Multiple charges laid in cell phone retail theft

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Following an incident at the beginning of the year when four cell phones were stolen from a local Telus store – as well as merchandise from retailers in surrounding areas – the Strathmore RCMP laid a total of 34 charges on Feb. 8.
Six individuals were charged after surveillance photos and forensic evidence identified the suspects, alleged to be responsible for five offences involving cell phone retailers in Strathmore, Okotoks, Olds and High River.
“These arrests are an excellent example of the public working with us to reduce crimes,” said Strathmore RCMP Cpl. Jay Salmon in a news release. “By locking the doors of the businesses, employees were able to prevent further crimes from taking place. Furthermore, information sharing between businesses and police agencies was vital in identifying and arresting these individuals. We are very grateful for the public’s assistance with these investigations.”
On Jan. 11 Strathmore RCMP were called to the local Telus store where four African American males had entered and stolen four cell phones. The incident occurred just over two weeks after authorities responded to an assault at the Source in Okotoks where three African American males entered the store, assaulted an employee and fled the scene. A week after the incident in Strathmore, a wireless store in Olds became the target when five males stole numerous cell phones that were on display. The string of thefts continued on Feb. 5 when High River RCMP responded to an attempted theft at Foothills Mobility where six males, again described as African American, tried to force entry into a business and when attempts failed fled the scene.
Shortly after, Strathmore RCMP tended to an incident at the Bell Mobility store on Third Avenue in Strathmore, where five African American males tried to force entry by kicking the glass door after finding it locked. With a vehicle waiting nearby, the suspects fled the area.
Strathmore RCMP was able to locate the vehicle and arrested six male suspects with the help of information provided from witnesses.
Nineteen-year-old Kareeba Joseph and 19-year-old Rauch Bang, both from Calgary, and four male youths are facing 34 offences that include wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, failing to comply with a recognizance and theft.
Joseph is scheduled to appear in Strathmore Provincial Court on Feb. 20 and in Okotoks Provincial Court on March 2. Bang will make his court appearance on March 20 in Strathmore Provincial Court, and in Okotoks Provincial Court on March 23.
The four youths, whose identities will not be released, are set to appear in Strathmore Provincial Court on Feb. 20 and in Okotoks Provincial Court on Feb. 23.
Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.