Renfrew OPP Weekly News

(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 188 calls for service during the past week.

Break, Enter and Theft

Provincial Constable Bernie Dikih is investigating a break, enter and theft at the Matawatchan Community Hall located on Frontenac Road in Greater Madawaska Township. The thief forced open a window and then forced open an interior door to a storage room. They then stole beer, liquor, wine, frozen food and candy.

The break in was discovered on Saturday November 12. The stolen property was last seen on Thursday evening, November 10.

Domestic Disputes

Arnprior and Renfrew OPP officers investigated 16 domestic disputes during the past week. Six males were charged with criminal offences including 1 with assault, uttering threats and domestic mischief; 1 with failing to comply with a recognizance; 1 with assault (2 counts) and assault with intent to resist arrest; 1 with domestic mischief; 1 with breach of probation (3 counts) and 1 with assault (2 counts), theft under $5,000, and possession of a schedule 1 drug (fentanyl).

Impaired Drivers

One male and one female are each facing impaired driving related charges after complaints from members of the public.

On Wednesday November 9 just before 5 pm officers were notified of a possible impaired driver on Bruce Street in Renfrew. Officers located and stopped the vehicle to investigate. The male driver was arrested for impaired driving. He was taken to the Renfrew detachment for breath tests. As a result Richard ST. DENIS age 61 of Madawaska Valley Township was charged with impaired driving, and driving over 80mgs. He was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on December 7. Sgt Derek McLeod investigated.

On Sunday November 13 shortly after 2 am officers responded to a possible impaired female driver at McDonalds Restaurant. When officers arrived the suspect was stopped in a running vehicle waiting for her food. Officers investigated and the female failed a roadside alcohol screening test. She was arrested and taken to the detachment for breath tests. At the conclusion of the investigation Cindy MCKERRAACHER age 29 of Arnprior was charged with over 80mgs care or control of a motor vehicle. She was released on a promise to appear in court in Renfrew on December 7. Provincial Constable Troy Dobbie investigated.

Please call 9-1-1 if you see or suspect an impaired driver. Provide as much detail about the suspect, the vehicle they are driving and direction of travel.

Fraud

One person was victimized by a fraudster pretending to be an official with the bank investigating a fraud at the victim’s bank. The victim was told they needed to assist with the investigation and to send a quantity of money to a particular person through a money transfer company. A second fraudster claiming to be an RCMP officer also spoke with the victim on the phone, legitimizing the story. The victim lost in excess of $3,500.00.

One person was almost caught up in a secret shopper scam. The intended victim responded to an ad for a secret shopper. They received a cheque in the mail with instructions to do some shopping, and return a sum of money which was overpaid in the original cheque. The victim realized it was a fraud attempt and did not attempt to cash the cheque.

Fraudsters are busy contacting potential victims in attempts to obtain your banking information, your credit card numbers, or trying to trick you to send them money transfers or they may attempt to take over your computer to gain access to your bank account that way. Educate yourself on frauds, scams, and how to protect yourself. Check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or call them at 1-888-495-8501.

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