Cochrane RCMP lay charges in separate rural theft investigations

September 21, 2019
Cochrane, Alberta

News release

On September 21, 2019 Cochrane Detachment members and the Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit were making patrols in the Springbank area when they observed a suspicious vehicle in a field near an abandoned residence. As police approached the vehicle it attempted to flee the area; however, they immediately became stuck in the mud. Police arrested the female driver without further incident.

Inside the vehicle police seized items including copper wire, driver's licences and passports that have been directly linked to break and enters in the Bearspaw and Springbank areas. The female Calgary resident has charges pending on seven counts of Possession of stolen identification, one count of break and entering to commit theft, and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. The female remains in custody awaiting a hearing to determine her release.

This newest arrest comes on the heels of a significant break through into the investigation of mail thefts in the Bearspaw and Springbank by the Cochrane Crime Reduction Team. These mail thefts targeted victim's identification and credit cards, which were then used at stores, casinos, rental car companies and expensive hotels in the Calgary area. As a result of this complex investigation Cochrane RCMP has charges pending against a 40-year-old B.C. man on four counts of possession of stolen mail, three counts of credit card fraud, two counts of identity fraud, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 and nine counts of fail to comply with conditions of a recognisance. The investigation continues into additional suspects and offences committed in the Cochrane area. Further information has been handed over to additional jurisdictions to assist with offences in their areas.

"Cochrane RCMP's use of a crime analyst allows our officers to immediately identify and target rising crime trends in our area," says Cpl. Savinkoff of the Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit." Using this information, we are able to structure our proactive patrols and investigations in the most effective manner possible." Cpl. Savinkoff reminds all residents to make their vehicles and residences as unappealing to would be thieves as possible by securing doors, keeping cars keys, wallets, cash and passports out of vehicles and to call in anything suspicious.

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Contact information

Cpl. Troy Savinkoff or Watch commander of the day
403-851-8000

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