and 1 Mischief.
On February 27th, officers were dispatched to a Quesnel Rd residence regarding a snow machine that collided with a garage. The complainant said that after she heard the crash, she went outside and spoke with the driver. After telling him that police were on their way, the male driver left the scene. Officers obtained the identity of the suspect driver and later attended his residence. The 42 year old driver was arrested and charged with Mischief along with numerous Highway Traffic Act offences including Careless Driving, Fail to Remain and Drive Motorized Snow Machine While License Suspended. He was later released on a Promise to Appear.
On March 1st, the West Nipissing Police Service received a complaint from a Church St resident regarding an assault. Police obtained a statement from the female victim where she gave details of an assault at the hands of her boyfriend which had occurred earlier in the day but continues by saying that these assaults had been occurring for the past few months. The suspect was queried and he was found to have court ordered conditions with one of them being “to keep the peace and be of good behavior”. The 28 year old accused was arrested and charged with 1 count of Assault and 1 count of Breach of Probation. He was kept in custody and brought to bail court.
On March 3rd, police attended a local department store located on William St regarding a shoplifter. Upon arrival the suspect was identified and was spoken to. He denied taking anything but staff witnessed the theft. The 45 year old male was eventually issued a Provincial Offences Noticed for Trespassing and was told not to return.
On March 6th, the West Nipissing Police Service received a fraud complaint from a local business owner. He told police that he received a call from someone stating to be from the Greater Sudbury Utilities saying that his payment was overdue and that if he doesn’t pay within the hour that the hydro would be shut off. The suspect continued by saying that payments can only be done by Pay Power reloaded which is similar as a gift card. The business owner quickly recognized this to be a fraud and did not provide a payment. He then called police to advise them of this fraud.
Between March 7th-9th, police received numerous complaints regarding thefts from vehicles within the town of Sturgeon Falls. Items stolen range from spare change, wallets and in one instance, a gym bag containing specialized gym apparel, more specifically weight lifting shoes. Police collected footprint impressions but have not yet identified a suspect. These thefts are still being investigated.
The West Nipissing Police Service has been warning residents when observed pushing ice on the road. “What people are doing is that they chip away at the built up ice in their driveways and then push the ice chunks onto the road”. This causes a road hazard and can be dangerous for vehicles as they drive by. Residents should be aware that there is a $100 fine under the West Nipissing by-law regarding this type of activity.
On March 11th, a complaint was received from a Michaud St resident saying that his vehicle had been keyed within the last 2 days. The complainant showed the damages to the officer with scratches on both sides. The owner of the vehicle said that it would cost approx. $3000 to repair. There are no suspects at this time but police are still investigating.
Also on March 11th, officers responded to a domestic assault located in the Allain Crt area. Upon arrival police were met by the victim stating that he had been assaulted by his girlfriend. The victim was transported to the West Nipissing General Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries. The 32 year old accused was eventually charged with Assault. She was kept in custody and brought to bail court.
On March 11th, the West Nipissing Police Service received a complaint from a Michaud St resident stating that his car had been severely damaged. He told police that someone used a key and scratched both sides of the car. The damages are estimated to cost upwards of $3000 to repair. There are no suspects at this time.
Last week, reports were received regarding aggressive door to door salesmen representing an energy company. The complaints said that the salesman was very insistent for them to sign with his company. The WNPS would like to advise residents to be aware never to divulge any personal information including your present energy provider. If anyone comes in contact with this type of sales pitch, they are asked to tell that person to leave and to call the police.
Its March break time which means that there will be lots of children walking around. Drivers are to be extra cautious when driving especially in the downtown area. Drivers should slow down and to be aware of their surroundings and to be ready if someone decides to cross the street in between vehicles. “Officers have noticed that people are walking on the road and not on the sidewalk due to being wet, slushy or slippery. Drivers should expect this and to drive in an appropriate fashion”.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the West Nipissing Police Service at 705-753-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
