WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police continue to lay intimate partner violence charges across the county.
Those arrested recently include:
– a 33-year-old woman from Arthur, who was charged with assault (spousal) and assault with a weapon (spousal), in relation to an incident in Wellington North on Sept. 24; and
– a 50-year-old man from Elora, charged with assault and criminal harassment, Sept. 27 in Elora.
The accused individuals are to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Another scam, another victim
CENTRE WELLINGTON – Police are again issuing a scam warning to Wellington County residents after yet another person was defrauded.
“Phishing phone call scams posing as online computer technicians are targeting citizens within the county via landline phones,” stated a Sept. 26 press release from the OPP.
Police say someone posing as an “online technician,” called a Centre Wellington resident on Sept. 24 “describing a false sense of urgency that their computer was hacked and would require assistance in restoring their computer.”
The victim was instructed to purchase $1,000 worth of gift cards for the repair and read out the numbers to the scammer over the phone.
“Shortly thereafter, and in the same day, the scammer called back and requested the victim to attend their bank and withdraw an additional $14,890,” police stated.
“Once at the bank, the victim suspected they were being subject to fraudulent activity and reported the incident to police.”
Wellington County OPP officials are encouraging the public “to stay alert and educated to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud.
“If you receive an unsolicited phone call or message, asking for personal information (name, birthday, address, phone number, bank information, SIN number) or payment via gift cards for a product, do not provide the information and hang-up the phone and block the phone number.”
For more information, police suggest reading The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found at competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html.
Victims of fraud are encouraged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Watch out for deer
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Now that it’s autumn, Wellington County OPP officials are reminding drivers to remain vigilant and watch out for deer on area roads.
“During the fall months, deer are more active due to mating season and are often on the move searching for food,” police stated in a Sept. 26 press release.
“This can lead to unexpected encounters with vehicles, especially at dawn and dusk when visibility is reduced.”
Police are offering the following safety tips for drivers:
– stay alert and keep an eye out for deer crossing signs and be especially cautious in areas known for high deer populations;
– reduce speed to provide more time to react if a deer comes on to the road;
– when driving at night, use high beams when possible to increase visibility, but switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles;
– watch for movement and if you see one deer, be on the lookout for more, as they often travel in groups;
– if you see a deer on or near the road, honk your horn to alert the deer and signal other drivers;
– if a collision seems imminent, it’s safer to brake firmly rather than swerving, which could lead to losing control of the vehicle or colliding with another car; and
– if you do hit a deer, report the incident to Wellington County OPP. This helps track deer populations and road safety.
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Anyone with information about any of the above incidents can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a cash reward.
