Mac's Convenience Stores Launches Operation Heat 2011

ORILLIA, Ontario -- Developed in partnership with Macs's Convenience Stores and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) office, "Operation Heat 2011" recognizes positive behavior by community youth.

Based on last summer's highly successful Operation Freeze 2010, OPP officers who observe local youth doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behavior will be able to recognize that young person with a "ticket," which is actually a coupon valid for a free hot chocolate beverage valid at all participating Mac's stores in Ontario throughout the winter of 2011, the company reported.

"Operation Heat 2011 provides an additional tool to assist law enforcement initiate communication and reward our youth in a positive way," Sean Sportun, manager of loss prevention and security for Mac's in Central Canada said in a released statement. "It eliminates barriers, a way to engage our youth in a non-threatening, non law-enforcement setting."

In addition to recognizing good behavior, Operation Heat 2011 promotes opportunities for OPP officers to interact with youth in a positive manner in support of the OPP Positive Ticketing Program, the chain reported. Officers may use the coupons to recognize youth for 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 literal "icebreakers" to establish a dialogue with kids in their patrol area.

"Mac's strives to be a leader in crime prevention," said Sportun. "We are very excited about this new initiative and the positive message it delivers."