Sault Ste Marie – Crime – Sault Ste Marie Police report a quiet Monday. Forty-six year old Ralph Hautanen of 332 Albert St. West has charged with assault and threatening after police were called to his residence at midnight.  It is alleged he assaulted a female known to him by punching her in the face and threatening to slit her throat with a knife.

Sault Ste Marie Crime Prevention

The SSM Police are proactive in offering ideas that enhance community safety.

To keep young children safe, the SSM Police offer Keeping Kids Safe.

With the arrival of spring, longer evening hours, and (hopefully warmer weather) the SSM Police offer Bike Safety tips for youth, teens and all riders.

When riding your bike, ride in a straight line, in the same direction as traffic and look both ways when crossing the street. Always obey traffic signs, rules, and signals.

When turning or stopping always use the proper hand signals to let others know what you are doing or where you are going.

Always wear a helmet when you go biking. Let your parents know where you are going when you head out.

If you plan on leaving your bike to go into a store or someone’s house, use a lock to secure your bike.

If you are biking at night wear brightly coloured clothes and have a white light on the front of your bike and plenty of reflectors.

Get your bike registered at the police station to avoid theft. If your bike is stolen report the loss to the police immediately.

Helmet Safety

All cyclists under the age of eighteen years are required by law to wear a helmet while riding or operating a bicycle and the chin strap of the helmet must be securely fastened under the chin. (According to the Highway Traffic Act. 104 2.1).

Always wear your helmet the proper way. Wearing a helmet can reduce serious injury by up to 85%. Only approved helmets are recommended. Look for a C.S.A, SNELL or ANSI sticker on your helmet to see if it is approved. You should replace your helmet every 4 years due to wear and or deterioration. Placing stickers on the outside of the helmet can shorten the helmet’s life span as the stickers cause plastic to break down faster.

5 Rules to Avoid Fatal Crashes

• Never ride out onto the street without stopping first
• Obey stop signs
• Check behind you before swerving, turning, or changing lanes
• Never follow another rider without applying the rules
• Before you get on your bike, put on a helmet

If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers’ website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637. Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help.