SUNDRE - RCMP have laid charges in relation to the theft of over 100 trail cameras the Help Alberta Wildies Society used for research in the Williams Creek area southwest of Sundre.
On March 6, Sundre RCMP received a complaint of 54 research trail cameras being stolen.
Three days later, with assistance from Mayerthorpe RCMP, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Mayerthorpe.
During the search, officers recovered 52 of the stolen cameras, RCMP said in a news release issued today, March 18.
A Mayerthorpe man has been charged with mischief and possession of property obtained by crime.
The Help Alberta Wildies Society has reported over 100 cameras stolen from the area since 2021.
On Oct. 18, 2021, Sundre RCMP received a complaint from the Help Alberta Wildies Society, that 10 research trail cameras were stolen from the Williams Creek area.
Since that time, the same area has been the target of theft three more times, police said.
On Feb. 6, 2022, police said 30 research trail cameras were stolen. Then on March 6, 2022, it was reported that 43 trail cameras were stolen. The estimated cost of replacement for the cameras was approximately $17,000.
In the latest theft, the estimated value of stolen trail cameras is $12,500.
After his arrest, Mayerthorpe resident Lonnie Darrel Roth was released from custody on conditions and will be appearing in Mayerthorpe provincial court on May 11.
Sundre RCMP continue to investigate.
