Mac's and Ontario Police Partner to Cite Kids for Good Behavior

ONTARIO, Canada -- Mac's Convenience Stores across Ontario are once again teaming up with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to bring a positive ticketing initiative to local youth. Operation Heat is a holiday version of this summer's Operation Freeze 2011.

Operation Heat, which kicked off Dec. 13, recognizes positive behavior by young kids in the community. OPP officers who observe local youth doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behavior will hand out a "ticket" for a free hot chocolate valid at participating Mac's stores.

"Operation Heat provides law enforcement with an additional tool to initiate communication and reward youth in a positive way," said Sean Sportun, manager of loss prevention and security for Mac's in central Canada. "Mac's strives to be a leader in crime prevention, and we are very excited about this new initiative and the positive message it helps deliver."

Both Operation Heat and Operation Freeze are part of the OPP Positive Thinking program. Since the program began in the summer of 2010, more than 250,000 Operation Freeze and Operation Heat coupons have been used to recognize youth for positive behavior across Ontario. The OPP plans to give out more than 60,000 Operation Heat coupons this winter.

"The OPP is pleased to once again participate in this highly successful initiative that recognizes youth for responsible and caring behavior," added Inspector Leslie Craig, manager of the OPP Crime Prevention Section. "The level of support from our media communities and positive feedback from our frontline officers has been amazing. Partnering with local business and engaging our youth in a positive manner builds partnerships that make our communities stronger."

To reach more youth during the colder months when outside activity is typically down, Operation Heat will also be delivered through the OPP D.A.R.E Ontario Program.