(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 184 calls for service during the past week, including thefts, frauds and domestic disputes.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
There were 31 motor vehicle collisions investigated during the previous seven days. Winter driving can be challenging and drivers are encouraged to slow down. The biggest cause of collisions and vehicles in the ditch in the winter is drivers going too fast for road conditions. When accelerating or braking on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping, sliding, or skidding. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others, and be aware the faster you go, the longer it will take to stop. Remember if you see snow – go slow.
Cram the Cruiser Food Drive
Every year the Renfrew OPP Auxiliary Unit supports the Renfrew Food Bank by sponsoring a Cram the Cruiser food drive. Auxiliary Officers will be out Saturday December 17 at No Frills and Metro in Renfrew, from 10 am until 4 pm. Donations of food and cash will be accepted to assist those in our community struggling to afford food. Donations of non-food items such as formula and diapers, tooth brushes, toilet tissue, Kleenex and coffee and tea are also accepted.
On Saturday December 10 the Auxiliary members were in Arnprior. 8 cruisers full of food and more than $3,500 in cash was donated by the community to the Arnprior Food Bank.
RIDE Checks
Motorists are reminded they may encounter frequent RIDE spot checks during the next few weeks. OPP officers are conducting the checks to make sure drivers are choosing to drive sober. When you know you will be drinking make alternate arrangements for transportation rather than driving impaired. Have a designated sober driver, call a friend, take a taxi, stay overnight or call a relative. Please think of other road users so everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas.
Domestic Disputes
Renfrew and Arnprior OPP officers investigated 9 domestic disputes during the past week. One male was charged with 2 counts of assault. No other criminal offences occurred.
Thefts
A quantity of gas was stolen from the Shell gas station on Daniel Street in Arnprior. The theft happened on Thursday December 8 at approximately 12:40pm. The male pumped gas into a portable container and went into the store, but failed to pay for the fuel. A licence plate was obtained and Provincial Constable Joel Cobb is investigating.
Loose change was stolen from a vehicle parked in a laneway on Peter Street in Renfrew. The victim heard a noise outside and observed footprints around their home and vehicle. The suspect removed a quantity of loose change from the vehicle. Police seized physical evidence from the scene. Provincial Constable Amedeo Jean-Louis is investigating.
Provincial Constable Helen Patterson is investigating a report of personal computer files being stolen. The victim reported the theft from a cloud account on December 5. The investigation is continuing.
Fraud
A victim reported loosing over $2,500 to the emergency scam over the telephone on December 7. The victim received a phone call from someone stating the victim’s son had been arrested for causing a collision and damaging City of Gatineau property. As a result of the collision, the son would have to pay a fine. The victim agreed to transfer the required funds through a money transfer business to an account in Westmount Quebec. The next day the victim spoke with their son and learned it was a fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is assisting with the investigation.
Quick change artists have been busy in Eastern Ontario and one Renfrew business has fallen victim to the fraud. On December 4 three people entered Wal-Mart and attempted to pay for merchandise. The value of the transaction was over one thousand dollars. During the transaction, the unknown suspect shorted the cashier by six hundred dollars. Immediately upon completion of the transaction, two of the unknown suspects proceeded directly to customer service where they returned all of the items. The suspects successfully returned the items for a cash refund of the full amount, thereby defrauding Walmart of six hundred dollars. The unknown suspects then left the premises.
At the conclusion of the day, the Walmart staff became aware that one cashier was short by six hundred dollars. The same suspects were observed at the Pembroke Wal-Mart location the same day. Provincial Constable Patrick O’Connor is investigating. Businesses are reminded to be vigilant for scammers conducting quick change scams or attempting to confuse employees.
A person in Renfrew was called and told they had a computer virus. They allowed them access into the computer and they seem to have accessed banking and credit card. After police investigated no money was lost. The incident was reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-800-495-8501.
Mischief and Uttering Threats
Charges are pending against a male after complaints were received about a person driving a snow mobile over people’s property causing damage. The incident was reported on December 7 in the Braeside area of McNab Braeside Township. One victim also reported the male threatened him after attending the suspect’s residence to discuss the matter. Provincial Constable Joel Cobb led the investigation.
