Swan Hills RCMP have arrested and charged a Whitecourt resident in connection to a break-and-enter in Woodlands County in early August.
Mounties say shortly before 9:00 p.m., on Aug. 2, they received a report that a male was observed by a security camera trespassing and attempting to cause damage on a commercial property located near Highway 32 in Woodlands County.
Swan Hills RCMP say they attended the location immediately and were able to locate and arrest the male suspect who was attempting to steal approximately $25,000 worth of items from the facility.
Swan Hills RCMP Sergeant Stefan Manaigre says officers were able to respond quickly thanks to the surveillance equipment and the healthy relationship between RCMP and local businesses.
“Businesses are increasing their efforts to assist us in apprehending suspects who commit crime on rural properties,” says Sgt. Manaigre. “Our RCMP members have fostered good relationships with our local businesses and provided them with tips on how to assist in deterring crime. Due to a savvy employee’s prompt call to police, our members were able to have a swift response and apprehend the suspect in the act. As always, I encourage members of the public to always call in any suspicious activity they observe.”
On Aug. 21, as a result of the investigation, police charged Tyler Cody Bennett, 36, of Whitecourt, with break-and-enter to commit theft.
Officials say Bennett was released from custody and is set to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Barrhead on Sept. 10.
Alberta RCMP are asking anyone with information about this or any other crime in the area, to contact their local RCMP detachment. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
