Oxford OPP briefs

Lee Griffi, Editor

OPP completes Operation Safe Start as school year begins

The Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is thanking motorists for mostly complying with traffic laws in school zones.

Police conducted the initiative during the first two weeks of the school year, running from Sept. 8 to Sept. 11 and Sept. 14 to Sept. 18 across the county.

“Thanks to the cooperation from the public, the proactive safety messaging shared by numerous media partners and the targeted cruiser, foot and bike patrols made by members of Oxford OPP, the initiative was successful,” said a police press release.

“Although one incident of disobeying the law around school and bus zones is too many, the low number of charges suggests members of the public are taking student safety seriously,” it added.

Oxford OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Tomy Hymers, thanked area drivers for mostly complying,

"On behalf of Oxford OPP, I would like to thank the motorists who operated their vehicles safely during this time frame. We encourage everyone to continue to drive safely, smart and sober, to continue to improve the safety of Oxford County roads."

Here are the results of Operation Safe Start:

Speeding – 4

Community Safety Zone – 5

Disobey Stop Sign – 3

Fail to Stop for School Bus – 1

Stunt Driving – 1

Suspects arrested after being seen live on CCTV stream

A prompt call to police after a notification from a residential CCTV unit resulted in the arrest of two people on Sept. 13 in Norwich Township.

At approximately 10:40 p.m., police were called to a property on Base Line for a report of a break and enter in progress.

Police, along with the West Region OPP Emergency Response Team and Canine, located two individuals attempting to steal machinery and tools from a barn on the property. Suspects had attended the property in a black pick-up truck towing a black trailer.

A 45-year-old resident of Bayham was arrested and charged with break and enter with the Intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of break-in tools, obstructing a peace officer and failing to comply with a probation order.

A 50-year-old Norfolk County resident was arrested and charged with break and enter with the Intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of break-in tools.

Both were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Dec. 8.