OLDS — RCMP are investigating several reports of break and enters to homes and businesses in Bowden, Olds and Torrington including four on the same day.
On Jan. 15, a Bowden resident said his shed on 19th Avenue was broken into overnight. Three small Champion generators, a 20-pound propane bottle and a Stihl chainsaw were reported stolen.
Four offences are alleged to have occurred on the morning of Jan. 19.
In the first case, at about 4 a.m., Olds RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter in progress on a farm east of Olds on Rge. Rd. 281, north of Highway 27.
“Multiple suspects in three suspect vehicles entered the farm property by knocking down the gate, and forcibly entering the residence and outbuildings on the property,” an RCMP news release says.
“Thieves left the property after being detected by neighbours and fled in different directions with an undetermined amount of property, including a gun safe.”
The first vehicle involved in this incident is described as a newer model white crew cab GMC/Chevrolet truck. The second vehicle is an older model Ford F150. The third vehicle is an older two ton truck, believed to be a Dodge.
RCMP believe at least one female and one male were involved in this offence.
At about 5:45 a.m. that same day, Olds RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter at the Torrington Hotel.
“Two male suspects gained entry through a window into the bar, then fled the business with about $1,200 worth of cash, cigarettes and liquor,” the release says.
“Suspects left the scene in an older black Chevrolet Cavalier with a smashed out rear window.”
One suspect in this case is described as a male with an average build, wearing a black hoodie, black pants, black shoes, white mask and safety glasses.
The second suspect is described as a male with a heavy build, wearing a dark hoodie, grey sweat pants, black street-style shoes, mechanic gloves, a face mask and safety glasses.
At about 8 a.m. on Jan. 19, Olds RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter to a home on Violet Close in Olds.
A suspect or suspects gained entry by prying open the garage door, then pried open an adjoining door into the home. A washing machine was reported stolen.
Forty-five minutes later, police were dispatched to a break and enter to a rural business shop on Rge. Rd. 13, north of Olds.
The complainant said his black 2020 TNT 7X16 utility trailer had been stolen, along with $40,000 to $60,000 worth of tools, power tools and work-related property.
Stolen property includes but is not limited to: compressors, a Honda 3000 generator, Bostitch nailers, Dewalt levels, impact drills, skill saws, routers, batteries, a Dewalt radio, Makita power tools and tool boxes.
“Olds RCMP would like to remind business and rural property owners to be vigilant with safety and security measures on their properties," the release says.
“Rural property owners know when something doesn’t feel or look right. Please call the police if something feels out of the ordinary.”
Anyone with information on any of these crimes is asked to call the Olds RCMP detachment at 403-556-3324. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
