CARLYLE - Carlyle RCMP members were busy in late December
You have to love the holidays. We may not all love them, but everyone has to love something about the holidays.
Whether it’s the food, music, decorations, visits with friends and family, or just the 100th viewing of Home Alone, it’s a chance for all of us to celebrate. I think the holidays manage to bring the best out of all of us.
Like the male from Redvers who shoveled snow outside the RCMP station while waiting for his criminal record check, or the busy “Elves” that cleared driveways and vehicles in Wawota. The people who bake endlessly to share Christmas treats that seem to show up everywhere (especially around my waist).
You all know who you are and your good deeds do not go unnoticed. You are the reason the holidays are so magical.
On Dec. 14, Carlyle RCMP received a call from a female on the White Bear First Nation advising that someone was knocking on her windows and doors. RCMP attended and searched the area around the house and were not able to locate anyone. The caller was happy that police cleared area so she could feel safe in her house.
That same day, I experienced another first in policing, when a male reported that his ex-spouse was practising witchcraft and was attempting to put curses on him and his family. The caller was concerned for his and his family’s wellbeing, but was also concerned for his ex’s mental health. The RCMP checked on the subject to ensure her safety and although witchcraft is not a criminal offence this is still being investigated and seriously looked into to ensure everyone’s safety.
On Dec. 15, Carlyle RCMP received a complaint on White Bear of an intoxicated male causing problems in a residence and refusing to leave. RCMP attended the residence and determined that the intoxicated subject was on probation with conditions to not have contact with someone at the residence. The male was arrested and got a free night stay in Carlyle RCMP’s Bed and Breakfast until he was sober.
On Dec. 16, Carlyle RCMP received an alarm call from White Bear’s office building. The RCMP attended and determined it was a false alarm most likely caused by stormy weather. No entry was made into the building.
Also that day, a female driving a Subaru Legacy struck a deer while driving near White Bear. The female was not hurt in the collision but the vehicle needed to be towed from the scene.
On Dec. 17, RCMP were called to a non-suspicious vehicle fire. An older SUV started to smoke under the hood while being driven. The driver managed to get the vehicle home but then the vehicle caught fire. Unfortunately, the vehicle was totalled in the fire.
That same day, two child benefit cheques were turned into the Carlyle RCMP. The cheques were found in the garbage at the cardlock at the Redvers Co-op. The cheques were then returned to their owner. Thank you to the male who took time out of his day to ensure these cheques were returned to their owner.
On Dec. 20, the RCMP received a call about a Volkswagen car that had struck a deer near Kisbey on Highway 13. Nobody was hurt in the collision but all the airbags deployed in the collision and the vehicle had to be towed from the scene.
Also that day, the RCMP received a call from the Southern Plains Co-op in Carlyle, advising that a male had been in the bathroom for 1 1/2 hours and would not come out. Employees could hear water running. RCMP attended and found an adult male washing his clothes in the sink of the bathroom and attempting to dry them on the register. The male was arrested for mischief and removed from the store.
RCMP also received a tip about a restaurant serving alcohol without a liquor permit. RCMP are still looking into this complaint but want to remind everyone that if you are going to serve alcohol in a public place that you need to obtain a liquor permit from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
RCMP received a complaint of a white Honda Civic driving in Arcola and stopping in front of houses that did not have Christmas lights on. The caller thought the vehicle might be attempting to break into vacant houses. The RCMP attended and made multiple patrols but did not locate the Honda Civic. I love it when we receive calls like this, with people looking out for their neighbours.
On Dec. 21, RCMP received a complaint of a barn burning down on White Bear First Nations. Several animals, including pigs, goats, ducks, and chickens, perished in the fire. As the barn did not have any power or any electrical source, the fire is believed to arson. Carlyle RCMP is requesting anyone with information about this incident to contact the detachment by calling 306-453-6707. Information can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Also that day, the RCMP received a call about a collision on White Bear. The caller stated that he was driving his GMC truck when he accidently slid on ice and hit a parked Toyota SUV. Luckily no one was hurt in the collision and only resulted in property damage.
That same day, a Carlyle male was charged with impaired operation of a vehicle when he was located driving his Chevrolet SUV. The male was arrested and provided samples of his breath to confirm his impairment. He blew samples over double the legal limit. The male spent the night in RCMP cells until he was sober.
On Dec. 26, the RCMP received an alarm at Wawota School. RCMP attended and ensured the school was secure. There were no signs of forced entry at the school and the alarm was likely caused by bad weather.
Scam of the week
This week I want to talk about direct deposit scams. You can be targeted with an email or text message that prompts you to deposit money into your account. Once you click on the link it will take you to a fraudulent site that will prompt you to enter your personal or banking information. The site will look very similar to your online banking website so much that you may not notice the difference. The scam then uses your personal banking information to steal your identity, credit or money. Just for an example these scammers could potentially use this information to open up several credit cards and loans in your name and steal all the money leaving you with thousands of dollars in debt to pay off and a ruined credit rating.
It’s okay not to be okay!
Carlyle RCMP responded to several mental health calls this week. The mental health calls varied from people with dementia, people suffering from drug and alcohol psychosis, to people suffering from depression. We want to encourage everyone to reach out for help and talk to someone if they can. No matter how bad things may seem remember that they will always get better. Life can be very difficult to say the least.
Please reach out and check in with friends, co-workers, and family see how they are doing. It’s a perfectly normal question to ask people how they are doing. Don’t let people suffer in silence. If you see someone that you believe needs some help but won’t accept help from you, please let the police or their family know. Help is also available 24 hours a day at Canada’s Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566.
Police Joke
A police officer pulls a vehicle over for speeding.
Police Officer: “When I saw you driving down the road, I guessed 80 at least.”
Driver: “You’re wrong, officer, its only my hat and glasses that make be look that old.”