The following is a summary of police activity in the Central Plains Area (Portage la Prairie, Treherne, Amaranth and the surrounding Rural Municipalities). The reporting dates are between April 17 and April 23, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 326 calls for service.

HOME INVASION UNDER INVESTIGATION
Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the area of Willow Bay around 10:23 p.m. April 23 for a reported home invasion. Residents of the home were reportedly assaulted with bear spray, while three unidentified suspects stole items from within the home and fled on foot before police were called. Investigators are asking that anyone with information regarding this incident contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, or their local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com .

BREAK-INS REPORTED
Portage la Prairie RCMP received several calls April 18 from across the city, where people found property missing from their yards or garages. In one incident an audible alarm notified one resident of someone in their garage. The property owner saw the suspect fleeing on foot; police were unable to locate the suspect. In another incident several bicycles were stolen from the back yard of one home. As the warmer weather (eventually) arrives there will be an increased amount of property crimes. Police remind everyone to lock their garages, sheds and outbuildings. Make note of any serial numbers on bicycles, power tools and electronics. Report these incidents as soon as they are noticed; a timely response by police could result in suspects being captured and property returned.

POLICE BLITZ
Between April 21 and April 24, members of the Portage la Prairie RCMP and Westman Traffic Services blitzed the Central Plains area. Over the course of 3 days officers would issue fines in 75 separate traffic stops. Those incidents were broken down as such:

-44 speeding infractions with the highest recorded speed at 44 kilometres over the limit
-9 intersection infractions, which included failing to stop at STOP signs or traffic lights
-6 seatbelt infractions, even though seat belts have been mandatory since 1976
-6 moving traffic infractions, including passing a school bus with its lights on (a $673.65 fine)
-10 non-moving traffic infraction, which includes distracted driver

The most pressing concern officers came across during this period were the four impaired drivers found on our roads. One incident occurred in the middle of the day, with a vehicle full of passengers. In two other incidents, the drivers’ blood alcohol content (BAC) was over 3 times the legal limit. In each instance the vehicle was towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

MULTI-VEHICLE COLLISION
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a three vehicle collision at the intersection of Saskatchewan Avenue and 20th Street SE April 20. The eastbound lanes of traffic were blocked for a short period of time, as a pick-up truck had reportedly struck another vehicle, as it was making a turn. At least one parked vehicle was struck as a result. Despite the violent collision no one suffered any major injuries. As a result of their investigation, officers issued a fine to the driver of the pick-up for failing to yield the right of way.

WINTER WEATHER IN SPRING
Uncalled for winter weather and poor road conditions April 22 brought another rash of collisions across the Central Plains area. A tractor trailer rolled on Hwy 1 near PR 242, but no one was seriously injured as a result. Police remind everyone to drive at speeds that are suitable for the road conditions.

A MELLOW MONDAY
No incidents reported to police which would be cause for public concern April 17.

SPEEDY DRIVING
On April 19, a motorist was observed travelling at 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 2. The male driver (69 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $573.50.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
April 17: 27 calls for service
April 18: 40 calls for service
April 19: 43 calls for service
April 20: 48 calls for service
April 21: 87 calls for service
April 22: 47 calls for service

129 Traffic violations
114 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
8 Vehicle Collisions
7 Impaired Drivers
33 Provincial statutes (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
20 Crimes against person
6 Assaults
2 Assault with Weapon
1 Robbery
11 Uttering Threats
39 Crimes against property
12 Thefts
3 Theft of Motor Vehicles
14 Mischiefs to Property
10 Break and Enters
46 Other Criminal Investigations
59 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)