LANARK COUNTY – It was a week that saw an increase in motor vehicle collisions, thefts and domestic disputes in Lanark County.

“Between Monday, April 13 and Monday, April 20,” the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) released in a statement today (April 20). “Constables from the Lanark County Detachment of the OPP responded to 229 calls for service. 

The OPP responded to five thefts over the week.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing out the best and the worst in people everywhere in the world including the Town of Perth,” the OPP said. “On April 13, between 2  and 4 p.m., unknown suspect(s) attended the residence of an elderly female on Mill Street and stole an envelope with cash which had been taped there for her pending grocery delivery. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).”

 While on patrol in Perth on April 14, just before 12:30 a.m., officers from the Lanark County OPP observed two males walking on Drummond Street. 

“In speaking with the males it was determined one male, Jeffrey Hamilton, 22-years-old of Perth was breaching conditions of his probation,” the OPP said. “The accused was arrested on the breach and an outstanding warrant and charged with the following offences:”

Five counts of Fail to comply with Probation Order

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by Crime Under $5
• Two counts of fraudulent use of credit card
• The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing on April 14

The OPP responded to three complaints of mischief over the week.

Lanark County OPP are looking for anyone who has information regarding damage to a vehicle parked on Wilson Street West in the Town of Perth overnight between April 12 and 13. The vehicle appears to have been moved as well.

Overnight between April 13 and 14, a chain link fence at the Royal Canadian Legion in the Town of Perth was damaged. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

The OPP are investigating four complaints of fraud stemming from the last week.

“Lanark County OPP wish to advise the public to be very cautious regarding attachments or links sent to them via email or text,” the OPP said. “Fraudsters are taking the chance you have received government funds from job loss due to COVID-19 and are sending a message, posing as the Canadian government, asking you to click on links. Once you click the link it will take you to your bank account and then ask you to verify personal and banking information. Do not click on any links as this will allow the fraudster access to your bank account.”

Other calls in Lanark County include 12 motor vehicle collisions including four involving deer. The OPP also responded to 10 domestic incidents but laid no charges.

Any person with information regarding any criminal activity should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.