Youth charged

On Wednesday January 25, 2012 St Thomas Police attended a South end home regarding a disturbance between a brother and his sister. Investigation of the incident resulted in police charging a 17 year old male for breaching the terms of his probation order. The youth was held at police headquarters pending a Thursday January 26, 2012 court appearance.

Impaired driver arrested

At 9:21PM Wednesday January 25, 2012 St Thomas Police received a complaint from a concerned citizen regarding a possible impaired driver on Wilson Avenue. Within minutes police stopped the vehicle and conducted a road side alcohol test on the 45 year old male driver. The driver registered a fail at which time he was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he supplied breath samples three (3) times the legal limit. He was charged with impaired driving and operating a motor vehicle with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol in his blood. The accused was later released on conditions which included a future court date.

Consumer Alert- Hot Water Heater Rentals or Sales

Many consumers in Ontario are tempted to rent a new water heater from door-to-door salespeople who offer deals that sound too good to pass up.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Don’t sign on the spot. If the salesperson pressures you to sign on the spot, insist you need more time to read the contract including the fine print.
Get it in writing. Ask about the rental fees, installation, repair and extra service charges and promises, such as warranties – and insist on getting these details in writing.
Ask for identification. Ask for photo identification, the name of the company the salesperson works for and to keep a copy of any sales material that the salesperson shows you.
Be sure before you buy. Once you agree to have a water heater installed in your home, you will have to pay some costs if you change your mind. These costs include:
• The rental payments still due when you terminate.
• The expenses the rental company has to pay to remove the water heater.
• Charges for unreasonable or excessive wear or use of the water heater.
Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act protects consumers who rent water heaters. Before you rent, be aware of your rights.
You have the right to cancel a contract if:
1. You change your mind – for any reason – within 10 days after you’ve received your written copy of the contract.
2. The business or salesperson who you’ve signed your contract with has made a false, misleading or deceptive statement. In this case, you can cancel an agreement for up to one year after you signed it.
3. The agreement does not meet all the requirements of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act. In this case, you have up to one year to cancel the agreement.
4. The contract you sign is not clear or easily understood – or doesn’t clearly disclose key information you need to know.
5. You do not have clear information about your rights in the contract itself.
If you have questions or concerns about water heater suppliers or rentals, call the Ministry of Consumer Services at (416) 326-8800, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or via e-mail at consumer@ontario.ca.