North Durham Community Police officers hit the ice and the trails last weekend (Feb. 3 and 4), issuing only five tickets to snowmobilers on and around Lake Scugog.
The two-day campaign involved officers from 15 Division (North Durham), the Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol (S.T.O.P.) and DRPS Auxiliary officers, who stopped 233 snowmobiles and ATVs to ensure that riders had both proper licences and equipment. Officers also checked more than 40 ice fishing huts on the lake for licensing and Liquor Licence Act compliance.
The campaign resulted in two charges for failing to produce a driver's licence, two charges for improper muffler devices, and one charge for operating a snowmobile on a trail without the required pass.

Officers also stopped and cautioned the driver of one vehicle after he was observed driving on the lake with his infant child in his lap.
Due to the cold weather last weekend, police stated that snowmobile traffic was low. Using two ATVs donated by Honda Canada the team will be out on ther lake on a regular basis.
Const. Al Oulette said he hopes the ticket rate stays down.
"Perhaps it means we are getting the message about safety out there," Const. Oulette said. "I hope so."
Police are reminding the public to keep safety in mind when venturing out onto the lake or trails this winter.