On Wednesday, April 22, the Sundre RCMP detachment — with assistance from the Olds and Didsbury detchments as well as Police Dog Services, the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit and the RCMP Auto Theft Unit — executed a search warrant at a rural property east of town.
In a press release issued the following day, police reported the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars in stolen property from the site.
On Tuesday, April 21, the Sundre RCMP received a report of a theft from an oil lease site east of Sundre, where a 12 volt battery that powers monitoring equipment was stolen. The company’s representative stated he was alerted by security monitoring equipment and immediately called police.
A rural property with a history of criminal activity that is in close proximity to the theft scene was suspected, and patrols were subsequently made in the area of that property, said police.
Then, on the morning of Wednesday, April 22, the Sundre RCMP were keeping a watchful eye out on the rural residence when they observed a pickup truck leave the property. Officers attempted to stop the truck, but the driver refused to pull over and fled the area.
Police were able to determine that the suspect vehicle had been reported stolen from the Olds area the day prior. Police then attended the rural residence and found two RV trailers on the property.
A judicial authorization was obtained to search the residence and property, and it was executed shortly thereafter. Police recovered not only the stolen battery, but also several stolen trailers and off-highway vehicles.
With the assistance of Police Dog Services, two people were found hiding within the residence and taken into custody without incident, police report. However, the homeowner was not located. Some of the other items police seized include:
• 2019 40’ Montana fifth wheel trailer
• 2012 34’ Rockwood RV trailer
• 20’ double-axle flat deck trailer
• Mirage utility trailer loaded with worksite tools and equipment
• Look utility trailer loaded with worksite tools and equipment
• Argo amphibious vehicle
• Yamaha Rhino OHV
Police are in the process of contacting the registered owners of the stolen property. The items recovered were reported stolen from the Strathmore, Crossfield and Sundre areas.
The matter is still being investigated, but criminal charges are already pending against the homeowner as well as four individuals, including a 17-year-old female.
“The vigilant measures implemented by the oil and gas operator to mitigate oil lease site thefts was the catalyst for this collaborated operation, which resulted in the return of stolen property to their rightful owners,” Cpl. Joe Mandel of the Sundre RCMP said in the press release.
“Times are tough for all, but it does not justify the lack of moral principles of these individuals to prey on law-abiding citizens. The Sundre RCMP would like to again acknowledge our gratitude and appreciation to all our citizens for all that they have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice during our current health crisis.”
Members of the public who have information related to this incident — or any other crimes — are encouraged to contact either the Sundre RCMP detachment at 403-638-3675 or their local department. Alternatively, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips apps to remain anonymous. The app is available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
