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Warkworth Pen Under Investigation Sources Say

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CBC News reported last week of an investigation for harassment of inmates and staff at Edmonton Institution. A similar situation may be underway at Warkworth Institution, by population Canada’s largest federal penitentiary. Northumberland 89.7 has learned that the Ottawa consulting firm, Quintet Consulting Corporation of Ottawa is retained to survey abuses at Northumberland’s local prison.

Northumberland 89.7 has learned that management at Warkworth Institution previously contracted for the installation of a stingray device to record cell phone calls coming from the prison and surrounding area. This has greatly upset residents living in the vicinity of the prison. Although the device found no operational cell phone calls from prisoners, CSC was able to monitor and record staff calls even though CSC had no warrant to do so. Sources tell us that a police investigation has been completed and a decision has yet to be taken on possible criminal charges.

Northumberland 89.7 has been provided with a series of investigative photos of a bound and gagged mannequin splayed across an officer’s desk. It is suspected that other staff members were responsible for what appears to be an intimidation tactic. We have also learned that the Warden was made aware of a beheaded effigy of a staff member.

Cobourg Condos Evacuated

Heavy rainfall on Friday did more than flood Elgin Street East. Cobourg Internet News provides the following report: "From an unfortunate chain of events, Cobourg Harbour Walk Condos at 145 and 125 Third Street were forced to evacuate today. These condos are joined by a single underground garage whose floor level is 4 feet below the normal level of Lake Ontario. When it flooded today (no surprise) a resident said that machinery used to try to cope with the flood generated high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in the building. Then when the machinery was stopped, water levels rose and flooded the electrical system causing total power blackout in the two buildings. Small pumps powered by a portable generator cannot keep up with the inflow of water so large “vacuum” trucks have been called in (photo below).


 

It may be unrelated but the same condos are in the middle of replacing their garage entrance ramp. The under slab heating was faulty and replacement meant all cars had to be out of the basement while the work was completed. Irrespective, the ramp provides a fast track for torrential rain runoff to enter the garage.  Also, the pump trucks would no doubt need to use the ramp to access the basement/ garage but since the ramp is not yet fully set, it could be damaged.

Residents were told to evacuate (because of the CO level) around 2:00pm and firemen went door to door to make sure everyone got the message. Later, some were allowed to quickly retrieve stuff but were accompanied by a fireman.

They understood that the recovery work would be finished by Saturday and they could expect to return then. But Lakeland expects that Power “will 100% NOT be restored by Saturday” and a best guess would be Monday. So an overnight stay in a hotel will become a nightmare 2 or 3 night stay. My guess is that they may be allowed back to get more clothes once the CO is cleared.

No-one was hurt but it’s not known if all pets were removed with residents – and certainly there will be spoiled food in refrigerators.

At around 8:00pm, the Town of Cobourg issued the following:

We would like to advise that the condo buildings located at 125-145 Third Street have been safely evacuated earlier due to flooding affecting the electrical system in the basement.

All individuals located within these buildings are safe. The Cobourg Community Centre (CCC) at 750 D’Arcy Street is serving as a temporary Reception Centre offering support to evacuees until they find accommodation with nearby relatives or friends.

Genedco Property Management Ltd. manages the condominium properties located at 125-145 Third Street and are working on getting the properties restored as soon as possible. They hope to have residents returning to their homes within 24 hours.

The evacuation did not proceed smoothly. Residents were told to go to the CCC where the Red Cross would look after them. They were also told that a bus would be provided to take them where they needed to go. There was no bus to be seen and no Red Cross. Instead they were given a list of hotels with vacant rooms and taxis were called. Their cellphone numbers were collected and would be used to let them know when they can return. You have to wonder who is responsible for managing this kind of thing. The Fire Department seemed to do a good job clearing the building but there was mixed communication.

There were several hundred people (mostly seniors) involved in this evacuation and with no injuries (at least not yet) it has to be called a success but you can bet at least some of the residents will be critical." [content and photo credit: John Draper. Used with permission]

Port Hope Police Report

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Man charged with domestic related assault

A 35 year old Port Hope man was arrested early Monday morning after police were called to a domestic dispute in the down town core. Port Hope Police officers were given information that occupants of the down town apartment were in a heated argument. A man described as the victim’s spouse was taken into custody and charged with assault. He was held for a show cause hearing.

Grandchild/Parent scam finds a victim in Port Hope

A senior citizen has fallen victim to a scam Monday after she wired money via western union to a location believed to be in Quebec. The woman received a call from someone purported to be a lawyer. He told the woman her son was charged with “reckless driving” and he needed money for bail. The woman went to Cobourg and wired $1000.00 dollars. The male called back shortly after and said he needed another amount to pay for fines. The woman sent more money but was able to stop that transaction after a neighbour assisted her in getting in contact with her son. 

People with elderly family members need to make sure they are aware of such scams that prey on the trusting nature of senior citizens.  Police conduct regular lectures for seniors on frauds and scams.  Amongst this scam is; the phoney bank employee scam, Microsoft Computer scam, Canada Revenue Agency Scam, email scams, fake invoice scams.  Usually anyone asking for money via internet and or telephone ,it is safe to say, it is a scam.  Do not to send money or give any personal information out to people whom are unknown.  

Police are continuing with the investigation.
 

Rough Start For Food Providers

Cobourg’s flooded beach is likely responsible for diminished crowds at the waterfront. Despite this weekend’s Highland Games, there was only limited activity at the beach. Northumberland 89.7 spoke with the food concession providers, Lucas and Montana, owners of the Market and S’mor and asked if diminished weekend turnouts are frustrating them in making a profit. They remain stoic and look to better weather and better turnouts in the coming weeks. However, they advised that Cobourg will not see them opening their specialty market on King Street this fall. They stated that even though they signed a lease, provided the Landlord with a deposit cheque and are in possession of the keys, the Landlord reneged and wants to renegotiate. Rather than spending expected profits on lawyer’s fees to defend their lease, the husband and wife team have decided to walk away. They suggested there is still a possibility leased space may be found in Port Hope.

Cobourg Police Weekly Report

Between Monday the 12th of June to Sunday the 18th of June, 2017, the Cobourg Police Service responded to 194 calls for service including:


 

Motor Vehicle Collisions, Family Dispute calls, Domestic Dispute calls, Assault calls, Unknown Trouble / 911 calls, Mental Health calls, Police Assistance calls, Unwanted Person Calls, Suspicious Person calls, Harassment calls, Theft calls, Missing Person calls, Impaired Driver calls, Break and Enter calls, Trespass to Property Act calls, Alarm calls, Animal Complaint calls, Noise Complaint calls and Foot Patrols.


 

Here are examples of the calls for the week:


 

Jun 12th


 

•    Police received a report of speeding in the area of D’Arcy Street and University Ave East between the hours of 7:30 am to 8:30 am.  As a result of the traffic complaint, Officers from the Police Service have been in the area conducting traffic enforcement targeting the complaint.  An example of some charges laid include Speeding and Drive Motor Vehicle with No Licence


 

• Police conducted a Foot Patrol at the 860 William Street (the Court House), Cobourg. Police Officers regularly conduct random foot patrols of the court house to help ensure security and safety within;


 

Jun 13th :


 

• Police responded to a panic alarm at a residential address, upon speaking with occupants of the residence it was deemed to be false in nature and subsequently a false alarm; and


 

• Police were dispatched to a report of a Noise Complaint at a residence in the early morning hours.  It turned out the occupant was attempting to install an air conditioner due to the heat; the male was advised to lower his voice and quiet down; he complied.  


 

Jun 14th :


 

• Police were dispatched to a report of a Theft at a local gas station.  As a result of the investigation and video surveillance the registered owner of the motor vehicle was contacted and returned to pay for the fuel, there were no criminal charges were laid; and


 

• Police responded to an area business for an intrusion alarm.  Upon Police arrival it was revealed that a new employee did not have the correct information to turn off the alarm.  The incident was cleared as false.


 

Jun 15th: 


 

• Police responded to a report of a possible impaired driver, the Ontario Provincial Police contacted Cobourg Police with the report.  A search of the area met with negative results in locating the impaired driver.  The registered owner of the motor vehicle did not reside in Cobourg


 

• Police were dispatched to a Mental Health incident at a residence.  Upon Police meeting with the complainant, it was determined that a person in the residence required medical assistance.  A female was voluntarily transported to a hospital for assistance and observation.


 

Jun 16th: 


 

• Police were dispatched to a report of a family dispute which was initially reported as a possible mental health breakdown.  As a result of Police attendance, it was revealed that a teenage male in the residence did not want to follow house rules imposed by his parent.  The male apologized to his parent and was permitted to stay in the residence


 

• Police were dispatched to a Theft from motor vehicle.  Video surveillance exists of two unknown males entering the motor vehicle, the investigation is continuing. 


 

The public are reminded to keep valuables out of your motor vehicle, or at least out of sight and ensure the vehicle is locked when unoccupied.


 

Jun 17th:  

  

• Police were dispatched to the downtown area for a report of a Domestic Disturbance, a male and female were arguing as they walked.  A search of the area was conducted with Police which met with negative results in locating the male and female.  It was further reported that the two persons departed the area in a silver Chevrolet motor vehicle, no licence plate was obtained.  Police conducted a search of the area for the silver motor vehicle which met with negative results. 


 

• Police were dispatched to an Unwanted Person at an east end residence.  Police spoke with the complainant who reported that she wanted a female, whom she had met online, and who had been visiting her from Toronto, removed.  The complainant and unwanted person were both intoxicated by alcohol.  The unwanted guest was ultimately arrested for Breach of the Peace; as she continually yelled aloud around the residential area.  The female was released from Police custody once sober unconditionally.


 

Jun 18th: 


 

• In the early morning hours, Police were called to a single motor vehicle collision on Division Street north of Densmore Rd.  A northbound motor vehicle had hit a median leaving a large debris field across the medians in the vicinity.  The driver of the motor vehicle was transported to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.  The driver of the motor vehicle was charged with Careless Driving contrary to Section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act, which has a penalty of $490.00 and 6 Demerit Points; and


 

• Police were dispatched to a report of a barking dog in a northeast residential area.  Upon arrival in the area, no dog could be heard making noise.  Police conducted a search of the area which met with negative results in locating the dog or residence where the dog was at.