Town receives Q3 2025 policing report

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local crime numbers are noted to be down from last year, though still present as being above local historical averages, according to the most recent quarterly report.

Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz presented the Strathmore RCMP’s Q3 2025 report before the Committee of the Whole during the March 11 meeting in council chambers. 

The report presented before council summarized policing initiatives and results achieved by local RCMP between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025.

Among the regular programs operated by local police is the habitual offender management program, which in Q3 consisted of monitoring 12 habitual offenders, five of whom reside in Strathmore.

“The checks during that quarter did not identify any violations or breaches at that time, so we are obviously quite pleased that those individuals are again living a law-abiding lifestyle and not coming to our attention in a negative way,” said Wielgosz. 

The security screw program, which originated in Strathmore in 2022, continues to aid in reduction of license plate theft in the local region.

Wielgosz reported that not only are local dealerships adopting the fasteners as standard issue on their product vehicles, but police in Drumheller have expressed interest in also adopting the practice. 

“We do find a large percentage of our theft from motor vehicles have historically been theft of license plates. That includes our rural areas as well, so this has been a useful tool for residents,” he said. “We are happy that (some dealerships) have purchased their own fasteners and had the uptake with that.”

Though break and enters, thefts of and from motor vehicles throughout quarter three were reduced from last year during the same time period, they are still above local historical averages.

Wielgosz added that for several reports of break and enters, there have been some occasions of the report being unsubstantiated and no evidence of misconduct was discovered.

“Most of the occurrences that we are seeing in those areas are again, still committed by habitual offenders – people who do not live in our area. Most of the occurrences that we are seeing are stolen vehicles that are dumped in our area,” he said. “With respect to those crimes, offenders were charged in seven out of the 11 thefts, whether in our area or as they were identified in vehicles in neighbouring jurisdictions, so we were able to ensure that the investigations were carried through and charges were laid.”

Wielgosz explained he remains concerned that theft of or from vehicles is noted to take place as crimes of opportunity, noting occasions where keys were left in the ignition and the victim’s vehicle was running while it was unattended. 

He aims to continue educating the public to ensure they are properly safeguarding their property.