OLDS - Red Deer RCMP are alerting local scrap dealers to the recent theft of bronze heritage plaques from various locations throughout the city in a case believed linked to similar thefts in Olds.
City police were first alerted on Oct. 5 of a missing bronze heritage plaque at the downtown train station. Since that time, thefts have also been reported from multiple locations throughout Red Deer, including from the Golden Circle, Michael O’Brian Wetland and Sacred Heart Church.
“RCMP believe that this theft is related to a similar theft of eight historic plaques in the town of Olds, which occurred between the evening of Oct. 19 and the morning of Oct. 20,” Red Deer RCMP said in a press release issued yesterday (Nov. 8).
The eight plaques stolen from various uptown Olds locations are part of the Olds Historical Signage Program administered by the Town of Olds, Olds Communities in Bloom Committee and Olds Historical Society.
The high-quality, bronze plaques feature a historical photograph and a description about the location, which is mounted on a building or a stand-alone platform.
Red Deer RCMP is notifying local scrap dealers of the thefts to limit resale opportunities.
In both cases, surveillance footage identified a suspect vehicle.
Surveillance footage in Red Deer captured a suspect vehicle described as an early 2000s, light-coloured, Chevy pickup truck with a Harley Davidson sticker. Police said the suspect also has a noticeable limp in the surveillance footage.
“We are asking our community to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviours or activity in their neighbourhood,” says Red Deer RCMP Cpl. Mike Evans. “Many of these stolen plaques have been in public community spaces, and by staying vigilant, we all can limit this individual’s opportunities for theft.”
RCMP are continuing their investigation into these incidents. Anyone with information about the thefts or who witnessed suspicious activity, is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575 or their local police department. Anyone wishing 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 store.
