"Operation Freeze": Promoting positive encounters with youth

ORILLIA, ON, June 30 /CNW/ - Kids will have another reason to look forward to their next encounter with an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer, thanks to a recent youth initiative developed in partnership with Mac's Convenience Stores. This initiative recognizes positive behaviour by our communities' youth in a very cool way...with a very cool treat.

In partnership with Mac's Convenience Stores across Ontario, OPP officers who observe local youth doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behaviour will be able to recognize that person with a "ticket" which is actually a coupon valid for a free 710 ml Froster beverage valid at all participating Mac's stores in Ontario throughout the summer of 2010.

In addition to recognizing good behaviour, "Operation Freeze" offers opportunities for OPP officers to interact with youth in a positive manner while supporting the OPP Positive Ticketing Program. Officers may use the coupons to recognize youth for wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities, picking up trash, pro-actively deterring crime or observing safe-street crossing rules. Officers can also make use of the coupons as "icebreakers" to establish a dialogue with kids in their patrol area.

Though the reasons for issuing the coupons may vary, the end result of this youth positive ticketing initiative is the same for every youngster: a positive police - community interaction experience and a free Froster beverage!

"Mac's strives to be a leader in crime prevention," said Sean Sportun, Manager of Loss Prevention & Security for Mac's in Central Canada. "We are very excited about Operation Freeze and the positive message it delivers."

"The OPP is pleased to participate in an initiative that recognizes youth for responsible and caring behaviour," said Inspector Mark Allen, Manager of the OPP Crime Prevention Section. "Partnering with local business and engaging our youth in a positive manner builds partnerships that make our communities stronger."

Learn more at: www.opp.ca

For further information: Inspector Mark Allen, Manager, Crime Prevention Section, (705) 329 - 6435; Mr. Sean Sportun, Manager, Loss Prevention & Security, Mac's Convenience Stores, Inc, Central Canada, [phone], www.opp.ca