A thief made away with $41,000 worth of new cellphones during a break and enter last week at the Telus store in Olds.
The theft occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 4 a.m. at the 46 Street store.
“The suspect used a rock to smash the front window of the business,” said Olds RCMP Const. John Boles.
A store camera captured the crime, providing the RCMP with video footage.
“The suspect is a Caucasian male, five foot four to five foot seven, driving a silver van. He appears to be younger, maybe in his 20s,” said Boles.
“If anybody knows anything or somebody with a massive amount of cellphones trying to get rid of them, they should contact the detachment.”
The thief targeted iPhones, Blackberry smartphones and other smartphones.
Arson suspected in car fire
Police suspect a car fire last Thursday evening in uptown Olds was a case of arson.
The blue 1994 Toyota Camry was parked in the back alley behind Bill's Steak and Seafood when the fire was reported about 6:30 p.m.
“It appears that the fire was started deliberately,” said Boles.
“Somebody might have smashed a window on it and lit the car's inside on fire.”
The matter is under investigation by the fire department and the RCMP.
Pedestrian struck
On Nov. 24, around 9:45 a.m., an Olds woman in her 60s was struck while crossing 46 Street at the 50 Avenue intersection.
“A lady driving a Pontiac Grand Prix made a left-hand turn, heading east on 46 Street from 50 Avenue and she hit the pedestrian,” said Boles.
The victim suffered minor injuries.
“Both ladies are in their 60s,” said Boles.
“We are currently looking into laying some charges” against the driver, he said.
The RCMP is watching crosswalks and intersections for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
“We will be watching for any offences at intersections and crosswalks,” said Boles.
“The top fine is $575 for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk.”
Arrest made in vehicle thefts
RCMP have charged an Olds man for the theft of two vehicles in separate incidents this month.
In the first incident, a thief stole a blue Dodge Dakota parked on 47 Street on Nov. 8. On Nov. 17, the owner saw the truck and contacted the RCMP. The RCMP located the vehicle but did not engage in a pursuit, due to the snowy weather.
Police say the same thief stole a blue Chevy Silverado in Torrington in the early morning hours of Nov. 23.
“He has been arrested and charged for both vehicles,” said Boles.
Charged is 19-year-old Olds resident Thomas Thorne. His first appearance in court was scheduled for Nov. 28 in Didsbury.
Charity checkstop
The RCMP will provide assistance in the sixth annual charity checkstop on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., members from the detachment will man special lanes set up on the east- and westbound lanes on Highway 27 between 57 Avenue and 61 Avenue.
Motorists are encourage to donate cash, non-perishable food items and new toys.
Motorists who do not wish to take part in the charity checkstop are asked to stay in the right-hand lanes.
The checkstop is in aid of four local charities: Mountain View Food Bank, Olds Christmas Angels Society, Chinook Arch Victim Services Society and Olds Emergency Shelter Society.
