Rimbey RCMP had another hectic week, investigating more than 54 files. Highlights of the week included a serious sexual assault, criminal harassment, poaching, impaired driving, drugs and other criminal matters.
Be prepared for winter driving
Weather conditions contributed to a plethora of crashes this week. Officers attended several rollovers and other serious collisions. Thankfully, there were no life-threatening injuries to any of the occupants involved. Please slow down and ensure you have adequate winter tires, sand bags and your windshield washer fluid topped up.
Wire theft investigations continue
Police continue to investigate the recent oilfield thefts where copper wire was stolen. Mounties are actively pursuing leads and leaving no rocks unturned in attempts to locate the copper wire thieves.
Rounding up the usual offenders
Your RCMP detachment is continuing to track chronic, habitual offenders (our regulars) who are out on probation or parole. This week, several more offenders were arrested and charged for additional breaches of their court orders. A well-known 30-yearold female, a resident of Rimbey (sometimes Drayton Valley), who is before the courts with countless criminal charges, again breached her court orders and was taken back to jail.
Mounties, FWO tracking poachers
Mounties and Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers have been busy dealing with trespassing and poaching complaints. In our area, there are many ethical hunters who conduct themselves responsibly in assisting with the management of wild game by harvesting wildlife while abiding by all the rules and regulations. These laws are in place to help preserve our wildlife and protect everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
Unfortunately, there have been numerous incidents involving poachers illegally hunting at night. In one case, an elk was shot from Secondary Highway 766 near Leedale Road. The miscreant was on private land and committed the crime not far from the landowner’s house. In a second disturbing case, in the same area, two beautiful bull moose were shot dead and the poacher(s) used a saw to cut off the antlers and left both of the majestic animals in the marsh to rot.
Deer have also been found to have been poached in the Leedale and the Rimbey Gas Plant areas. So far this hunting season, there have been numerous complaints of hunting on private land without permission, having a loaded firearm in the vehicle and shooting near a residence.
If you witness a crime involving wildlife, please call the Report a Poacher Hotline at 1-800-642-3800.
If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please call the Rimbey RCMP at (403) 843-2224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, #8477 on Telus Mobility or *8477 on Rogers AT&T.
Crime Stoppers is a community program that does work. Do your part and call now.