South Bruce OPP report results from Move Over campaign; and offer fuel theft prevention tips

HUNDREDS OF CHARGES LAID BY OPP IN “MOVE OVER” AND IMPAIRED BOATING CAMPAIGNS
 

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – Two people died on OPP-patrolled roads, Saturday, Jul 30, during the long weekend. One of the deceased men was a passenger involved in a motor vehicle collision, and a second man lost his life in a boating incident.
 

The following day (Sunday, Aug. 1), a male cyclist died after colliding with a motor vehicle. Later that evening, another man died when his off-road vehicle and another vehicle were involved in a road collision.  
 

These tragic losses were part of a busy August long weekend for the OPP, as officers investigated four traffic and marine-related deaths, conducted their Slow Down, Move Over campaign, and partnered with the Canadian Safe Boating Council for the annual “Operation Dry Water” impaired-boating campaign.  
 

Despite having issued a pre-weekend public reminder about the OPP’s long weekend Slow Down, Move Over campaign, the OPP charged more than 450 drivers under Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Section 159 for failing to slow down and/or move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the roadside with their lights activated.
 

While the enforcement data is still preliminary, the long weekend charges bring the total year-to-date number of HTA 159 charges to approximately 1,300. The law is intended to provide greater safety for emergency personnel who must work on the roadside, often in busy traffic conditions.
 

During Operation Dry Water, OPP marine officers were busy checking boats on various waterways throughout the province, promoting safe and sober boating. During the campaign, officers laid more than 180 alcohol and other marine-related charges. 
 

The OPP is reminding drivers that while officers conduct annual traffic, marine and off-road safety campaigns aimed at raising awareness of Ontario laws, education and enforcement are carried out 365 days a year.
 

FUEL THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
 

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce OPP is offering the following tips for consumers and retailers to help prevent fuel theft, following a theft of fuel report Aug. 1.

Sometime during the late evening hours of July 31 and early morning hours of Aug. 1, more than 1,000 litres of fuel were stolen from the John Deere dealership on Durham Road in Brant Township.
 

CONSUMERS
 

• Consider a locking gas cap. Fuel doors that open remotely can be easily compromised.

• Avoid parking in dark, isolated areas – especially for extended periods of time.

• Park your vehicle in a locked garage. If you don’t have a garage, park next to the house in a well-lit area.

• If you have to park on the street or in a parking lot, park your vehicle so the fuel door is plainly visible.

• If you have bulk fuels on your property, lock the tank and the dispenser to prevent unauthorized access.

• Call the police if you see suspicious activity around fuel tanks or parked vehicles. Try to record suspect/suspect vehicle descriptions.
   

  RETAILERS
   

• Consider prepayment or pay-at-pump system.

• Install and maintain a good quality video surveillance system.

• Be alert and vigilant. Consider greeting customers over an intercom system.

• Record licence plate numbers before activating fuel pump.

• Locate the cash drawer so the clerk has an unobstructed view of the fuel pumps.

• Consider a reward system for customers who provide information that leads to identifying a gas thief.

• If you have a gas theft, record the date, time, suspect description, vehicle description and licence plate number.

Anyone interested in more information on crime prevention tips can visit the Crime Prevention page at http://www.opp.ca/. 

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122.  Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.crimestoppersgb.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.