File this one under REALLY? So far this year Halton Police have laid almost 300 impaired driving charges.
It seems that with the increased awareness of the problem and more RIDE programs set in place, some people are not getting the message. 13 people in Halton died unnecessarily in my opinion. Drinking and driving is totally preventable. Just dont do it!
After our Milton Community Policing Committee meeting earlier this week, Const. Floyd said that Halton Police will be starting the RIDE program for this holiday season and will be out in full force.
It doesnt take that much of an extra effort to do the right thing. The Champion article outlines a number of things you can do to help make our roads safer.
• If you plan to drive, don’t drink
• Choose a sober designated driver before partying
• Take public transit, a taxi or ask a friend to drive you home
• Spend the night where the activity is being held
• Immediately report impaired drivers to police
• Always wear your seat belt
Do the right thing…and help make this holiday season safer for everyone. There are very few people who have had their lives affected by drinking & driving. Either you know someone personally or know of someone who has lost a friend or loved one due to this totally preventable crime.
If you see someone who shouldnt be driving, try to stop them. If not, call 911. You could be saving a life!
And continuing with my previous post on Lock it or Lose it here is another article from the Milton Canadian Champion on unattended vehicles being stolen from peoples driveways.
Unattended, idling vehicles become stolen vehicles: police
Don’t let that warm car result in a cold walk this winter.As the Christmas season and the cold weather have returned, Halton Regional Police are issuing reminders to residents about precautionary measures they can take to prevent their valuables, including their vehicle, from being stolen.
Police say that between Nov. 3, 2009 and Jan. 14, 2010, 25 vehicles were stolen in Halton that had been left unattended and idling by their owners. Fifteen of those thefts occurred in Milton in the Derry Road community.
In Milton, leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running is illegal under a town by-law and could result in a $75 fine. An unattended running vehicle that is locked, even if it is in your driveway or in your garage, is still a target for thieves.
Police also warn about leaving car doors open or any items in plain view wherever you park your vehicle.
“Crimes of opportunity occur when we don’t take the necessary precautions such as locking our vehicles and placing items out of sight,” said a Halton police press release.
While there is no guarantee against becoming a victim of vehicle theft, or having your vehicle broken into, Halton police offer the following safety tips:
• Park in well-lit and attended areas
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you
• Always lock all doors and windows
• Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle. Lock all valuables in the trunk. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving packages, cameras or purses in plain view
• Remove GPS navigation and cellphone devices when not in your vehicle
• Mount CD and MP3 players inconspicuously
• If you have a garage, use it and lock your car
• Never hide a spare key in your car
For more crime prevention ideas, visit www.haltonpolice.ca and follow the link to Community Policing.
And to illustrate this even further, here is this weeks Milton Police Blotter from the Champion.
BMW stolen while left warming
A 2006 BMW 325 valued at $30,000 was stolen from a driveway after the owner left it idling before his drive to work. The incident on Huffman Crescent took place at 5:15 a.m. Monday.
Computer equipment taken from school
Overnight Monday, a portable classroom at St. Peter Catholic Elementary School on Dixon Drive was broken into. During the incident a laptop computer and two Alpha Smart keyboards were taken. Their estimated value is $2,200.
Car stolen during the day
A 2008 white Ford Edge was taken between noon and 9 p.m. November 17. The car had been parked on Main Street East.