Tuesday, May 27, 2003

CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING AT ROME'S
Yesterday, at shortly after 4:00 pm, the accused, Tina Pezzotti, age 28 of 75 Atwater Street, left Rome's Independent Grocers, 44 Great Northern Road, with over $130.00 worth of groceries allegedly without paying for them.

She was observed by store staff, who followed her out of the store. She was stopped by the staff member, then tried to flee. She was caught and brought back to the store and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service was notified. At 4:25 pm patrol officers arrested and charged Pezzotti with Theft under $ 5,000.00. She will appear in court June 30th.


STOLEN PURSE LEADS TO ARREST OF 4
On or between the 23rd and 24th of May 2003, at a restaurant on Great Northern Road, a 15-year-old female stole a purse and its contents that belonged to a 21-year-old female that worked there.

Yesterday at 4:57 pm, patrol officers were notified that four young girls were at ASCU Community Credit Union, located on Trunk Road, attempting to use the stolen debit card and having possession of stolen property belonging to the 21-year-old victim.

Officers received information that the young girls attempted to use the stolen debit card and identification to withdraw money from the bank. The three other females were ages 14, 15 and 16 years old.

All four young offenders were arrested and charged with Possession of a Stolen Credit Card, Possession of Stolen Property, Breach of Probation, Personation with Intent and Attempted Theft. The 15-year-old female who is believed to have stolen the purse faces an additional charge of Theft under $5,000.00. They will all appear in bail court today.


TOOK TRUCK WITHOUT PERMISSION
Yesterday, in the early evening, a 13-year-old female and a 16-year-old female took a Ford truck without the owners permission and drove it around their west end neighbourhood. The youths returned the truck to the driveway from where they had taken it and left the area.

Police were advised of the incident and at 1:15 am, located the accused at their residence and charged them with Theft Over $5,000.00 and Possession of Stolen Property. The 13-year-old will appear in court in mid July, while the 16-year-old who faces two additional charges of Breach of Probation will appear in bail court.


BREAK & ENTERS
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service investigated three break-ins yesterday.

At 7:48 am the police were advised that sometime over night on May 25, unknown persons had broken into Guy's Auto Body at 60 Industrial Court.

At 8:45 am staff from Zellers on Northern Avenue reported that trailers adjacent to the store had been broken into.

At 9:16 am the police service was advised that Custom Brew and Bottle at 255 Conmee Ave. was broken into.

All three break-ins are currently under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service or Crime Stoppers.


THE BEAR FACTS
As a proactive safety measure the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to pass on these bear safety tips to the public.

Bear Safety Tips:
Learning how to safeguard your property, and yourself from unnecessary conflicts with bears is critical to ensuring minimal interaction and safety of the public and bear populations.

Odours from human food, improperly stored garbage, dirty barbecue grills, and unprotected composts all provide irresistible targets for bears which have an excellent sense of smell. In fact, most bears will overcome any natural fears if the promise of food is strong enough. Once bears become accustomed to these easy food sources, it is only a matter of time before conflict arises.

Here are some helpful suggestions on how to bear-proof your home and property:

·Store garbage indoors until collected.
·Ensure compost bins and other potential food sources are secured in airtight containers.
·Wash barbecue grills after each use. Cover and store barbecues securely.
·Keep pets in an enclosed area. Pet food should also be securely stored.
·Don't put fresh meat, fish or animal parts in compost bins.
·Don't throw cooking oil/grease outside.
·Protect composts and beehives with electric fencing.

Following these guidelines will assist in reducing the possible presence of bears in your area. Further tips on bear safety proofing are available at the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Building or through various provincial government agencies.