Man arrested for multiple break and enters

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore RCMP responded to multiple reports of break, enter and thefts from rural locations in Rockyview County and Wheatland County between Aug. 17 and Aug. 26.
Strathmore RCMP, Strathmore General Investigative Section and the Calgary Police Service Break and Enter Unit worked together to identify and arrest a 46-year-old Calgary man on Aug. 28. His first court appearance was set for Friday, Sept. 2.
Constable Shannon White of Strathmore said the accused has an extensive criminal record and was known to police.
He is facing multiple charges, including four counts of break and entering to commit theft, two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break in tools, theft and mischief.
White said the accused primarily targeted businesses and the primary methods used to gain entry were cutting and breaking locks and kicking in doors. He took tools, fuel and copper wire.
“What was extremely beneficial in this case is where businesses have surveillance and that really helped make these charges successful. In this particular case, it was very important,” she noted.
White said the public can take preventative measures to safeguard their valuables and possessions but, “ultimately, if someone’s determined, they’re going to get in.”
She said alarm systems and video surveillance work well and anything helps in these types of situations, and she recommends ensuring valuables and buildings are as secure as possible.
White acknowledged the importance of different jurisdictions working together in these types of cases.
“A huge thank you to Calgary Police Service for working with us on this file. I think working together is really important in these types of files where you’ve got people who are committing crimes in more than one jurisdiction,” said White.