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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH BRUCE O.P.P. |
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH BRUCE O.P.P. |
| Watch for Wildlife (Sept 24,2007) | ||
| New Location of OPP Station
(Nov 07,2007) |
Winter Driving Reminder
(Nov 07,2007,2009) |
New Hat, New Look For the OPP (Jan 09,2008) |
| Driving Tip (Jan 21,2009) | Public Warning Frauds (Feb 25,2009) | OPP AND IBC REMIND ONTARIANS TO: Lock It or Lose It! (Jun 30,2009) |
| ADVISING OF HOME REPAIR SCAM (Aug 12,2009) | SOUTH BRUCE OPP MEMBER RECOGNIZED WITH ACCOLADE AWARD (sep 01,2009) | The South Bruce OPP are concerned by the aggressive driving behaviours (Oct 05,2009) |
| CAR/DEER MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS (Nov 01,2009) | WINTER DRIVING (Nov 03,2009) | Trespass Calls Related to Hunting (Nov 02,2009) |
| BLACK BEAR REPORTED IN KINCARDINE (Nov 14,2009) | PHONE SCAM TIPS FROM SOUTH BRUCE (Nov 19,2009) | SOUTH BRUCE OPP PATROLLING THE TRAILS (Jan 11,2010) |
Watch for Wildlife
Its that time of year again!…..
Collisions with wild animals can result in serious vehicle damage, personal injury or even death.
TIME TO MOVE! SOUTH BRUCE OPP IS MOVING TO NEW OFFICE
(Kincardine, Ontario) South Bruce OPP will be moving the Kincardine office to the newly constructed building at 700 Kincardine Avenue in the Municipality of Kincardine. The office is located just west of Highway 21 on Kincardine Avenue.
The move will occur on the 26th and 27th of November, 2007 and cause a minor interruption in administration services at the Kincardine office. These services would include but not limited to Criminal Record checks, Collision and general information inquiries.
The administration services at the new office will resume on the 28th of November, 2007.
The interruption will not effect operational services of the South Bruce OPP and the Public is asked to contact the dispatch center at 1 888-310-1122.
South Bruce OPP would like to remind all motorists to prepare your vehicles for the inevitable winter driving conditions. Do you have the following items in and on your vehicle?
- SNOW TIRES. Police recommend installing snow tires on all four wheels of your vehicle. With only two snow tires, your vehicle can lose control while attempting to brake. Parents of young drivers have to realize that their teens do not have the experience to deal with all the differing weather conditions we are about to experience. Do them and yourself a favor by installing snow tires and educate them on the differing road conditions.
- ICE SCRAPERS. Have one in each vehicle. It is an offence not to have your windshield cleared of ice. Prepare now instead of last minute scrambling.
- EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT. You are in rural Ontario where road closures occur on a frequent basis. Equip your vehicle with:
Blankets
Shovel
Sand, gravel or salt
Extra Winter clothing if need be
Lock De-icer
Jumper cables
DATE: January 9, 2009
Ontarians will notice a visible change in the appearance of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across the province, as they trade in their wide brim hats for new peak caps.
The peak cap will be re-introduced as a part of the OPP uniform and will be worn by all officers serving with the Ontario Provincial Police, beginning today.
The headdress is an important part of the OPP uniform and the peak cap will provide officers on the front line with a more durable hat", said Commissioner Julian Fantino.
After completing a thorough evaluation and analysis of the hat, including field testing, the peak cap was determined to be a cost-effective and functional alternative to the wide brim hat", added Superintendent Mal Chivers, Bureau Commander of the OPP Fleet, Supply and Weapons Services Bureau.
This year the OPP celebrates 100 years of policing in Ontario and the re-introduction of the peak cap will provide a hat that is better suited to the diverse conditions faced by the women and men of the OPP as we move forward into our next century of policing" said Commissioner Julian Fantino.
The peak cap was first introduced to the OPP in 1930 and replaced by a wide brim hat in 1997.
Additional information
Contact: Inspector Dave Ross
Phone: 705-329-6874
 OPP Wide Brim Hat - Old Hat |
 OPP Peak Cap - New Hat |
 OPP Officers wearing new Peak Cap |
RELEASE: January 21, 2009
The Western Region OPP is offering some driving safety tips to motorists as a result of recent fatal collision investigations in which driver error were again factors in the crash.
In two recent fatal collisions investigated by the OPP it was determined that speed and over-correcting the steering wheel were attributing factors involved in the crashes. The easiest way to reduce ¼ of all fatal collisions is to simply SLOW DOWN. This seems too easy to be true, but it works!
Another common mistake drivers make is to over-correct when their wheels run off the travelled portion of the road and strike the shoulder. Sadly, many drivers first instinct is to yank the steering wheel back towards the road. This often causes the vehicle to lose control and in many cases veer into the lane of on-coming traffic ending in fatal consequences.
OPP recommend that when drivers run off the road, the safest thing to do is to immediately take your foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow on its own, gently applying the brake if needed to slow the car. The steering wheel should remain in a constant position until such time as the vehicle can be brought back safely onto the driving lane in one smooth and gentle motion.
Once the vehicle slows slightly, bringing the vehicle back into the driving lane can be done with ease.
Police remind all motorists that easiest way to stay out of harms way is to reduce speed and leave more distance between cars, drive alert and sober and obey all the rules of the road at all times.
RELEASE: 25 February 2009
The South Bruce OPP would like to warn the public of a fraud by mail.
Packages are being mailed to select individuals.
Inside the envelopes are: a letter on Canada Post letterhead outlining a survey involving Money gram International, a customer survey and cheque drawn against a CIBC account "Liebherr Canada".
The letter instructs the receiver to fill out the survey, then cash the cheque and retain $200.00 for participating.
The letter looks genuine and the cheque looks genuine, but they are not.
Anyone receiving these notices is asked to contact police.
Anyone having information that can assist Police in these investigations is asked to call the South Bruce OPP or Crime Stoppers
FROM South Bruce OPP (Kincardine, ON)
DATE: June 30, 2009
Don't be an easy target for thieves
The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are teaming up to remind drivers to "Lock It or Lose It".
A professional can steal your vehicle in just 30 seconds - without the key," said Inspector Mark Allen, OPP Crime Prevention Section.
The goal of the Lock It or Lose It crime prevention program is to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions that will help protect their vehicles and contents from theft."
An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to thieves. The goal of the Lock It or Lose It program reminds drivers to always:
- Roll up their vehicles' windows;
- Keep valuables out of sight;
- Lock their doors; and
- Pocket their keys.
In 2007, 146,142 vehicles were stolen in Canada.
Auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion every year, said Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigations, IBC.
About half of all stolen vehicles are used to commit another crime or are driven - often recklessly - for simple purposes of transportation.
They are also chopped for parts or exported to foreign countries.
Thieves take advantage of owner negligence by grabbing the first vehicle they find that's been left unsecured.
The key to protecting your vehicle and its contents is in your hands.
Keep yourself from becoming an easy target by properly securing your vehicle.
Remember: Lock It or Lose It!
Ontario Provincial Police
South Bruce Detachment
A/Insp Steve Porter
(519) 396 3341
Insurance Bureau of Canada
James Geuzebroek
(416) 362 2031 ext 4364
FROM SOUTH BRUCE OPP
DATE: August 12, 2009
KINCARDINE, ON. – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have received complaints regarding home repairs in the Municipality of Brockton.
Home owners are being approached by a door to door sales person offering new windows.
The South Bruce OPP is offering home owners the following tips:
Most legitimate contractors are too busy this time of year to go door to door.
Ask any contractor for references and check their work for yourself.
Don’t be pressured into an immediate, limited time sales offer.
Phonebusters reports that repair scams usually target the vulnerable.
If you believe you are a victim of fraud contact the OPP.
Phone busters is the national anti fraud call center.
If you would like to make a fraud report or get more information on existing scams,
Phone busters can be contacted at 1 888 495 8801 or
www.phonebusters.com
(KINCARDINE, ON.) – The South Bruce OPP are pleased to announce that Provincial Constable David Hackney is the Auxiliary Liaison Officer of the year.
He travelled to Orillia where he received the award on September 8, 2009.
Provincial Constable Hackney is an officer in the Naval Reserve and worked as a teacher prior to joining the OPP in January 2001.
He feels the combination of his background and the enthusiasm of the hard working Auxiliary members contributes to his success as the unit liaison.
He developed, mentored and trained Auxiliary Officers with the Huron and Grey County units, before taking on the challenge of establishing a unit for Southern Bruce County.
He has done an excellent job inspiring a sense of pride and professionalism among the members of the South Bruce OPP Auxiliary.
The Accolade Awards committee notes, It’s that unique sense of duty, commitment and loyalty that has earned Provincial Constable David Hackney this year’s Auxiliary Liaison Officer of the Year Award and ensures OPP Auxiliary members reflect well upon the entire organization.
Provincial Constable Hackney
FROM/DE: The South Bruce OPP(KINCARDINE, ON.)
DATE: October 5, 2009
The South Bruce OPP are concerned by the aggressive driving behaviours observed on area roadways.
Aggressive Drivers are high risk drivers that climb into the anonymity of an automobile and take out their frustrations on anybody at any time.
Their frustration levels are very high while their concern for their fellow motorists is very low - this is a dangerous combination.
Aggressive driving behaviours include, but are not limited to: running stop signs and red lights, speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the right, unsafe lane changes, hand or facial gestures, screaming, honking, flashing lights, leering at or threatening other motorists.
The South Bruce OPP would like to offer motorists the following tips to enhance their safety when they encounter an aggressive driver:
First and foremost, get out of their way
Put your pride in the back seat, do not challenge them
Avoid eye contact, don't return gestures
Report aggressive drivers to the police
Aggressive driving isn't just dangerous, it's against the law.
The South Bruce OPP have a zero tolerance for aggressive drivers.
In 2008, there were nearly 60,000 motor vehicle collisions with wildlife across Canada and 14,000 of these collisions took place in Ontario.
Ninety per cent of these collisions were with White Tailed Deer.
The South Bruce OPP would like to offer motorists the following tips to reduce their chances of becoming involved in a collision with a deer:
Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise.
These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
Drive with caution when moving through areas known to have a large deer population.
Remember - deer seldom run alone.
If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic.
The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane.
Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
Always wear your seat belt.
Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.
Slow down, stay in control and stay alert.
FROM/DE: South Bruce OPP Media
DATE: November 3, 2009
(KINCARDINE, ON.) – Another Bruce County winter will be arriving shortly and the South Bruce OPP would like motorists to start thinking about winter driving safety.
When cold Arctic air sweeps across Lake Huron, localized snow squalls develop along the shoreline. Heavy snowfall and reduced visibility may only affect a small area while blue skies prevail a few kilometres away. If you are travelling under blue skies and encounter a road closed sign, trust us and avoid the road, we know what we are talking about. Travelling on a closed road not only compromises your safety, it’s against the law.
There are 3 key elements to safe winter driving:
Stay alert,
slow down
stay in control.
An ordinary driver reacts to road situations while a good driver anticipates problems and avoids them, do yourself and other motorists a favour – be a good driver. The best advice for driving in bad winter conditions is don’t drive at all, if you don’t have to. Give the snowplows and sanders time to do their jobs, arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Tires marked with a peaked mountain and snowflake meet specific snow traction performance requirements. The tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. No matter how many safety features your vehicle has, it’s the tires that enable you to handle the snow and ice. Choosing 2 winter tires changes your vehicle’s handling, which could put you at greater risk on a slippery road, the best practice is to change all 4 tires. Remember, we can’t control the wind, but we can equip our vehicles with safer tires for the winter months.
If you happen to get stuck or stranded while driving this winter, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety, for warmth and wait for help to arrive. Dialling *OPP on your cell phone will connect you directly with the nearest OPP dispatch center. While you wait for help to arrive; turn on your vehicle’s flashing hazard lights, run your engine occasionally for heat, bundle up in a blanket, wear a hat and scarf to guard against heat loss.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety website offers a list of items to include in your winter driving survival kit. These include: bag of sand or salt, traction mats, snow shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, booster cables, flares or emergency lights, windshield washer fluid, flashlight, blanket, extra clothing items, non perishable food items, water, matches & candles, and a “Call Police” sign or brightly colored banner
FROM/DE: South Bruce OPP Media
DATE: November 2, 2009
(KINCARDINE, ON.) Deer hunting season is currently in full swing in Bruce County, open from the 2nd to the 7th of November (including Saturday).
Over that six days properly licensed hunters may hunt for deer with rifles, shotguns, bows or muzzle loaders, however they may not utilize dogs.
During this period South Bruce OPP notes a significant increase in Trespass to Property Act (T.P.A.) complaints.
Such complaints have already been received (Day 1) and charges have been laid.
Hunters are reminded that their hunting licence in no way gives them the right to enter or cross private property without permission.
To avoid problems and potential charges hunters are reminded to ask for permission before entering a property and obey posted signs and symbols.
ENTRY PROHIBITED
ENTRY PROHIBITED EXCEPT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES
Circular markings (10 cm or 4 inches) in red mean absolutely no entry and in yellow means no entry is prohibited except for activities that the property owner permits.
Anyone, not acting under a right or authority conferred by law who enters on a property where prohibited or engages in a prohibited activity on such a property must leave the property when directed to do so and may be charged under the T.P.A. (fine of not more than $2,000.00)
Property owners should avoid confrontations with trespassers and obtain names and/or plate numbers and vehicle(s) descriptions. The matter can be reported to police and dealt with in due course; however, escalation of the incident and unwarranted threats will only make matters worse for all involved.
All hunters are also reminded that it is unlawful to possess a loaded firearm within 8 metres of the traveled portion of a road (the fence line where one exists) or discharge a firearm from or across a roadway at any time.
FROM/DE: South Bruce OPP Media
DATE: November 14, 2009
(KINCARDINE, ON.)On November 13th, 2009 the South Bruce OPP received 2 reports of black bear sightings in Kincardine.
One sighting was along Goderich Street, the other along Princes Street in the area of Tim Horton’s.
The South Bruce OPP would like to provide the following information from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Bear Wise program.
Black bears are intelligent, adaptable predators with a biological instinct to eat whatever they find, wherever they find it.
They are an anti social animal and the main population control is the availability of food.
Black bears are agile, good swimmers and fast runners with a keen sense of smell.
It’s preferable to keep Black bears away from populated areas.
In 2007, the leading attractors for bears were:
Residential garbage
Bird feeders
Fruit trees
To keep bears away, remove the attractant (potential food):
Keep your property clean, free of attractants
Be extra careful storing and disposing of garbage
Feed birds only during winter
To report a bear sighting, contact the Bear Reporting Hotline at 1 866 514 2327. In an immediate emergency call your local police or dial 911.
For more information about the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise program, you can view the website at: Bears Hot Line
FROM/DE: South Bruce OPP
DATE: November 19, 2009
(KINCARDINE, ON.) – The South Bruce OPP have received 2 reports of telephone scams where the person calling starts with “you’ve won a prize”. In both cases, the scam was recognized and no financial information was compromised. Constable Kevin Martin, Media Relations Officer, South Bruce OPP, is pleased that the scam failed. “It’s difficult for police to track down and hold fraudulent telemarketers accountable after the fact, so it’s great that the scam was recognized and ignored”.
One of the calls offered a home security system provided by Bruce Telecom. Bruce Telecom spokesperson Mike Andrews would like the public to be aware that “Bruce Telecom doesn’t sell home security systems and its not normal practice for us to use telemarketing”. Anyone with concerns about the legitimacy of contact from Bruce Telecom is welcome to call the company at 519-368-2000.
The South Bruce OPP is offering the following tips to help identify scams:
If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is
You must pay or you can’t play
You must provide personal banking information to receive free gift
The caller is more excited than you are
If you didn’t enter a contest, how did you win?
It’s a limited opportunity, you must act now
More information on the latest scams is available at
www.phonebusters.ca.
FROM/DE: South Bruce OPP
DATE: January 11, 2010
(KINCARDINE, ON.) – The South Bruce OPP are out patrolling the trails and wish to provide snowmobile operators with the following information:
Snowmobile drivers must carry their driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s card when they ride. If your licence is under suspension, you can’t drive a snowmobile either.
Licence, proof of registration and proof of insurance must be produced to a police officer on demand.
A snowmobile driver must stop for police when signalled.
Speed limits must be obeyed. A snowmobile driver can be charged for speeding.
A snowmobile must not be driven along the serviced portion of the roadway, except to cross at a right angle. This includes the shoulder of the road.
Impaired driving laws apply to snowmobiles anywhere in Canada whether on private property or not. Don’t mix alcohol and snowmobiling. The South Bruce OPP and the OFSC have a zero tolerance for Impaired operation.
Snowmobiles must not be driven on private property without the owner’s permission, to do so is Trespassing.
A proper muffler and an approved, properly fit helmet are required by law.
Drivers of a snowmobile directly or indirectly involved in a reportable collision are required to call police as soon as possible.
A trail permit is required to use approved snowmobile trails.
Dress appropriately and let someone know where you plan to ride and for how long.
revised 2010 Jan 19,2010