Huron OPP report scrap yard thieves charged; and remind snowmobilers to slow down

By: Huron County OPP  February 13, 2015  1588

SCRAP YARD THIEVES CHARGED

(GODERICH, ON) – The Huron County OPP has charged two men with criminal offences after they were stopped hauling stolen scrap. 
Just before 3 a.m., Feb. 6, officers stopped a U-Haul pick-up truck that was travelling on Gloucester Terrace in the Town of Goderich. 
 

Upon speaking with the three occupants of the vehicle, officers became suspicious as to the contents of the load they were hauling. After further questioning and investigation, officers were able to determine the property was, in fact, stolen scrap materials.
 

The investigation revealed the two thieves first trespassed onto the property of Secondary Resources, located on Nelson Street East in Goderich, whereupon they stole two rims and tires.  Afterward, they attended Habitat for Humanity, located on Huckins Street, where they stole various items from a scrap/recycle bin located on the property. 
 

As a result, 22-year-old Cyle VAN BYNEN of London is facing charges of Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 and Public Mischief. 22-year-old Ricki PARKER, also of London, is facing a charge of Theft Under $5,000.

They both have scheduled court appearances for March 23, at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*
 

HURON OPP SNOWMOBILE UNIT WARNS DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN!

(HURON COUNTY, ON) -  The Huron County OPP Snowmobile Unit has a straight-forward, two-word reminder for those operating snowmobiles this Family Day holiday weekend – SLOW DOWN!
 

The unit anticipates a busy weekend patrolling the local Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system. So far into the 2015 season, the unit reports speeding to be the number one issue on the trail system. 
Several operators have been charged well in excess of the 50 km/h trail speed limit. Just this week, two operators were found to be travelling in excess of three times the speed limit.
 

Driving at such an excessive speed leaves no room for margin of error and the consequences can be deadly. Last season (2013-2014), 21 people died while snowmobiling (in OPP jurisdiction) and speed was found to be the primary cause in 11 of those deaths. Alcohol was involved in at least seven of them. 
 

“Snowmobiling can be exhilarating and exciting but operators cannot allow the thrill of excitement to overcome the need for sound judgement and safety at all times," says Huron County OPP staff sergeant Shawn Johnson.
"There is no place for daredevils and speed demons on our trails. Snowmobiling is a great Canadian winter activity that doesn’t need to end in a tragedy. Snowmobilers need to take charge of their own safety while out on the trails. Many of our collisions and deaths on the trails are completely preventable if drivers would only slow down and drive sensibly.”
 

As a reminder for all operators, the speed limit on the trail system is 50 km/h. If you are caught speeding, the set fine is $85 with a total cost of $110. Depending on the circumstances, operators may also face stiffer penalties including charges of Careless Driving or Dangerous Driving.
 

Here are some safety tips to remember when riding the trails:

• Take it Easy: Always ride within the speed limit, within your own ability and according to current trail and weather conditions.  
• Slow Down at Night: Ride cautiously at night and never outrun your sled headlights.
• See and Be Seen: Good judgement, depth perception and quick reaction time depend on being able to see properly at all times. Slow down and keep right in reduced visibility situations like snow dust, sun glare, heavy falling snow, or when visor or glasses are fogged up; always wear bright colours and reflective materials so others can see you.
• Do not ride if you have consumed alcohol or drugs: Snowmobiling under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties. If convicted of snowmobiling while impaired, a rider could lose all driving privileges (car, truck, motorcycle, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles). The same “Warn Range” suspensions issued for having a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) between 0.05 and 0.08 milligrams that apply to driving a motor vehicle, also apply to driving a snowmobile.
• Know Before You Go: No ice travel is ever completely safe. Hypothermia or drowning from riding into open water or falling through the ice, are serious risks, as are collisions with fixed objects such as docks, ice huts or shorelines.
• Be Prepared: Snowmobiling incidents occur in unpredictable and uncontrolled natural settings where each rider needs to always expect the unexpected. Snowmobiling can take you far away from emergency assistance, so each rider must be prepared by carrying a charged cell phone, tool kit, spare parts, flashlight, first-aid kit and survival items such as high-energy food, fire-starting equipment and a compass.

The Huron County OPP Snowmobile Unit will continue to patrol the Huron County portion of the OFSC trail system for the remainder of the 2015 season. Always think safety first while out on the trails.

For more information, click on the following links: 

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Provincial S.A.V.E. (Snowmobile ATV and Vessel Enforcement) Unit

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