Thursday, December 9, 2004

Male To Appear In Bail Court

24-year old Robert Matthews of 4-519 Queen Street East was arrested last evening on an outstanding warrant for fail to appear in court. When officers searched the accused they found approximately 16 grams of marihuana on him with a street value of approximately $300. The accused will appear in bail court this morning.

Break and Enter

City Police received a report of a break and enter into a home in the 400 block of Bush Street yesterday. The break and enter occurred during the daytime hours and a Nintendo game cube was taken.

Police Service Offer Holiday Safety Tips

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.


MALE ARRESTED FOR THREATENING STORE CLERK


City Police responded to a possible bomb threat earlier today. Shortly after 11 am a male entered the Instaloan Business at 59 Great Northern Road to complete a business transaction. When the clerk refused to process the transaction the male became upset and threatened to bomb the store. The clerk was able to notify City Police and within minutes the male was taken into custody at the business. When taken into custody, officers noted a plastic bag the male had been carrying. As a precaution the strip mall was evacuated and other businesses in the area were advised to stay indoors and away from windows. Officers from the Explosive Disposal Unit attended and used a portable x-ray machine to check the contents of the bag. The bag contained personal items belonging to the accused. At 12:15 pm City Police advised the evacuated business owners it was safe to return and the outlying businesses were also advised that all was clear. The clerk was not harmed in the incident. 70-year old John Fioramanti of 3-128 Andrew St has been charged with one count of threatening to cause death or bodily harm and will be appear in bail court tomorrow morning.