LANARK COUNTY – Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were kept busy with domestic incidents and thefts in a week where the police responded to 273 calls for service between May 4 and May 11.

The OPP responded to 16 domestic incidents over the week.

“Carleton Place OPP were called on May 6 just before 9 a.m. by a victim of domestic abuse on May 3,” OPP media relations officer Provincial Const. Lori Lobinowich released in a statement today (May 12). “The victim advised the accused had been contacting the victim numerous times contrary to release conditions from the first incident.”

Officers conducted their investigation which resulted in charges of failure to comply with order against the person. The accused was released on an appearance notice with a court date of July 6, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth.

 “Lanark County OPP were called to a residence in Lanark Highlands Township on May 6, regarding a domestic incident which had taken place since the early morning hours of May 5,” Lobinowich said. “The investigation resulted in the resident being charged with two counts of domestic assault.”

The accused was released from custody on an undertaking with a scheduled court date of July 6, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth.

Carleton Place OPP were called to a residence in Mississippi Mills Township on May 7, just before 1 p.m., after the resident called advising her ex-spouse was trying to force his way into the home. 

“Officers attended, conducted their investigation which resulted in the arrest and charging of a 35-year-old resident of Mississippi Mills Township,” Lobinowich said. “The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing on May 8, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth.”

The OPP investigated 10 thefts over the week.

On May 3, Lanark County OPP were called to a business on Dufferin Street in the Town of Perth at 5:40 p.m. regarding the theft of a large number of boxed perfumes by three unknown persons. Total loss valued at $5,000.

 On May 8, Lanark County OPP were called to a business on Dufferin Street in the Town of Perth regarding the theft of a Nest alarm system the previous day (May 7) at 09:30 a.m. The alarm system is valued at $150. The male suspect paid for other items but hid the alarm system. 

The OPP attended 16 motor vehicle collisions over the week including eight car-deer collisions, five collisions in parking lots and two single-vehicle collisions.

“While on general patrol in the Town of Perth on May 6, around 10 a.m., a traffic stop was conducted by an officer from the Lanark County OPP,” Lobinowich said. “The subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest and charge of Bradley McGonegal, age 47 of Perth, for operation while prohibited under the criminal code. He was further charged under the Highway Traffic Act for driving while under suspension.”

The accused was released from custody on an Appearance Notice for the criminal charge, with a scheduled court date of Sept. 14, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth. 

The OPP investigated three break and enters during the week.

On May 4, at 2 a.m., Lanark County OPP responded to a business alarm on Hwy 511, in Hopetown, Lanark Highlands Township. Officers attended and met with the owners, confirming the premises had been entered and a quantity of ammunition, cigarettes and a safe had been stolen. Video surveillance showed three persons entering the premises and a vehicle identified. Later that day, the suspect vehicle was located abandoned. The Smiths Falls Forensic Identification Unit attended both locations and assisted with the on-going investigation. 

 Lanark County OPP are looking for assistance from anyone with information regarding a break and enter to the canteen building located on Watson Corners Road in Lanark Highlands Township which occurred sometime between May 9 to 10. Although nothing was stolen, items were thrown around and the kitchen area cupboards were ripped from the walls. 

The OPP are currently investigating six cases of fraud.

“With people spending more time online, scammers are very active,” Lobinowich said. “Lanark County OPP wish to remind people how important it is to regularly change your passwords to avoid hacking. Police have received several calls regarding email hacking recently so wish people to be aware. Also, police are cautioning regarding dating sites or sending compromising photos via social media to people you’ve just met. Scammers will often pose as a possible suitor, request photos and then will try to blackmail you, threatening to send the photos to everyone in your contact list. Never send money in this case; better yet, don’t send the photos.”

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.