Waterloo Regional Police joined law enforcement agencies across North America for Operation Clear Track, the single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America, held in conjunction with Rail Safety Week.
The weeklong event runs from Sept. 21-27, coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, which aims to reduce preventable deaths and injuries on rail lines.
Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services unit will be conducting enforcement at train and LRT crossings throughout Waterloo Region. The goal is to educate and remind motorists emphasize the importance of obeying rail crossings, encourage people to think twice before engaging in unsafe behaviours, and provide safety tips regarding rail safety.
Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or driver of a motor vehicle, police remind you to:
- Never race a train
- Be prepared to stop
- Obey flashing lights, signal and/or cross bars at train and LRT tracks
- Stay alert at rail crossings- today’s trains can be very quiet
- Leave your vehicle if it stalls or gets stuck on the tracks and call 9-1-1
- Stay off the tracks- Trains can go as fast as 160km/hr as can take up to 2 km to come to a full stop.
- Use designated rail crossings, and only proceed when it’s safe to do so.
More than 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured each year as a result of collisions at rail crossings and trespassing on railway property. The Canadian Pacific Railway reports that “over the last 15 years, there have been 26 railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Waterloo Region.”
“Educating the public and reducing serious injury and fatalities on train tracks and railways throughout Waterloo Region is a key priority for us,” says acting Staff Sergeant Mark Hammer. “Railway signs, lights, bells and gates are there to keep the public safe. Please be sure to obey all warnings to ensure your safety.”
For more information about Operation Clear Track, Rail Safety Week and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit operationlifesaver.ca.
SEPTEMBER 14
9:00 AM | As a result of the ongoing investigation, two men were arrested and charged in connection with several break-in incidents Sept. 8 in Woolwich and Wellesley townships. A 28-year-old Kitchener man was charged with one count of robbery, four counts of break and enter, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and one count of unauthorized use of a stolen credit card. A 23-year-old Kitchener man was charged with one count of robbery, four counts of break and enter, three counts of theft of motor vehicle and one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, ext. 8291 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
SEPTEMBER 15
11:17 AM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision in the area of Lichty Road and Deborah Glaister Line in Wellesley Township. The driver of the vehicle lost control while travelling on soft gravel and the vehicle was pulled into a ditch. The vehicle struck a tree and was towed from the scene. There were no injuries reported as a result of the collision. No charges were laid.
SEPTEMBER 18
8:50 PM | Emergency services responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision at Northfield Drive East and Hill Street in Woolwich Township. A 24-year-old Woolwich man was operating a bicycle when he was struck by a northbound pickup truck, operated by a 35-year-old Renfrew County man. The cyclist was transported to hospital by ambulance with serious injuries. The roadway was closed for several hours while members of Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Unit investigated.
SEPTEMBER 19
12:55 AM | Wellington County OPP responded to a break-and-enter in progress at a rural property in Guelph-Eramosa Township. It was reported that a premise was entered and marijuana had been stolen. Uniform officers responded to the area and the OPP Canine and Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers were activated. While responding to the area, police observed suspects running towards a parked vehicle and after a brief investigation took them into custody. A duffel bag containing fresh marijuana was seized along with break-and-enter tools and a BB handgun located inside the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that all the accused involved were prohibited from possessing firearms. A 35-year-old of Kitchener man was charged with ‘break and enter commit indictable offence,’ ‘theft under $5,000,’ ‘possession of break in instruments,’ ‘possession of property obtained by a crime’ and ‘failure to comply with prohibition order contrary.’ a 45-year-old Guelph man was charged with ‘break and enter commit indictable offence,’ ‘theft under $5,000,’ ‘possession of break in instruments,’ ‘possession of property obtained by a crime’ and ‘failure to comply with prohibition order contrary.’ A 36-year-old Guelph woman was charged with ‘break and enter commit indictable offence,’ ‘theft under $5,000,’ possession of break in instruments,’ ‘possession of property obtained by a crime’ and ‘failure to comply with prohibition order.’ All accused will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on Oct. 20 to answer to the charges.
SEPTEMBER 20
11:20 AM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report of a theft from a vehicle in the area of Bristow Creek Drive in Elmira. Police were advised that an unknown person had rummaged through the personal property of the victim in the vehicle, which was unlocked at the time, and it does not appear that anything was taken. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
1:02 PM | Police received a report about a theft from a vehicle in the area of Dalebrook Street in Elmira. Sometime overnight, an unknown suspect entered a vehicle; however, nothing was reported stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
SEPTEMBER 21
3:31 AM | In the early morning, police responded to a report of a break-in at a residence on Musselman Crescent in Conestogo. A secured garage was entered, and a vehicle on the property was searched through. Some personal items were taken from the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
8:49 AM | Police received a report of a theft from an unlocked motor vehicle on Musselman Crescent in Conestogo. Personal property was stolen from the vehicle. Waterloo Regional Police remind the community to keep vehicles locked and do not store valuables inside your vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
12:35 PM | Police received a report of a theft from a commercial property on Sawmill Road in Bloomingdale. An unknown suspect stole a commercial-grade tool. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
