Staff Sgt. Ryan Currie says that police are receiving an increasing number of complaints about social media comments, but not all can be investigated.
“We receive many reports regarding disparaging comments or discussions on social media,” he said on Tuesday. “Any time that these comments relay a direct threat to a person or property, police will investigate as it relates to charges of uttering threats under the Criminal Code. Many of these complaints involve comments that are not criminal in nature, even though they can be annoying or offensive. We do not investigate social media actions that are not considered criminal in nature.
“If you are having issues with social media, ensure you manage your security settings appropriately and do not follow or communicate with any one you find offensive or bothersome,” he said.
Creston RCMP responded to 67 calls for assistance from June 12-19, Currie said.
June 12
• Police assisted Canyon Lister Fire Services in warning a resident who was burning contrary to fire restrictions.
• An on-going harassment involving two parties was investigated.
• A report of spray-painting mischief was received from Canyon Lister Park.
• Another spray-painting incident was reported on a retaining wall in Erickson.
June 13
• When police stopped a driver who made an illegal U-turn on Highway 3 in Erickson he was found to be impaired, and was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and 30-day vehicle impoundment.
• The driver of a vehicle clocked at 145 km/h on Highway 3 in Kitchener early in the morning was charged with driving with excessive speed and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days.
• Police had to intervene in a neighbours’ dispute over the spraying of weeds.
June 14
• A fight between students at PCSS required police assistance, but the matter is now being dealt with by the school and parents.
June 15
• Police warned a driver about the dangerous operation of a vehicle when he went off Highway 3 near the Highway 21 junction.
• A report about a possible distress beacon on Mt. Kitchener was found to be the light on a communication tower.
• Police referred to the Trespass Act to remove an unwanted customer from a business.
June 16
• When police responded to a report of a drinking driver leaving a pub they stopped the vehicle and issued a 3-day driving suspension.
• The theft of equipment, possible by a former employee, was reported in Creston.
• Police responded to an On-Star emergency report, but found that the driver had pressed the emergency button by mistake.
• Two dogs chasing an angry alpaca required a visit by police, who advised the owners to manage their disputes in a civil manner.
June 17
• A case of dogs left in a hot vehicle was resolved when a business paged the owner, who returned to care for the animals.
• Charges are being considered after a person was arrested for uttering threats during a domestic disturbance.
June 18
• Youths reported to be smoking and throwing rocks in an alley off Canyon Street were warned and sent on their way.
• Police were called to intervene in a dispute between two neighbours in which the landlord was not taking action. The complainant was referred to the appropriate authority.
• When police responded to a report of a possible domestic dispute they found no criminal actions had taken place, but separated the participants to help avoid further conflict.