Woodstock Police Service briefs

Woodstock Police seized illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia near Dundas and Huron Streets recently. No arrests were made, but what was confiscated will be destroyed. (WPS Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Police seize suspected Fentanyl during downtown bike patrol

Members of the Woodstock Police Service cracked down on open-air drug use in the city recently.

An officer on bike patrols the morning of Aug. 5 located two individuals in an alley near Dundas Street and Huron Street.

During separate interactions, the officer seized approximately five grams of suspected fentanyl, along with drug-use paraphernalia. The substances were seized for destruction.

“We hear the concerns being raised by residents and businesses regarding open-air drug use, and we are taking action. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community,” said a police press release.

It added that while substance use disorder is a serious health issue, possession of illicit drugs remains a criminal offence.

“This includes amounts intended for personal use. Officers will continue to assess each situation individually, exercise discretion and take enforcement action where appropriate, including seizing illicit substances from public spaces,” it added.

Police said small quantities of fentanyl should not be considered harmless or insignificant.

“The unpredictable and increasingly toxic illicit drug supply can result in overdose, death and significant demands on police, paramedics and firefighters.”

Anyone seeking help with substance use can contact the Oxford County Community Health Centre’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic for treatment, support and referrals.

Police issuing vehicle theft alert after increase in crime

The Woodstock Police Service is advising residents of a recent increase in vehicle thefts, particularly involving motorcycles.

Fourteen vehicles, including six motorcycles, were reported stolen in the city in July. During the same month, police recovered 10 stolen vehicles, although those recoveries were not necessarily connected to the thefts reported in July.

Police say motorcycles can be quickly moved or loaded into another vehicle.

“Owners are encouraged to take extra precautions, including parking inside a locked garage or secure structure overnight whenever possible. Use a quality disc lock, wheel lock or heavy-duty chain secured to an immovable object,” according to a police news release.

“Use multiple anti-theft devices to make the motorcycle difficult to move. Consider installing a concealed GPS tracking device, park in a well-lit, visible area covered by security cameras and never leave keys in or near the motorcycle,” it added.

Police also advise owners to record the VIN, licence plate and identifying features, and keep current photographs of the motorcycle. They also advise residents are also reminded to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and report suspicious activity immediately.

“Make your vehicle difficult to steal. A few extra security measures can help prevent an easy opportunity for thieves,” said police.

Three men charged with driving violations

Woodstock Police responded to a driving complaint involving a vehicle allegedly travelling at an extremely high rate of speed and nearly striking a pedestrian early in the morning on July 31.

Officers located the vehicle in the area of Adelaide Street and Victoria Street North and conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, the driver was administered a roadside screening test and failed.

A 25-year-old Woodstock man has been charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving and common nuisance – endangering life.

Just after 10 p.m. on the same day, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Sixth Avenue and St. Andrews Road after observing a vehicle being operated contrary to road conditions.

The driver was administered a roadside screening test and failed.

A 72-year-old South River man has been charged with impaired driving and dangerous driving.

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

An officer on Peel Street observed a motorcyclist commit a traffic infraction on the evening of July 30 and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The motorcycle failed to stop, but a pursuit was not initiated due to concerns for public safety.

Through the investigation, police identified the alleged rider and located the motorcycle at a Woodstock residence. The next day, police attended the home and charged a 43-year-old city man with flight from a Peace Officer, operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code, failure to comply with a probation order, driving while under suspension, driving with no plates, and disobeying a stop sign.

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.