Lumby cops juggle graffiti, drunk-driving, biting dogs

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April 05, 2013 - 4:23 PM

Lumby RCMP have been busy the past few weeks with a range of trouble-makers from spray-painting teens to aggressive canines.

"The problems associated with youths and graffiti seems to come to come up on about a yearly basis," Lumby Cpl. Henry Proce said.

Police received a report on March 19th that the interior of a bathroom at the Lumby Shell had been ‘tagged’ by two youths.

"This time we caught a break as the surveillance video of the vandalism was very clear," Proce said.

The youths were identified by members of the Vernon Detachment when their pictures were shown.

Proce reminds the public that ‘tagging’ of public or private spaces is a criminal offense.
Both youths are facing criminal charges. Police will not be recommending alternative judicial measures in these sort of cases.

Meanwhile, another criminal act continues to plague police.

"First of all you should not be driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are driving under the influence, it’s best not to draw attention to yourself," Proce said.

"Something as innocuous as a burned out headlight can lead to your downfall."

This was the case in Cherryville the night of March 29th. Police observed a ‘91 Ford pickup near the intersection of North Fork and Lang Roads with only one headlight. A routine stop revealed the driver was impaired by alcohol. He was arrested and brought into Vernon Detachment where samples twice the legal limit were obtained. A 22-year-old Cherryville male will now be facing charges of impaired driving.

Last but not least, run-ins with dogs have been an issue lately.

RCMP responded to a complaint of a dog bite in Oval Park on April 3rd.

"A two year old girl was bitten on the leg by a small dog running off leash in the play area of the park," Proce said.

The incident was not reported until the family got home so police were not able to locate the dog or its owner. The girl’s parents wanted it reported to prevent further incidents. Dogs are not allowed in Oval Park and should always be on a leash when walking in public areas, Proce said.

Another dog incident was reported on April 3rd with three ‘pit bull type’ dogs running off-leash in the parking lot of Saddle Mountain Place. One of the tenants spoke to the owner and was sworn at for her trouble.

The police want to remind dog owners that bylaws are in place concerning dogs in public places. The by-laws are in place for the safety of everyone.

To contact the reporter for this story, email CHarlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.