Police are warning the public about the return of the “classic” paving scam in the area.
Cpl. Jeff Hildebrandt of the Innisfail RCMP said the detachment received a complaint in the early afternoon of Sept. 24 from north of town in Red Deer County that unknown people approached a grandmother living alone about a paving opportunity.
Hildebrandt said the woman was told by the people there was extra materials left over from a prior job and that she could benefit with a paving job at a discounted price.
He said the woman issued the people a deposit on a promise they would return in an hour. The culprits never returned, said Hildebrandt.
“This is a scam seen in several provinces in Western Canada. It is a classic scam,” said Hildebrandt. “It is one associated with travelling scam artists. Similar reports have been identified in Saskatchewan as well as in Alberta.”
If any citizen is approached by people offering a paving job at a discounted price he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Break and enter probed
Mounties are investigating an early morning break and enter at a Penhold business.
Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Jeff Hildebrandt said an alarm was set off at the Penhold Family Restaurant at 7:29 a.m. on Oct. 5.
He said burglars smashed in the window of the front entrance to gain entry.
Hildebrandt said when police arrived at the scene the suspects had already fled.
He said RCMP believes the culprits were at the restaurant to take cash from the ATM machine and from the restaurant cash register.
If any citizen has any information about this crime he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
