This week Rimbey RCMP responded to 51 calls for service. Highlights include impaired drivers, oil field theft, sexual assault, criminal harassment, domestic assault, and other criminal matters.
Impaired driver charged
Your local Mounties arrested and charged another impaired driver this week. After years of education, highway billboards, television and newspaper advertisements, local funerals and just plain old word of mouth, a local 67 year old man from the Gimlet area found out first hand (for the third time in recent years!!) that we are not going to tolerate drunk driving in our community.
Early in 2013, Rimbey detachment members reached out to the citizens of this fine community and asked the simple question, “what concerns you in your neighbourhood and what can we do to make it better?”. The overwhelming response was to reduce the number of drunk drivers. One local county councillor said, “I think my biggest concern is being in a crash with an impaired driver on my way home from hockey practice with my children in the car”. So, Rimbey detachment made impaired driving a strategic priority. Since April 1, 2013, Rimbey Detachment has charged 27 impaired drivers! Many others have had their drivers licenses suspended for 24 hours and in some cases up to 30 days for getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. The costs of impaired driving are just not worth it. Please, make plans ahead of time if you intend to partake in some spirits to have a safe ride home.
RCMP deal with trauma
Unfortunately, officers dealt with some very concerning matters this week, including sexual assault of a minor, sudden deaths, mental health and other traumatic incidents. Each week, we try to give you a “snap shot” of our week’s highlights in the Police Report, however, we cannot report on many of difficult cases we are involved in. Thankfully, Rimbey has an incredible organization made up of volunteers who assist officers in many of these cases - the Rimbey and District Victim Services Society (VSU). If you or a loved one needs some information on how to deal with a situation where you have been a victim of crime or abuse, please call VSU at (403) 843-8494.
Youth arrested for drug possession
Another arrest was made for possession of marihuana when an alert officer noticed a youth impersonating “Spicoli” from the 80’s movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”. It is probably safe to say that this young man hasn’t seen that old movie or know that Spicoli crashed a car when he was high but he should have known that you don’t smoke weed and get behind the wheel of a car. The 16-year-old male has been charged with drug possession and had his driver’s license suspended.
Ladies arrested for shoplifting
Two young ladies were arrested and charged with theft after they shoplifted at a local Rimbey store.
Copper wire theft being investigated
Police are investigating another copper wire theft in the rural area from an oil lease site.
RCMP offer Halloween safety tips
Soon there will be witches, goblins and superheroes descending on Rimbey streets and neighbourhoods for Halloween. The RCMP offers some safety tips to help prepare children for a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. - Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars. – Wear light-coloured or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. - Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you. - Carry a flashlight to light your way. – Keep away from open fires and candles (costumes can be extremely flammable). - Visit homes that have the porch light on. - Accept treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house. - Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. - Have an adult inspect treats before eating them and don’t eat candy if the package has been already opened. - Be cautious of small, hard pieces of candy that can be a choking hazard for young children.
The RCMP wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween.
If you have any information regarding this or any other crimes, please call the local Rimbey RCMP Detachment at (403) 843-2224 or Crime Stoppers: PHONE: 1-800-222-8477 #8477 on Telus Mobility *8477 on Rogers AT&T.
Crime Stoppers is a community program that does work! Do your part and call now.