August 2, 2012
HURON COUNTY– OPP is ramping up its presence this upcoming civic holiday weekend.
Huron County OPP officers will be on the roads, waterways and trails to deal with people who don’t follow traffic laws.
With a summer that is shaping up to be one of the warmest on record comes an increased public presence on roads, lakes and trails and, sadly, the number of fatalities, especially drownings, is rising by the week, according to a press release from Huron County OPP today.
“I am deeply saddened by the number of drownings this year and this serves as an important reminder that exercising water safety is not just for boaters. It is equally critical where swimming and any other activities in and around water occur,” OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis said.
“When it comes to drowning, whether related to boating incidents or otherwise, the one common factor they all carry is that they are among the most preventable tragedies of all,” he said.
“Ontario’s roads rank among the safest in North America, but ultimately safety is the responsibility of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Bob Chiarelli, who is the minister of transportation.
“Tragedy could be only an inattentive moment away. I urge all Ontarians to stay alert and obey the laws to help keep our province’s roads safe this weekend,” he said.
According to the OPP Highway Safety Division, road fatalities are up nearly 25 per cent this year, with 202 persons killed in motor vehicle collisions to date (as of July 29, 2012) compared to 162 fatalities this same time last year.
The Huron County OPP Detachment will use available personnel this holiday weekend to enhance public safety on the highways, trails and waterways of Huron County. A zero tolerance policy will be adhered to when officers identify violations.
“Be a responsible and safe driver. Wear your seat belt, respect the speed limit, pull over if you must be on your cell phone and drive sober. Safety starts with you. Together, we can make this an injury free weekend,” Staff Sgt. Shawn Johnson of the Huron County OPP said.
IS YOUR VEHICLE A TARGET?
HURON COUNTY – Cell phones, cameras, GPS systems, wallets, purses, identification, leather jackets, helmets, power tools, golf clubs, change, satellite radios and an ignition interlock device are all items that have gone missing from unlocked vehicles across Huron County this past July.
The overwhelming majority of thefts from motor vehicles in July were from unlocked motor vehicles. These thefts are crimes of opportunity. Removing valuables from your vehicle and locking your vehicle doors are simple steps you can take to increase your chances you won’t be victimized, say Huron County OPP.
The majority of thefts from vehicles take place during the early morning hours under the cover of darkness and when a thief is less likely to be spotted.
“Huron County OPP officers are actively investigating these thefts and are attempting to identify those responsible. Let’s be proactive and protect our property as much as possible,” said Sgt. Arden Farrow of the Huron County OPP.
Anyone with information regarding thefts from vehicles is asked to contact the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
