Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Male Arrested for Fraud
The Investigations Unit with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service arrested 61 year-old Paul Hunter of 497 Wellington Street West at Police Services on Second Line East and charged him with one count of fraud under $5,000 and one count of uttering a forged document. It is alleged that on the 6th of October, 2009 the accused, at his place of business H&S Outdoor equipment at 97 White Oak Drive, did by deceit falsehood and fraudulent means, defraud a customer by selling him a 2003 Mercury four stroke EFI motor holding it out to be a 2008 Mercury four stroke EFI motor. It is further alleged that in April of 2009 the accused forged the signature of the victim on a forged bill of sale and changed the date of sale in order to gain a warranty for the motor from Mercury. The accused is to appear in court on the 18th of October.

A 16 year-old male youth was arrested by officers with by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services yesterday afternoon at the police station after turning himself in on an outstanding warrant. He was charged with one count of fail to appear in court. He is to now re-attend in court on the 12th of October.

Thefts and Break and Enter Reports
• A residence in the 200 block of Beverley Street was entered sometime between the 4th and 8th of September. Three was nothing reported stolen.
• A residence in the 800 block of Leigh’s Bay Road was entered during the day yesterday. A 46 inch LCD Sony Bravia television was reported stolen.
• Three vehciles in the downtown area were entered yesterday; two had wallets stolen that were left inside.

Mischief Reports
• A vehicle on Lewis Road was keyed.
• A vehicle parked on Forest Avenue had a window smashed.
• A vehicle parked at a business on Bay Street had a window smashed.
• A bus shelter in the 200 block of Willow Avenue was damaged.

If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers web site at www.saultcrimestoppers.com “or send a text to keyword SSM to the short code number 274637.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR UNDERWAY - SAFETY REMINDERS TO MOTORISTS
Drivers are reminded that whether on a city street, highway or a country road, regardless of the speed limit in the area or the number of lanes, all drivers of motor vehicles must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights are flashing. A flashing stop arm will extend out while passengers are boarding or leaving the bus. Once all passengers have boarded or are safely away from the bus the stop arm will fold away. Do not start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move.

Penalties for not stopping
Failing to stop for a school bus with its upper red lights flashing can result in fines from $400 to $2000 and six demerit points for a first offence. Each subsequent offence can result in fines from $1000 to $4000, six demerit points and possible jail time up to six months. In addition to the driver being fined, a vehicle owner could face a fine from $400 to $2,000.

Reminder To All Motorists To Watch For School Crossing Guards
Crossing guards are put in place to protect our children. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind all motorists to watch for school crossing guards and to obey their hand signals and stop when directed to do so.

Penalties
Drivers who fail to stop for a school crossing guard could be subject to a fine of up to $180 under the Provincial Offences Act and three demerit points.

Motorists are being asked to keep the following tips in mind
Wait until the crossing guard has cleared the crossing before entering that intersection. Drivers may not turn into an intersection while the guard is still in that intersection, even if the kids have safely made it to the side walk and wait for children to complete their crossing before proceeding. Be patient. School crossing guards try to make every attempt to minimize disruptions in traffic flow. However, there are times when traffic must be brought to a stop to allow children to cross the street safely. Be aware of school zone signage and reduce speeds in school zones. Be ready to stop at all times. Children do not always notice oncoming traffic and always try to make eye contact with children waiting to cross the road. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to wish all returning students a safe and wonderful school year. Motorists please take care and be alert at all times. The safety of our children is very important to us all.