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1 l'âge 14 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, May 19, 1999 OPP Targets Bad Drivers by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer Bad drivers -- beware. The OPP is looking for you. While Ontario Provincial Police officers arc always on the look-out for aggressive drivers, they're paying special attention right now. The force's Aggressive Driving Campaign kicked off last Friday, and will run through May 28. "Officers are out there targeting targeting speeders, (people making) making) unsafe lane changes, red light runners" and tailgatcrs, says Const. Julia McCuaig of the OPP Whitby detachment. Last year, there were 1,197 collisions on provincial highways highways in Durham Region. In those collisions, seven people died and 350 people were injured. Also on the increase is the incidence of road rage, says Const. McCuaig. She says it's best for people to leave apprehension apprehension of aggressive drivers up to the police. "If there is aggressive driving driving going on, and you notice it, you can call *OPP (on a cellular phone)," Const. McCuaig says, adding police recommend gathering gathering as much information as possible, including license plate number, the colour of the car, the number of occupants of the car, and a description of the driver. Police can, acting on a phone call from a member of the public, public, check out the driver's record. The driver may receive a letter, or, in some cases where the driving record is consistently consistently bad, a visit from police. If safety concerns aren't enough to make a driver think twice about driving aggressively, aggressively, perhaps the fine and point system will make a difference. Drivers caught running a red light could face a fine of $155, plus victim surcharge. Speeding charges start at $47. 50. Unsafe lane changes and following too closely result in $105 fines. Worse yet, people caught driving driving aggressively can gain demerit points. Tailgating carries carries four demerit points. A maximum maximum of 12 demerit points against any one driver is allowed before the court system lakes a serious look at whether the individual should keep their driver's license. Demerit points seem to be the bigger deal for drivers, says Const. McCuaig. "You can hand them a fine, but they get much more upset about points," she says. Clarington Police Briefs Daylight Break-in Durham Regional Police in Clarington are investigating after a home on Green's Road was broken into. Police reports indicate the break-in occurred sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday. The front door of the home was kicked in. It appears the home's computer computer and some telephones were missing. Police are waiting for the home owner to compile a more detailed list of items • which were taken. Truck Written Off A 27-year-old Bowmanvillc man has been charged after his 1994 GMC Sierra truck was written off on Sunday. Police say the man was driving driving on the 4th Concession of Clarington, just cast of Middle Road. The truck went into the ditch and collided head-on with a hydro pole. It is believed the man fell asleep at the wheel of the vehicle, vehicle, say police reports. The man has been charged with careless driving. ATV Stolen An all-terrain vehicle was stolen from .Ncwtonvillc last week. Police reports say a 1998 Yamaha, green in colour, was taken from a barn, located on the owner's property. The incident was reported to police Friday. Where's the Fire? Sunday morning, volunteer firefighters were busy battling a simulated fire at the Oshawa Bunker. This is routine training for new recruits. Divisional Chief Gord Weir, Tim Calhoun (part time Captain-Station 4 and full time firefighter) and Pat Drumm (District Chief-Station 4) instructed the individuals. They tested hoses and practiced going in a burning structure while suited. Above, the trainees prepare to enter the building. Regional Police Briefs Charges Laid In Drug Seizure Port Perry -- D u r h a m Regional Police have laid charges after the seizure of almost 3,000 marijuana plants. The 2,884 plants were seized from a hydroponics lab in a Port Perry residence on May 11. Three people turned themselves in to DRP Thursday afternoon. May of the plants seized were starter plants, but when grown to maturity, maturity, police believe they would have had a street value of $6.5 million. Charged with production of a controlled substance, substance, possession possession for the purpose purpose of trafficking, trafficking, and possession possession of the proceeds proceeds of crime are: George Clarke, 45, of R.R. #2 Markham; Lisa Saycau, 18, of Port Perry; and Donald Dupuis, 29, of Oshawa. The accused appeared in Oshawa court Friday. Warrants Issued in 1997 Pickering Fire Pickering -- Dur It a m Regional Police have issued warrants warrants in connection connection with a 1997 Pickering lire. Police say that on October 16, 1997, a residence located at 1460 Highbush Trail was totally destroyed by fire. As a result, the It o m e o w n e r s received a payment payment of $300,()()() from their insurance companies. The couple have since moved to the United Stales.