Whitecourt RCMP have arrested three individuals following investigations into multiple reports of alleged property crime occurring in the area.
On July 15, several break and enters were reported throughout rural areas near Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe and Edson. Officers say the suspects were identified thanks to witness accounts and video surveillance. One was reportedly arrested on July 17 after driving a suspected stolen vehicle, while another was located by community members on July 19 before being arrested by police.
On July 16, Whitecourt RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and identified an occupant known to police as a property offender and under conditions to remain at his residence. The individual was arrested.
As a result of these incidents and investigations, three Whitecourt residents were arrested.
A 43-year-old man, arrested July 17, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x2)
- Possession of break-in tools
- Failure to comply with release orders
A 35-year-old man was arrested on July 19 and charged with:
- Break and enter (x4)
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000 (x2)
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000 – Trafficking
- Failure to provide breath sample
Finally, a 32-year-old man was arrested on July 16 and charged with six counts of failure to comply with various orders.
All three individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. The 32- and 43-year-old were to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on July 22, while the 35-year-old suspect will appear before the same court on Aug. 5.
Whitecourt RCMP say these and other files are still under investigation and additional charges may be considered once the investigations are complete.
“We understand that property crime is a big concern within the community,” said S/Sgt Matthew Clarke of the Whitecourt RCMP. “We will keep working towards protecting your hard-earned goods from those who would seek to take them from you.”
The investigations were aided by the Edson and Mayerthorpe RCMP following various community consultations.
