On Sept. 27, 2022, Fort Macleod RCMP received a report of a break and enter at Alberta Hardware in Fort Macleod. The investigation revealed that suspects broke into the store and stole multiple firearms. RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU) has been working with multiple partner agencies as the investigation continues.
On Dec. 7, 2022, SAD CRU executed search warrants at residences in Stirling, Alta. and Lethbridge, Alta., with the assistance of Lethbridge Police Service Property Crimes Unit, Raymond RCMP, Lethbridge Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), Police Dog Services and the RCMP Interview assistance team. As a result, two people have been charged in relation to the stolen firearms.
A 34-year-old individual, a resident of Stirling, has been charged with:
- Unauthorized possession of firearms for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of firearms obtained by crime
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
- Possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking
- Fail to comply with a Release Order
- Possession of proceeds of crime
The 34-year-old individual was remanded into custody and will appear in Lethbridge provincial court on Jan. 13, 2023.
A 36-year-old individual, a resident of Lethbridge, has been charged with:
- Possession of a prohibited weapon
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Possession of firearms knowing it was obtained by crime
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
The 36-year-old individual was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge provincial court on Jan. 30, 2023.
At this time, RCMP Southern Alberta District Unit, with the assistance of its partners, continues to investigate the break and enter and theft of the firearms. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at (403) 553 – 7220. 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" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.