January 14 to 22, 2023 is International Snowmobile Safety Week. The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind snowmobile operators to respect private property and only use the trails when they are open. Also, to carry the required documentation, use proper safety equipment and operate their snowmobile in a safe manner.

Some safety tips include:

• Carry a valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence, proof of insurance, proof of snowmobile ownership and have a valid snowmobile trail permit affixed to your sled when on trails.
• Come to a complete stop before entering any roadway and be cautious when crossing roads.
• Obey speed limits and always adjust your speed to the weather and trail conditions.
• Ride SOBER.
• Wear an approved snowmobile helmet, chin strap must be fastened properly.
• Wear appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia.
• Ensure your cellphone is fully charged.
• Carry a small personal safety kit that includes waterproof matches, pocket knife, compass and whistle.
• Never go out alone and always tell someone your planned destination and your expected time of return.
• Avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
• Regularly inspect your snowmobile to ensure it is in good mechanical condition.
• Use caution on frozen bodies of water and remember that No Ice is Safe Ice.

For more information on snowmobiling and cold water/ice safety please visit:

• Snowmobile Safety – ontario.ca/snowmobilesafety
• Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs – ofsc.on.ca
• Cold water and ice safety – www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/cold-water-and-ice.aspx

Liquor Store Thefts Solved And One Person Arrested

The East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) has arrested one person in connection with multiple liquor thefts.

In December 2022, CSCU began an investigation into a string of thefts that had occurred across Eastern Ontario since October. Video security images were obtained from retail stores in Casselman, Winchester, Arnprior, Renfrew, Kemptville, Rockland and Hawkesbury. On each occasion a male was observed entering the store, filling bags with bottles of high-end liquor and exiting the store with no attempt to pay.

The photos obtained were shared on OPP social media and the investigators had requested help from the public to identify the individual.

On January 10, 2023, Alexandre Lalonde, 33-years-old from Ottawa was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with seven counts of theft under $5000.

Thank you to the public for sharing the social media post and assisting the OPP.

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

The Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police has arrested and charged four people after successfully stopping a stolen vehicle. 

On January 3, 2022, members of the Russell County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to four separate motor vehicle thefts reported in Embrun and Casselman. 

The investigation revealed that during the early morning hours of January 3rd, two vehicles were stolen from the town of Embrun and two from the municipality of Casselman.

Four People Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Stopped

Officers responded to one of the incidents where the owner was tracking his stolen vehicle on GPS. The information was provided in real-time to the Hawkesbury detachment and officers were able to deploy a tire deflation device, rendering the stolen vehicle inoperable. As a result of the coordinated efforts between Russell County and Hawkesbury OPP officers, a stolen 2022 Dodge Ram Rebel was recovered.

That same morning, officers of the Sureté du Québec (SQ) were also able to intercept one of the stolen vehicles. 

As a result of the investigation, four people were charged under the Criminal Code (CC).

Vanessa Duval, 27 years old, of Montreal, was charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime; over $5000
• Mischief under $5000

Anthony Grenier, 19 years old, of Montreal, was charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime; under $5000
• Possession of automobile master key

Keven Riffon, 24 years old, and a young person, both from Montreal, were charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime; under $5000
• Possession of automobile master key
• Failing to comply with a probation order – two counts

If you or anyone you know has any further information about this incident, you are asked to contact the Russell County OPP at 613-443-4499 or the OPP Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000

Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

Russell County OPP would also like to remind citizens to take precautionary measures to prevent the theft of their vehicle. 

Most vehicles are stolen from residential driveways, usually in the overnight and early morning hours. High value vehicles with keyless entry and push start technology are presently being targeted. Thieves have figured out how to bypass modern car security systems and exploit their advanced technology.

• Park your vehicle in a garage, out of sight. Thieves will scout out sought -after vehicles while their owners are sound asleep. If not possible, park a less valuable vehicle closely behind.
• Secure the vehicle diagnostic port using a diagnostic port lock, commonly known as an OBD protector (can be purchased online) which blocks access to the diagnostic port (used to reprogram the vehicle’s ignition system) 
• Use a steering wheel locking device to deter theft
• Invest in an aftermarket global positioning system (GPS) tracker as it may assist in recovery of the vehicle if it is stolen 
• Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system and ensure your cameras are clearly visible outside your residence
• upgrade the exterior lighting where you park your vehicle
• Invest in anti-theft devices including ignition or fuel immobilizing switches, steering wheel, gearshift, brake pedal locks and after market vehicle alarm systems.