• Just to warn you that on February 1st distracted driving fines will be bumping up from $280 to $580 and four points on your licence. We know this is going to catch some people off guard being they don’t read this article, or any news articles and they don’t listen to the radio. Distracted driving includes using, holding or manipulating a cell phone. If you get caught twice in a year you will lose another 4 points off your licence and a further fine of $1,400. Now if you get convicted of a third offence the fine increases to $2,100 and a further 4 points. It is time to put down the phone and drive responsibly.
• As more people get alarm systems we can guarantee we will continue to see an increase in false alarms. Fortunately some alarms include a video option and property owners can view the inside of their residence. The issue still is if no key holder responds to a call from the alarm company.
• One of our colleagues in Manitoba responded to a call of a stolen vehicle. It had been left running with the keys in the ignition. While conducting this investigation they located a vehicle with Saskatchewan plates and called the owner from our area who had not realized the vehicle was stolen. The vehicle had been in a locked garage, however, an individual or individuals broke into the residence, found the keys, broke into the garage and stole the vehicle. The vehicle was then involved in a gas and dash in Souris before being abandoned and another vehicle stolen. Our investigation is continuing as are the two investigations in Manitoba.
• Life is unpredictable and I dare say Policing more so. Recently a Member picked up two stray dogs that were creating a traffic hazard. They left the dogs in their patrol vehicle and then began doing local inquiries. Upon knocking on one door a dog occupying that residence got out and attempted to determine if Police taste like pork. (We are often referred to as pigs) The Member was bit twice before the owner could control the dog. The Member was provided first aid by another Member who has advanced training and was then brought to the hospital for further treatment. Fortunately, the injuries were minor and the Member quickly returned to full duties. The strays were subsequently reunited with their owner and the Member, being a dog lover, believes the matter requires no further follow up.
• An individual is wanted for domestic assault. This individual is facing a total of four charges. Other RCMP Detachments and Police Services have been made aware of our interest in locating this individual. In addition, the accused is on our national database and if any Police Officer has occasion to deal with this individual they will discover warrants and this individual will be arrested.
• An individual was released from court only to commit further offences the same afternoon. Although you would think this would be enough to hold them in custody again it was not and they were again released on charges of uttering threats and assault with a weapon. Remember it is a legal system not a justice system.
• We responded to a fight at a residence and the aggressor in this incident was intoxicated and lost. Many people lose their inhibitions and gain bravado when they consume intoxicants. Unfortunately, the sober individual usually wins any physical altercation. In this case the aggressor was arrested and transported for medical treatment.
• We had a report of dogs attacking cattle and the owner of the cattle having to shoot the one dog. This bothered the owner of the cattle being they are animal lovers, however, they are entitled to protect their livestock.
• Members checked on the release conditions of an individual. The individual tried to run out the back door, however, there was a Police Officer there. They were arrested for being outside their residence contrary to the curfew conditions being they were caught outside. Discretion was utilized and the individual was not charged. Ironically, if they had just stayed inside the residence they would not have been arrested. I guess it is the “Cops, run” theory that failed this individual being they had no reason to run.
• An individual with 17 warrants attended our Detachment. It appears they wanted to start of the New Year with a clear conscience. They were brought before a Justice of the Peace and released to attend court in another jurisdiction. Let us just hope they attend court this time, otherwise next time they will not be so fortunate.
• Two family members got into a disagreement and one kicked the other out of the residence. It appears the individual that remained is only visiting and now the individual that considers this their primary residence wants back in. We are assisting as best we can, however, we can confirm everyone does have a warm place to stay.
• Members investigated allegations of an alleged domestic assault and one individual was arrested. Although we suspect something happened we do not have enough for charges. The couple is back together and apparently all is forgiven and the one individual that was arrested holds no ill will toward the one that called the Police.
• We had a report of an individual leaving a residence in an intoxicated state, however, adequately dressed during the cold weather. Patrols were made looking for the individual, however, they made it to a warm location before we could assist in giving them a ride to a warm location. Another individual also left a residence in an intoxicated state, however, they were not adequately dressed. Again Members made patrols and again the individual was safe and warm when located.
• “Deer, DEER” yup many think the passenger is yelling “Dear” but they mean “Deer” We had two collisions with deer and the two deer did not survive.
• We are investigating a break and enter to an abandoned farm site. There was also damage done to the property. Our investigation continues.
• Members issued approximately 20 tickets and 30 warnings over the last week
• Tickets were issued for passenger under 7 not in an appropriate restraint system - $175, no insurance -$580, insecure load - $175, fail to stop at stop sign - $230, exceed 60 km/hr in a construction zone - $360, fail to wear seatbelt - $175, no drivers licence - $150, window tint -$115, inadequate mudflaps or fenders - $115, inadequate muffler, - $115, liquor in a vehicle - $360, and the most expensive speeding ticket was for $308.
• Warnings were issued for stop sign, passenger not in an appropriate restraint system, fail to produce drivers licence, fail to stop at a stop sign, obstructed licence plate, window tint, inadequate mud flaps, inadequate muffler, obstructed windshield, inadequate day time running lights, inadequate fenders and mudflaps, fail to display licence plate, and unnecessary noise with a motor vehicle.
• Inspection notices were issued for inadequate muffler, inadequate headlights, inadequate day time running lights, inadequate windshield, and inadequate gages.
