Four charged in Wiikwemkoong drug search and seizure
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service in partnership with the United Chiefs and Council of Manitoulin Police Service have charged four people with drug-related offences.
On Tuesday, September 26 a search warrant was executed on a residence in the community of Wiikwemkoong. Three men and one woman were arrested at the scene.
As a result of the investigation, police have charged: a 43-year-old female of Wiikwemkoong with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime; and unauthorized possession of a weapon; a 20-year-old male of Toronto with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, and unauthorized possession of a weapon; a 26-year-old male of Toronto with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon; and a 20-year-old male with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, and unauthorized possession of a weapon.
Ward’s Store broken into
Vigilant neighbours are being credited with assisting in the quick resolution of a late August break-in at Ward’s Store in Tehkummah. A group of young people were observed breaking into the store through the front door on August 27 around 7:30 pm. A short time later OPP officers pulled over a vehicle fitting the description and stolen liquor recovered. Four individuals were found inside the vehicle, a female youth and three adult males. All four were charged with break, enter and theft and damage to property. The OPP Scenes of Crime Unit attended the site of the incident.
Little Current Beer Store broken into
Police were called to the Little Current Beer Store on Friday, September 29 where an individual was observed fleeing from the business. No suspect was apprehended, but the OPP Scenes of Crime Unit attended the site of the incident.
Hunting safety is a priority
Staff Sergeant Kevin Webb, Detachment Commander of the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable hunting season.
Hunting enthusiasts shall understand and follow the rules when hunting: wear solid hunter orange clothing including an orange head cover; assure someone knows of your location, route, and date of return; carry a map and compass with your GPS. Don’t depend on electronic navigation devices only; hunt only where you are permitted; check the weather and assure you have appropriate clothing and gear for the expected or unexpected changes in conditions; learn how to safely build a fire, and carry the required supplies; keep hydrated and pack nutritious food; never drink alcohol and hunt; and carry a survival kit including a first aid kit with you.
Firearms and ammunition: Firearms shall be handled with care and attention at all times; never shoot unless you are sure of your target and what lies beyond is safe; it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle; and a reminder that it is illegal to shoot from a vehicle.
Hunting and home safety with children: Children are playful and active while adolescents are curious and impulsive. These healthy traits mixed with firearms can cause life threatening injuries or death. If guns are kept in the home, there are added risks. Therefore, the law outlining the storage of firearms and ammunition shall be adhered to.
Be specifically aware of your inventory when departing for your sporting adventure and upon your return. Assure all firearms and unused ammunition has been accounted for and safely returned to their secure storage locations.
When handling or cleaning a gun, never leave it unattended, even for a moment; it should be in your view at all times.
If you don’t own a gun, check with parents at other places where your children play to assure safety precautions are followed.
The consequences of unsafe storage of firearms/ammunition and unsupervised children can be tragic.
“We want this season to be a safe experience, hunter and firearm safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Manitoulin OPP Detachment Commander Kevin Webb.
Report any illegal or unsafe hunting activity; call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.tipsubmit.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
OPP launches fall seatbelt campaign
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be conducting its Fall Seatbelt Campaign from September 27 until October 6.
Seatbelt law enforcement and education is one of the OPP’s traffic safety priorities; the OPP conducts provincial seatbelt campaigns every year to raise awareness of seatbelt use and their effectiveness in saving lives in the event of a collision.
The OPP will be out on patrol and conducting seat belt spot checks during the campaign.
“Buckling up is your responsibility,” says Sudbury OPP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Dan Esposto. “It only takes a few seconds and when it’s worn properly your seat belt greatly increases your chances of surviving a motor vehicle collision.”
A driver can be charged and face a fine totalling $240 and two demerit points for seatbelt infractions. Demerit points remain on a driving record for two years from the date of the offence.
Last year (2016), 45 people died in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads in which the deceased was not wearing a seat belt.
Next Gen criminals victimize people and systems
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) views Cyber Security Awareness Month as an opportunity to take a multi-pronged approach to address the many threats posed by cyber criminals.
The impact of fraud and victimization through technology as a target and technology used as a tool now totals in the billions of dollars annually in Canada. The destruction is only expected to expand through the ‘Internet of Things’—devices connected via the Internet that collect and exchange information with one another and with us.
During October, police services and subject matter experts from across the country want to safeguard all Canadians from becoming victims of online and digital crimes. The OPP 2017 Cyber Security Awareness Month public, media and social media campaign will focus on four broader themes, including: identity theft; two-factor authentication and digital citizenship (Online Child Safety); online shopping and safe trade zones; and the OPP Cyber Crime Investigations Team.
The OPP is spreading the word among its own 9,200 employees to de-mystify threats, enhance education and awareness, and to ensure OPP information systems remain secure. The OPP is encouraging its members to share online safety tips and best practices with their children, family members and friends.
For helpful tips and links, follow the OPP on Twitter (@OPP_News), Facebook and Instagram and using the hashtags #CyberSecurity, #CyberAware and #OPPTips.
If you or someone you know suspects they’ve been a victim of digital or online crime, contact your local police service, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, report it to the OPP online at www.opp.ca/index.php?id=132 or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm
