PENHOLD – For the second time this month burglars have committed an early morning break-in at a Penhold business and stolen a debit card terminal.
RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said in a Nov. 29 media release that at about 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 28 Innisfail RCMP were called to a break and enter at the town’s Suds-Station car wash.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that suspects broke into the car wash and stole the debit card terminal, said Savinkoff.
He said surveillance that was later obtained showed a blue quad cab truck pull up to the business. Two suspects then broke into the business.
Savinkoff said the break-in was the second recent one in Penhold where the “primary goal” of the suspects was to steal the debit card terminal.
He said on Nov. 20, the Penhold IGA was burglarized early in the morning at about 1:15 a.m. with the culprits also taking a debit card terminal.
“Yes, we're seeing a pattern with those two breaks and enters that aren't traditional with what we do see normally with break-ins. It’s two in very quick succession,” said Savinkoff. “While we try to investigate exactly what the goal is with these particular thefts, it is something that we'd like local businesses to consider, since it's back-to-back and in close succession.
“In this case a terminal is very easy to unplug,” he added. “If it's something that's potentially important there are potential ways to prevent that particular crime.”
Savinkoff added that while RCMP will continue to investigate the two crimes, business owners are being asked to consider securing or removing debit terminals when leaving their stores for the night.
If anyone has information about this crime or those responsible, they are asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3341.
Tipsters wish to remain anonymous 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.
