On Jan. 2, 2020, at approximately 5 p.m., St. Albert RCMP General Duty members, with the assistance of St Albert RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), began an investigation into two males who stole personal items from lockers at the Servus Place. The suspects stole wallets and vehicle keys and once in possession of the items, made their way to the parking lot, located the vehicle and drove away. The suspects proceeded to use the victim's credit cards at various gas stations in St. Albert as well.
St. Albert RCMP CRU was patrolling a known "Hot Spot" area for criminal activity when they observed one of the suspects from the Servus Place theft operating another stolen truck. Police attempted to stop the stolen truck, but it fled the area. The male suspect was known to police and known to be a prolific property crime offender. On Jan. 5, 2020, St. Albert RCMP received a tip from the public that one of the male suspect they were looking for, who was involved in the Servus Place thefts, was at the St. Albert Public Library. St. Albert RCMP attended the location, and the suspect was arrested without incident.
As a result of the police investigation and intelligence gathering a 20-year-old male of Spruce Grove, Alta. was charge charged with following Criminal Code offences:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle (X 3)
- Theft of Credit Card (X 5)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (X 4)
- Flight from Police
- Operate While Prohibited (X 2)
- Failure to Comply with Previous Release Conditions
- Break & Enter
He was remanded in custody and will appear in St. Albert Provincial Court on January 27, 2020.
Another 20-year-old male of Lac La Biche, Alta., is wanted for the following:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (X 4)
- Fail to Appear
The thefts and frauds in this criminal investigation resulted from unlocked lockers and unlocked motor vehicles. The St Albert RCMP would like to remind the community that we all have a part to play in preventing crimes, and simple changes can reduce the risk of break and enters, thefts and frauds. Locking up valuables while at the gym, and keeping motor vehicles locked will help deter thieves. Residents are encouraged to follow the #9PM Routine.
If anyone has information regarding any crime, they are asked to contact the St. Albert RCMP Detachment at 780-458-7700 or their local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can 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.