Charges laid in ATM theft

By Janet Kanters, Editor

Strathmore RCMP have charged a Lacombe County man with break and enter and theft, in addition to other infractions, following an investigation.

On Feb. 20, the Mercantile at Muirfield, a convenience store near Lyalta, was broken into by culprits who had driven a truck through the building, causing substantial damage to the store estimated at up to $20,000. A rental truck was also severely damaged.

After driving through the front of the store, the ATM was stolen from the interior. It was recovered a short time later having been smashed open.

The Strathmore RCMP investigation led to charges against Mark Kendrick Jacobson, 35, of Lacombe County. He was charged with one count of break and enter to commit theft, two additional charges of mischief to property exceeding $5,000 and one count of identity fraud. A warrant was been issued for the arrest of Jacobson.