There were a total of 72 calls for service over this period of time. To date, 3,027 incidents have been reported (3,201 for the same period in 2010).
As school has started, people are seeing quite a few more bikes on the road in the community. In turn, RCMP have received a few calls asking for a reminder that ‘Sidewalks are for Pedestrians’.
Pedestrians use sidewalks to travel safely along our local streets. When cyclists, in-line skaters and scooters are also involved, conflicts arise that could be prevented. The Town of Ladysmith has a bylaw that riding a bicycle on sidewalks is prohibited.
There are many hazards involved when cycling on the sidewalks. If a cyclist hits a pedestrian, the injuries can be severe. Seniors are especially vulnerable and can fall merely by being startled (this occurred last year resulting in a fracture).
Many cyclists ride on the sidewalk because they are afraid of cars. But choosing to ride on the sidewalk does not eliminate the risk of a car-and-bike collision. Cycling on the sidewalk is a contributing factor in 30 per cent of car and bike collisions. Collisions occur when cyclists ride off the sidewalk into the roadway or when motorists are exiting a laneway or driveway. Please don’t forget to wear an approved bicycle helmet.
Tuesday, Sept. 13
A call was received that the copper wiring from an old telephone box at the previous trailer court at Ivy Green Marina had been pulled out. This impacted the telephone service at four businesses and one residential line.
A theft was reported overnight in the 400 block of Davis Road. Previous incidents have been reported.
Wednesday, Sept. 14
A break and enter and theft was reported at the Bedrock Ready Mix on Brenton Page Rd. Culprits stole various metal items. The suspects attempted to sell them at a Nanaimo business and were identified. Nanaimo RCMP are assisting with the investigation.
Members were patrolling on Oyster Bay Dr. near the train station. They observed a vehicle with its lights on. As members approached, the vehicle took off slowly avoiding police. A male jumped out and ran. Members stopped the vehicle and a suspect was identified for being in breach of his curfew for property offences. A breach charge has been recommended to the Crown.
Thursday, Sept. 15
A report of a stolen pipe was reported from Kalicum Drilling on Aqua Tera. In the past two weeks, someone stole three 10-foot long stainless steel pipes from the business. Value approximately $2,000. A suspect was recorded on the video surveillance.
Friday, Sept. 16
A shoplifting incident was reported at Safeway. The loss prevention officer stated that an unknown male who had been in the store attempted to steal around $800 worth of groceries. The groceries were recovered as security chased off the suspect. The male suspect was described as First Nations, mid-30s wearing black shorts.
Ambulance requested the assistance of the police in order to locate a 15-year-old female who was extremely drunk, unresponsive but breathing at the end of Malone Road. The female was transported to the Duncan hospital.
Saturday, Sept. 17
The RCMP received several calls of young males causing a disturbance in the area of Sixth Avenue. Members located the subjects and one male was found to be breaching his condition to not consume alcohol. The male was later released on a promise to appear for court.
Sunday, Sept. 18
An RCMP member did a local bar walk and spoke to several patrons. Two of these individuals were later seen outside and had glassy eyes, slurred speech, and moderate odour of liquor on their breath. At 01:10 a.m., the officer saw a vehicle drive away with no lights on. The same two males were in the vehicle and the breath test demand was read to the driver. The driver blew a fail on the Alco-Sensor IV ASD. He declined a second blow on the device. A 90-day ban was issued as well as a 30-day vehicle impound. The total cost to the driver to get his vehicle and driver’s licence back will be over $4,000. The cost of a taxi fare would no doubt have been much less than this amount.
