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 3 and April 9, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 324 calls for service.

MACGREGOR ELEMENTARY BREAK-IN
Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the Macgregor Elementary School April 4 when staff found the building had been broken into overnight. Two suspects were observed on security footage around the school, and attempts to identify them are being made. Investigators are asking for the assistance of the community in coming forward if they have knowledge of the incident. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestopppers.com .

SUSPECTS WANTED IN THEFT
Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the Bottle Stop attached to Canad Inns on Saskatchewan Avenue April 6. At least three male suspects were involved in the theft of beer from the vendor, all of whom covered their faces to hide their identities. Officers arrived on scene minutes after the theft and were lucky enough to spot one of the suspects still in the area. Police arrested Shastin Vaughn Daylan Meeches (21 years old) for theft, being disguised with intent to commit an offence, resisting arrest, and failing to comply with a probation order. Meeches was also at large on several warrants for his arrest. Investigators are confident they will identify those remaining people involved, but encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestopper.com . Tips leading to the identification and prosecution of those involved could receive cash awards.

SINGLE VEHICLE ROLLOVER
At 11:26 p.m. April 7, Portage la Prairie emergency services were called to a single vehicle rollover on Saskatchewan Avenue, east of Portage la Prairie. The vehicle was tipped on its side, half-submerged in frigid ditch water, with a child trapped in the back seat. An officer was able to enter the vehicle and pass the infant safely to other officers. Fire and ambulance attended to those injured on scene, with all occupants being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. During the course of their investigation, officers determined that the 29 year old female driver of the vehicle was intoxicated. She was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, with her subsequent breath samples nearing triple the legal limit. Due to the severity of the collision and the contributing factors, the female driver was held in custody until such time as she could be brought before the court.

DUMP HILL PARTY
Nearing midnight on April 8, Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the area of Dump Hill, off Old Bridge Road, for a loud party. Police found a large group of people, many of whom were consuming liquor. Partygoers were informed that their liquor would be destroyed rather than facing stiff fines for contravening the Liquor and Gaming Control Act. At least one reveller was not willing to part with their beverage, resulting in a $673.65 fine being issued, and the 18 year old male being taken into police custody. Another group of males also received the same fine after leaving the party, as they continued to consume their beverages while they walked home. Public consumption of alcohol, taking place off of private property or outside an area with a liquor license, is against the law. Such areas include, but are not limited to: parking lots, public (recreational) sporting events, public parks or school playgrounds, and inside any vehicle. Officers want to remind everyone that as warmer weather approaches, enjoy your alcohol responsibly and where it can lawfully be consumed.

OFF ROAD VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT
The Portage la Prairie RCMP have already received numerous complaints regarding Off-Road Vehicles (ORV’s), as some are reportedly being driven on residential streets and pathways. In the coming weeks officers will be stepping up ORV enforcement. We encourage any and all ORV owners to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations set out in the Off-Road Vehicle Act, and to enjoy their vehicles is a safe manner. Anyone found operating, or owning a vehicle that was operated without regard to the regulations will be subject to fines, and their vehicles could be seized and impounded at their expense. We also want to encourage members of our community who observe any reckless behaviours to call police immediately. A timely response from officers goes a long way to stopping these incidents.

SPEEDY DRIVING
On April 3, a motorist was observed travelling at 147 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 16. The male driver (34 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $665.75.

A motorist was observed travelling at 145 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1 on April 4. The female driver (39 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $639.25.

On April 5, a motorist was observed travelling at 135 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1. The female driver (22 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $508.75.

A motorist was observed travelling at 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1 on April 7. The male driver (51 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $573.50.

A motorist was observed travelling at 139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1 on April 8. The male driver (57 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $561.25.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
April 3:   52 calls for service
April 4:   61 calls for service
April 5:   43 calls for service
April 6:   57 calls for service
April 7:   53 calls for service
April 8:   30 calls for service
April 9:   28 calls for service

124 Traffic violations
117 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
3 Vehicle Collisions
4 Impaired Drivers
40 Provincial statues (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
17 Crimes against person
11 Assaults
1 Assault with Weapon
5 Uttering Threats
37 Crimes against property
14 Thefts
1 Theft of Motor Vehicles
14 Mischiefs to Property
8 Break and Enters
51 Other Criminal Investigations
55 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)