INNISFAIL -- Local RCMP have been kept hopping for nearly two weeks responding to a sudden surge of property crimes, notably stolen vehicles.
"Definitely in the last few weeks we have seen a surge in calls for service in all areas, specifically with stolen vehicles. It has become a concern for us," said Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler. "We feel the frustration of the public and we want them to know we are working diligently to deter that activity."
The latest stolen property crime spree began on March 31 when local Mounties were called to respond in Innisfail to an overnight vehicle break-in. Eiler said a window was broken and an iPad stolen.
That same day police received an afternoon complaint of stolen property from a rural property near Spruce View. Eiler said two unknown males came onto the property in a grey SUV and loaded the vehicle with items from the homeowner's trailer and truck. The first male is described as Caucasian, with brown hair and wearing a red hoodie and jeans. The second male is described as Caucasian and wearing a green ball cap, grey hoody and jeans. Eiler said extensive patrols were made but the vehicle was not located. The RCMP is continuing to investigate.
During the evening of March 31, RCMP were notified that occupants of a suspicious vehicle were looking into yards in a rural area near Markerville. Eiler said the vehicle was described as a silver Nissan Pathfinder. She said police were told a male driver wearing a red shirt was noticed with a female passenger. Extensive patrols were made but the vehicle was not located, said Eiler, who added RCMP are continuing to investigate.
Two days later on April 2 at 11:44 p.m. Innisfail RCMP received a complaint of theft of tools from a residence in Penhold.
Eiler said a white Ford F-350 truck was observed in the caller's backyard. She said the vehicle's occupants took tools and then fled in the truck. Eiler described one suspect as female and wearing a purple hoodie covered with a jacket. She added a red Milwaukee skill saw was stolen. RCMP continue to investigate.
Early in the morning of April 3, Innisfail RCMP received a complaint of a stolen truck from a feedlot southwest of Bowden. Eiler said the vehicle was unlocked with keys left inside. The vehicle is described as a 2003 maroon Chevrolet truck with Alberta licence plate number 12N960. RCMP continue to investigate.
On the same day, Innisfail RCMP responded to a report of located stolen property at 4604 - 50 Ave. The complainant told RCMP his car was stolen on Feb. 14 and it was later located stripped and abandoned on Twp. Rd. 360 near the C & E Trail. The man said he had now observed what he believed to be his stolen car parts, said Eiler. RCMP investigated and obtained a search warrant. Eiler said the stolen car parts were recovered and the investigation is continuing.
She said local RCMP also received a complaint of a stolen truck on April 3. Sometime overnight a white GMC Sierra with Alberta licence plate number BST2019 had been stolen from the parking lot of Fourman Dairy Distributors. The RCMP investigation is continuing.
Shortly before 7 a.m. on April 5, Innisfail RCMP received a complaint of a stolen truck from a local residence. Eiler said the vehicle is described as a white F-150 with a silver roof rack with Timcon Construction marked on its side. The RCMP investigation is continuing.
If any citizen has any relevant information on any of these incidents he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342.
Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler
"We feel the frustration of the public and we want them to know we are working diligently to deter that activity."
