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 July 10 and July 16, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 315 calls for service.

SUNDAY BREAK-INS
Shortly after 7:30 a.m., July 16, the Portage la Prairie RCMP learned of a break and enter at Keystone Sports on Saskatchewan Avenue. Two suspects were seen on security video, and efforts to identify them are underway. Stolen from the store were several pairs of shoes and sandals. Investigators ask that anyone with knowledge of this incident contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445 or your local detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com. Police also wish to remind anyone buying items from online classified websites should keep in mind that they might be purchasing stolen items.

Portage la Prairie RCMP are investigating a break and enter to Smoke Break Billiards on Tupper Street N July 16. The building was ransacked by unidentified suspects sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Investigators are asking that anyone with knowledge of this incident contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445 or your local detachment. Anonymous tips can be sent to Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

ALCOHOL, SPEED BELIEVED TO BE FACTORS IN TREHERNE ROLLOVER
Treherne RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 2 shortly after 5:00 p.m. July 16. The vehicle had left the roadway and rolled, resulting in the driver having to be extricated by emergency response crews. The female driver, 25, was taken to hospital for treatment for serious but non-life threatening injuries. The matter is still under investigation at this time, but it is believed that alcohol and speed are factors.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ARREST
At 1:21 p.m. July 15, the Portage la Prairie RCMP received a call from a concerned motorist regarding a possible impaired driver on Hwy 1. Officers located the vehicle and observed that it was wandering across lanes of traffic. Once the vehicle stopped, investigators noticed unusual behaviour from the female driver. The driver was placed under arrest for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, as her actions behind the wheel and out of the vehicle were in line with those of someone under the influence of a drug. Further to being placed under arrest, investigators found a substantial amount of marihuana in the vehicle. Kayla Marie Edine, 21-years-old, was held in police custody until such time as she could be brought before the court on charges of failing to comply with court imposed conditions, possession of a controlled substance, impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and obstruction of a police officer.

DISTRACTED DRIVING BLITZ
Over the course of four hours on July 10, Portage la Prairie officers issued nine separate motorists fines for talking on their phones while driving. The fine for this offence is $203.80, which is a hefty amount for answering a text message or making a phone call. Distracted driving is quickly becoming the leading cause of deaths on the road; do your part and don’t pick up the phone. Pull over when it is safe to do so, or set an auto-reply to any incoming messages. Taking steps like these goes a long way to making the road safer for everyone.

DRIVING INFRACTIONS
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a suspicious driver on Tupper Street Bridge July 11, who was reportedly following a female also walking along the bridge. Once officers were in contact with him, they determined that the male driver, 22, did not possess a valid driver’s license. The driver was arrested and held in police custody, as there was a history of driving while disqualified. Byron Jacob Popiel received $777 in fines once brought before the court.

A motorist was observed driving a vehicle on Railway Avenue in Treherne July 13. The vehicle was known to be unregistered, and once the officer was in contact with the driver, it was determined that the vehicle did not have operating taillights or turn signals. The male driver, 29, was issued fines in the amount of $1148.60 for operating an unregistered vehicle, failing to have motor vehicle liability insurance, and the faulty equipment.

SPEEDY DRIVING
On July 14, a motorist was observed travelling at 142 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1 in the City of Portage la Prairie. The 60-year-old male driver was issued a fine in the amount of $599.75.

A motorist was observed travelling at 137 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1 in the RM of Portage la Prairie July 15. The male driver, 18, was issued a fine in the amount of $535.

Police observed a motorist travelling at 161 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 16 in the RM of Portage la Prairie July 16. The 51-year-old male driver was issued a fine in the amount of $849.

A QUIET WEDNESDAY
Nothing reported to police of concern to the public on July 12.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
July 10:    32 calls for service
July 11:    33 calls for service
July 12:    42 calls for service
July 13:    48 calls for service
July 14:    54 calls for service
July 15:    58 calls for service
July 16:    48 calls for service

101 Traffic violations
90 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
5 Vehicle Collisions
6 Impaired Drivers
36 Provincial statutes (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
20 Crimes against person
10 Assaults
1 Assault with Weapon
1 Robbery
8 Uttering Threats
35 Crimes against property
10 Thefts
3 Theft of Motor Vehicles
15 Mischiefs to Property
7 Break and Enters
42 Other Criminal Investigations
81 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)