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 2017-03-20 and 2017-03-26. During this time period police responded to: 292 calls for service:

SUSPECT WANTED AFTER BREAK AND ENTER
Shortly after 3:00 am, Mar. 20th, the Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to a residence in the 500 block of 11th Street NW. Residents found their home had been broken into, damages to multiple items, and the television missing. Witnesses identified the suspect in the matter, James Edward Bilinski (26 years old), who is at large on a warrant for his arrest. Bilinski is presently charged with breaking and entering, theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime, and disobeying an order of the court. If you know the whereabouts of Bilinski please contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, or your local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

WALMART THEFT
Portage la Prairie RCMP attended Walmart Mar. 21st, after being called by Loss Prevention Officers. A female suspect had been caught attempting to steal children’s clothing and other items by reportedly hiding the items within several backpacks. The 34-year-old suspect was arrested for theft and fraud and released from police custody after a short time. The accused was set to appear for the court at a later date. Police remind potential thieves that not only will shoplifters be prosecuted, they will be banned from attending the businesses they steal from.

ARREST MADE
Portage la Prairie General Investigation Section (G.I.S.) officers arrested a male suspect on Mar. 22nd, believed to be at large on a warrant for his arrest. Upon their search of the suspect, police found a substantial amount of what is believed to be crack cocaine. The accused, Bronson Lance Asham (20 years old) was held in custody on charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and resisting arrest. Asham remained in custody until such time as he could be brought before the court.

VEHICLE COLLISION NEAR MACGREGOR
March 2rd Portage la Prairie RCMP, EMS and MacGregor Fire Department responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 1 near MacGregor. Luckily there were no serious injuries as result of the collision, but both vehicles were towed from the scene. A 34-year-old male driver was issued a fine for proceeding before it was safe to do so.

TREHERNE BATTERY THEFT
Treherne RCMP received a report of theft from the St. Claude Iron Works. Between March 20th and March 24th, 40-50 batteries were stolen from the business. Investigators and property owners are asking that anyone with knowledge of this incident contact the Treherne RCMP at 204-723-2024. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com .

SPEEDY DRIVING
A motorist was observed travelling at 118 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1. The male driver (24 years old) disclosed to the officer that he did not have a driver’s license. In fact, the driver was suspended from driving any motor vehicle. The motorist will have to appear before the court at a later date for driving while disqualified, driving without driver’s liability insurance, and for speeding.

A motorist was observed exceeding the speed limit on Saskatchewan Avenue in Portage la Prairie. The male driver (33 years old) provided his license, but was in fact suspended from driving any motor vehicle. The motorist will have to appear before the court at a later date for driving while disqualified, and driving without driver’s liability insurance.

A motorist was observed travelling at 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1. The male driver (29 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $573.50.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
Mar 20th: 21 calls for service
Mar 21st: 29 calls for service
Mar 22nd: 30 calls for service
Mar 23rd: 38 calls for service
Mar 24th: 53 calls for service
Mar 25th: 65 calls for service
Mar 26th: 56 calls for service

Traffic violations
123 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
1 Vehicle Collisions
2 Impaired Drivers
27 Provincial statues (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
11 Crimes against person
7 Assaults
1 Robbery
3 Uttering Threats
28 Crimes against property
14 Thefts
1 Theft of Motor Vehicles
10 Mischiefs to Property
3 Break and Enters
33 Other Criminal Investigations
67 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)