Lunenburg District RCMP is requesting assistance from the public for help in identifying a man involved in a robbery in Cookville. 

On September 8, at approximately 9:08 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a robbery at a business on Pine Grove Rd. 

 Through the investigation, RCMP officers learned that a man had attempted to exit the business with unpaid merchandise, setting off the door alarm.  Bystanders attempted to stop the man which resulted in a physical struggle.  The man then struck one of the bystanders, causing minor injuries before fleeing on foot.  

 At the time of the robbery, the man was wearing a white, blue and red plaid, button-up shirt, a black ballcap with a red and white design, blue jeans, and grey and white sneakers. Witnesses noted that he walked with a noticeable limp and used a walking cane which he left behind. 

Anyone with information about the man, is asked to contact Lunenburg District RCMP at 902-634-8674.  To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app. 

East Hants District RCMP is requesting assistance from the public for help in identifying a man involved in an armed robbery in Elmsdale.  

On September 8, at approximately 9:04 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a robbery at a gas station on Hwy. 214.  

Through the investigation, RCMP officers learned that a man entered the gas station, presented a knife and threatened an employee, demanding that they turn over the contents of the till. 

The man left the store with a quantity of cash, lottery tickets and cigarettes in a backpack. He was last seen entering a silver or light grey hatchback.  

At the time of the robbery, the man was wearing a black ballcap with the initials, “KPMG”, a light grey hooded sweatshirt, light grey sweatpants, and black Adidas sneakers. 

Anyone with information about the man, is asked to contact East Hants District RCMP at 902-883-7077.  To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app.

RCMP Northeast Traffic Services (NETS) and Richmond County District RCMP charged one man after a road rage incident near East Bay.

On September 4, at approximately 5:20 p.m., RCMP NETS officers responded to a report of erratic driving on Hwy. 4. Investigators learned that a man driving a black Mitsubishi car repeatedly swerved in an apparent attempt to cause a collision with another vehicle and brandished a knife towards the driver of that vehicle. The two drivers were not known to one another.

Through the investigation, officers identified the driver of the Mitsubishi and located the car parked at a residence. Richmond County District RCMP safely arrested Scott Wells, 50, of Framboise.

Wells has been charged with several offences including Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and Failure to Comply with Release Order (two counts). He had a first court appearance on September 8 at Sydney Provincial Court.

RCMP NETS officers remind the public that anyone who witnesses erratic or unsafe driving should call 911 and provide as many details as possible about the vehicle(s), the location, and the unsafe actions observed.

Colchester County District RCMP has charged a man with attempted murder after an assault in Debert.

On September 7, at approximately 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of an altercation between two men outside of a home on Clinton Dr. in Debert. When RCMP officers arrived, they found one man with life-threatening injuries. The other had fled prior to police arrival.

The victim was transported to hospital by EHS.

On September 8 at approximately 1:00 a.m., officers safely arrested Bradley Metlin, 26, of Debert, at a residence on Passchendaele Ave. in Debert. Metlin is charged with Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault and will appear in Truro Provincial Court on September 9.

Investigators do not believe this was a random incident; the victim and suspect are known to each other.

Officers have executed search warrants at a residence in Debert as part of the investigation. The investigation is continuing and is being led by Colchester County District Community Action Team with support from general duty officers, RCMP Forensic Identification Section, the Northwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit, and RCMP Digital Forensic Services (DFS).

Annapolis District RCMP has charged a man with several offences following aggravated assaults in Clementsport. 

On September 6, at approximately 9 p.m., RCMP officers responded to reports of an assault at a home in the 1500 block of Hwy. 1. En route, they learned of another assault nearby involving the same man. Upon arriving at the scene on Hwy. 1, the officers found a vehicle that had crashed into a guardrail. 

Through the investigation, officers learned that the man had been involved in an altercation with someone he knew before leaving the location in a car. After crashing into a guardrail, he assaulted two people before taking off on foot. 

The two bystanders, aged 61 and 58 and both from Clementsport, suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital by EHS. A third man, a 46-year-old also from Clementsport, received non-life-threatening injuries. 

On September 7, at approximately 2:45 p.m., 25-year-old William Cedric Douglas Windsor, of Clementsport, was safely arrested in Digby and charged with:

• Aggravated Assault (two counts)
• Assault Causing Bodily Harm
• Assault
• Uttering Threats
• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Operation while Impaired
• Failure to Comply with Probation Order (two counts)

Windsor was held in custody and appeared in Digby Provincial Court on September 8.

The investigation is ongoing.

Nicholas Arthur Lees, who was wanted on a province-wide warrant, has been located and safely arrested.

 The 45-year-old man of the Halifax area is facing charges of Failing to Comply with a Release Order (two counts).

 The RCMP would like to thank members of the public for their support in locating Lees.

East Hants District RCMP is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Selma.

On September 7, at approximately 9:40 a.m., East Hants District RCMP, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy. 215.

Responding officers located a Nissan Rogue that appeared to have gone off the road into a ditch and hit a culvert. The driver and only occupant, a 79-year-old man from Maitland, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the location of the crash; the investigation is ongoing.

The section of Hwy. 215 from Maitland to Salem Rd. was closed for several hours and has since reopened.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

The Southwest Nova RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit has charged an Ohio man following the execution of a search warrant in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

On September 4, the Southwest Nova RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at residence in the 1500 block of Hwy. 203 in Ohio.

Officers safely arrested a man and seized a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of opiates in tablet form, unstamped cigarettes and cash.

James Edward Reid, 64, has been charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (four counts)
• Possession of Unstamped Tobacco
• Possession of Tobacco not Bearing Prescribed Markings
• Possession of Tobacco on Which Tax has not Been Paid
• Unlawful Possession of Tobacco for Sale or Distribution
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (over $5,000)

Reid was remanded into custody pending his next appearance in  Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 11.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (VISCEU) has charged a South Alton man following the execution of a search warrant in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

On September 3, the VISCEU, assisted by Kings District RCMP, Kings District General Investigation Section, West Hants SCEU, RCMP Police Dog Services, Kentville Police Service, and the Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia, executed a search warrant at residence in the 3900 block of Hwy. 12 in South Alton.

Officers safely arrested a man and seized a quantity of cocaine, unstamped cigarettes, ammunition, and cash.

Michael Vincent Boylan, 38, has been charged with:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Ammunition while Prohibited (two counts)
• Possession of Unstamped Tobacco
• Possession of Tobacco not Bearing Prescribed Markings
• Possession of Tobacco on Which Tax has not Been Paid

Boylan was released on conditions and is due in Kentville Provincial Court on November 5.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.

Digby RCMP has charged a man with drug trafficking and related offences. 

On September 4, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Digby RCMP officer was on patrol in Digby when he observed a suspicious hand-to-hand transaction between two men on Sydney St. The officer continued to observe one of the men as he walked away from the other. The officer then safely arrested the man a short distance away. Officers searched the man incidental to arrest, seizing a quantity of bulk and individually wrapped cocaine, a quantity of cash, and mobile phones. 

Jason Percy Noel Fletcher, 30, of Spryfield, has been charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. 

Fletcher appeared in Digby Provincial Court on September 5 and was released by the court on conditions pending his next court appearance.

 Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Pictou County District RCMP is investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Pine Tree. 

On September 6, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Pictou County District RCMP, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision on Highway 4 between Woodburn Road and Old Pine Tree Road.

 RCMP Officers learned that a Nissan Rogue left the roadway and struck a tree. 

The driver of the vehicle, an 18-year-old man, from New Glasgow was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two passengers, A 16-year-old man, from Pictou County and a 19-year-old woman, from New Glasgow, were both transported to hospital with serious injuries. 

An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene; the investigation is ongoing.

 The highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

 Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones at this difficult time.

Kings District RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating 28-year-old Trevor Dustin Kelsey, who was last seen September 5 at approximately 8 p.m. in New Minas.

Kelsey is described as 5-foot-10, approximately 199 pounds. He is bald and has brown eyes. Kelsey was last seen wearing a navy Champion baseball hat, dark wash jeans with holes in them, and red Rebook shoes.

When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word respectfully.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kelsey is asked to contact Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

The 28-year-old man who was reported missing on September 6 from New Minas has been found safe. 

The RCMP thanks Nova Scotians for assisting with missing persons files through social media shares and offering tips.

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating a dirt bike crash that occurred in Upper Tantallon. 

On September 4, at approximately 4:13 p.m., RCMP officers, EHS and fire services, responded to a dirt bike crash on Hammonds Plains Rd. at Scholars Rd. 

Responding officers learned the dirt bike was travelling on the sidewalk when the driver swerved to avoid pedestrians and lost control.

The driver, a youth, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS LifeFlight. 

Hammonds Plains Rd. remained open to traffic as investigators, including an RCMP collision reconstructionist, attended the scene. 

The investigation is ongoing.

Kings District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Teleia Allen.

Allen was last seen at 7:45 p.m. on September 3 in Coldbrook. She’s described as 5-foot-5, 170 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen, Allen was wearing black sport shorts, a white t-shirt and black dress shoes.

When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through respectfully.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Teleia Allen is asked to contact the Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555 or the local police of jurisdiction. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

The 16-year-old youth who was reported missing on September 5, 2025 from Coldbrook has been found safe., 

The RCMP thanks Nova Scotians for assisting with missing persons files through social media shares and offering tips.

The RCMP/HRP Integrated General Investigation Section is investigating a theft from a construction site in Lower Sackville, and is appealing to the public for information.  

On August 20, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of copper theft from a construction site in the 0-100 block of First Lake Dr.  Officers learned that someone had entered the fenced area, accessed the roof, and removed copper tubing from several heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.  It’s believed that the theft occurred sometime during the previous week.  

It’s estimated that the value of the damage and replacement costs amounts to approximately $500,000.  

The RCMP/HRP General Investigation Section is leading the ongoing investigation. 

Anyone with information about this incident, or with video footage of any suspicious activity in the area that could be related to the copper theft, is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020.  To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app. 

The Colchester County Community Action Team arrested two people after executing a search warrant and recovering stolen vehicles and equipment. 

Over the course of an investigation into stolen property, the Colchester County Community Action Team learned that items reported stolen in August were located at residence on Hillcrest Ave. in Bible Hill. On September 2, when officers observed a stolen vehicle being driven off the property, they conducted a traffic stop. Officers seized the vehicle, a red Toyota Corolla, and the licence plate, which was associated to a different car and found to have been reported stolen separately from the Corolla. 

On the same day, officer executed a search warrant at the Hillcrest Ave. residence. During the search, they recovered a variety of stolen items including a small tractor and mowing deck for the tractor, a wood splitter, an all-terrain vehicle, and an air compressor. The owners of items have been contacted so their property can be returned. 

Police also located equipment believed to be used by Bell Aliant and associated to phone lines. Investigations into recent thefts and damage to phone lines around Colchester and Cumberland counties are ongoing and investigators are exploring any connection between the equipment seized and these investigations. 

Nathan Gary Dean, 25, of Bible Hill, was safely arrested and has been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (two counts) and Failure to Comply with Release Order (two counts). He had a first court appearance at Truro Provincial Court on September 3.

 A 19-year-old woman was also arrested and released on conditions pending a scheduled court appearance in October at Truro Provincial Court.

 “Many of the items recovered had been reported stolen and their owners provided police with serial numbers, identifying features, photos, and other specifics,” says Cpl. Terry Brown, Colchester County Community Action Team. “When we have details like these, it strengthens our investigations and allows us to efficiently return items to their owners.”

 Nova Scotia RCMP reminds the public to report property crime and other suspicious behaviour to local police or, to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

Edward Schijns, who was wanted on a province-wide warrant, has been located and safely arrested.

The 41-year-old man of the Halifax area is facing charges of Being At Large on a Release Order, Failure to Comply with Condition (three counts), and Fraud.

The RCMP would like to thank members of the public for their support in locating Schijns.

Cumberland County District RCMP has charged one man with several offences after a police officer was injured during an arrest.

On September 2, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from RCMP Northeast Traffic Services responded to a report of a Toyota Camry being driven in an erratic manner on Hwy. 104. As officers conducted patrols in the area, they received another report that the vehicle was in the ditch near Salt Springs.

When an officer located and approached the vehicle, the driver became aggressive and struck and kicked the officer. The officer was assisted by bystanders who provided initial first aid. Other officers attended immediately.

The officer sustained non-life-threatening juries and was transported to hospital.

The driver, Thomas Julian, 30, from Antigonish County, was arrested without further incident. He has been charged with Assaulting a Peace Officer Causing Bodily Harm, Resist Arrest, Impaired Operation of a Conveyance (motor vehicle), and Impaired Operation over 80mg%.

Julian had a first court appearance on September 3 at Amherst Provincial Court and was released by the courts on conditions pending future court appearances.

Cumberland County District RCMP appreciate assistance from other drivers – those who initially reported the erratic driving and those who observed the assault and stopped to support the officer with first aid.

Anyone who has dashcam video showing a grey Toyota Camry driving erratically in the westbound lanes of Hwy. 104 before 3:00 p.m. on September 2 or that shows the arrest and assault is asked to contact Cumberland County District RCMP at 902-597-3779. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

Millbrook RCMP charged a man and seized a firearm after responding to reports of threats. 

On September 2 at approximately 6:00 p.m., Millbrook RCMP, assisted by Sipekne’katik RCMP, Colchester District RCMP, and RCMP Northwest Traffic Services, responded to a report that a man threatened another man with a firearm at a residence on Birch Bark Rd. in Millbrook.  

When officers arrived, the suspect fled into his residence and refused to exit. The victim left safely before police arrived.

 The Nova Scotia RCMP Critical Incident Program, including the Emergency Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team, was engaged to support. 

At approximately 9:05 p.m., the man exited the home and was safely arrested. 

Officers then executed a search warrant in the residence. During the search, police seized a loaded firearm and a replica firearm. 

Albert Roy Francis Jr, 37, from Millbrook, has been charged with:

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Unsafe Storage of a Firearm (two counts)
• Uttering Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
• Pointing a Firearm
• Failure to Comply with Release Order 

Francis had a first court appearance at Truro Provincial Court on September 3 and remains in custody pending future court appearances.

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has arrested a youth after they made online threats toward a school in Middle Sackville.  

On September 2, at approximately 3 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment received a report that a youth made an online post threatening a school and its students and staff, in Middle Sackville.  A youth had posted a picture of themselves, on school property, holding a firearm, while making threats to harm staff and students.  Through the investigation, officers learned the firearm was an airsoft gun.  

The 16-year-old of Middle Sackville was safely arrested at a home for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and was released on conditions.  They will appear in Halifax Provincial Court at a later date.  

The RCMP is committed to promoting the safety and security of students, staff and the broader community, and reminds students to think carefully before posting content that could be perceived as a threat. 

 “Think before you post,” says Cst. Mandy Edwards, Public Information Officer with RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment.  “A social media post intended to appear ‘cool’ could have lasting criminal consequences.” 

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment. 

RCMP Southeast Traffic Services has charged a man with multiple firearms offences after a traffic stop in Enfield. 

On August 29, at approximately 7:21 p.m., an RCMP Southeast Traffic Services officer observed an Audi A5 travelling southbound on Hwy. 102 with a tinted front passenger window, which is illegal in Nova Scotia under the Motor Vehicle Act. 

 The RCMP officer initiated a traffic stop, smelled marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle and the driver. The search resulted in the seizure of cannabis, a loaded 9mm handgun and a quantity of cash.   

 Robert Victor Fraser, 32, of Saint John, New Brunswick, was arrested and has been charged with: 

• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (two counts)
• Occupant of a Motor Vehicle in which there is a Firearm, Prohibited Weapon, a Restricted Weapon
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Possess a Firearm Knowing that the Serial Number on it has been Altered
• Possess Firearm while Prohibited (two counts)
• Possession of Firearm knowing Possession is Unauthorized (two counts)
• Possession of a Weapon or Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (two counts)
• Weapons Trafficking
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000

 Fraser appeared in Dartmouth Provincial Court on September 2. He remains in custody and is due to appear in court again on September 23. 

The West Hants RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has charged an Ontario man for sexual offences involving a youth as part of an investigation that began in 2022 and included collaboration with multiple RCMP units and other agencies in Nova Scotia and Ontario. 

In November 2022, the West Hants RCMP responded to a report that a youth had received concerning messages and sexually explicit material from an unknown person through a social media platform.

 Investigators with the Nova Scotia RCMP Digital Forensics Unit analyzed the content on the youth’s phone. The West Hants RCMP GIS then took steps to digitally trace the source of the communications, leading investigators to suspect they originated from a 29-year-old man in Woodstock, Ontario. 

With assistance of the Woodstock Police Service and the RCMP Transnational Serious and Organized Crime (TSOC) Unit in Kitchener, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Woodstock. Officers seized electronic devices, which were then transported back to Nova Scotia for forensic examination.

 In May 2025 charges were laid against the man. And in August, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest.

 On August 25 investigators with West Hants RCMP GIS, the Southwest Nova RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and the Nova Scotia RCMP Interview Assistance Team travelled to Ontario and safely arrested the man with the assistance of the RCMP TSOC Unit.

He was remanded into custody on August 27 and transported to Nova Scotia. He appeared in Kentville Provincial Court on August 28 to face charges of Luring a Child, Indecent Communications and Transmit Sexually Explicit Material to a Child.

“This investigation serves as an excellent example of the teamwork among units and agencies that is so often required to uncover the facts of a matter, identify a suspect and lay the appropriate charges,” says Sgt. Tim Doyle, West Hants RCMP. “It also reflects the required tenacity of investigators.” 

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.

The RCMP/HRP Integrated General Investigation Section is investigating a shooting in Cherry Brook and a vehicle fire in East Preston, and is appealing for information from the public.  

On September 1, at approximately 3:38 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, with the assistance of Halifax Regional Police, responded to reports of shots fired on Cherry Brook Rd.  

Through the investigation, officers located shell casings in the 100 block of Cherry Brook Rd., and learned two vehicles were involved: a black car and a brown or grey SUV.  With the assistance of the RCMP Forensic Identification Section, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Canine Unit and RCMP Remote Piloted Aerial System, evidence was identified and gathered.  

At approximately 9:20 p.m., RCMP officers and fire services responded to a vehicle fire on Lake Eagle Dr. in East Preston.  Officers learned the burnt vehicle was an SUV and believe this is the SUV that was involved in the shooting that occurred in Cherry Brook. 

 The investigations are ongoing.   

Anyone with information about the incidents, or dashcam footage of Cherry Brook Rd. between the hours of 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. or Lake Eagle Dr. between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., is asked to contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020.  To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app. 

As students across the province head back to school next week, the Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding motorists and pedestrians to be extra careful during their daily commutes. Students and guardians must also be aware of the potential risks associated with sharing intimate photos over the internet.

“From the first day of school onward, it’s important that drivers are prepared for extra vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” says Cpl. Carlie McCann, Public Information Officer. “And whether travelling by car, by school bus or by foot, there are safety tips to keep in mind to ensure everyone has a safe start to the academic year.” 

School zones 

When entering a school zone, motorists must slow down during school hours and when children may be present. When the approaching speed limit is 50 km/h, motorists must slow to a maximum of 30 km/h in the school zone. When the approaching speed limit is more than 50 km/h, motorists must slow to a maximum of 50 km/h in the school zone. For more information, visit: Safer School Zone | novascotia.ca 

If you choose to drive above the limit in school zones, you’re choosing to jeopardize the safety of students and others. 

For a first offence of speeding in a school zone, drivers face:

• A $352.50 fine and two points off their licence (1-15 km/h over the speed limit)
• A $467.50 fine, three points off their licence and a seven-day suspension (16-30 km/h over the speed limit)
• A $697.50 fine, four points off their licence and a seven-day suspension (31+ km/h over the speed limit)

 School buses 

Each year, police receive reports of vehicles passing school buses. When school buses are parked in the street with their “Stop” sign extended and their red lights flashing, motorists must come to a complete stop. Failure to stop for a school bus could result in a fine of $410 and six points on your licence. 

Students

Remind the students in your life to always use caution when walking along and crossing the road near buses, and when getting on and off the bus. Students should always wait for their buses at the designated spot away from the road.

And if you have older students in your household, especially newly licensed drivers, it’s a good time to remind them of safe driving practices. This includes driving within speed limits, staying focused at all times, and wearing seatbelts; it’s also important to ensure that the number of people in a vehicle doesn’t exceed the number of available seatbelts.

 Intimate images

 The return to the classroom can also bring new pressures for children and youth to share intimate photos of themselves online and via text messages. Some key reminders for students include:

• Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know
• Know that if you send a picture (or video) over the internet or through your phone, you don’t have control over who sees it or where it goes
• Child pornography (making, distributing/transmitting, accessing) is a criminal offence
• Talk to your parent(s) or a trusted adult if something happens to you online

For more information relating to internet child exploitation, visit Cybertip.ca and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (www.protect.children.ca).

“On behalf of the Nova Scotia RCMP, we wish all students a safe and happy Back to School season,” says Cpl. McCann.