Over the past month the Rimbey RCMP have responded to and proactively investigated 202 occurrences including: eight assaults (half of which were domestic in nature), one assault with a weapon, four incidents of uttering threats, 10 break and enters, 14 incidents of theft under $5,000, four motor vehicle thefts, three frauds, eight drug possessions, one drug trafficking, two impaired driving charges, two individuals who resisted arrest, 12 motor vehicle collisions, and one fatal motor vehicle collision.
Apparently the drug enforcement efforts of the Rimbey RCMP are having an effect on the community. While talking to a student at the high school one morning, a Mountie got an earful from a frustrated young girl who complained that it was so hard to find drugs in Rimbey over the summer that her friend had to skateboard to Sylvan Lake to buy some weed. The normally sympathetic Mountie found that he did not feel sorry for this young person’s dilemma, and he simply smiled as she vented her frustrations with the criminal justice system.
Unfortunately, trafficking in controlled substances continues in and around Rimbey keeping the RCMP busy with investigations into the sale and possession of illegal drugs. The Rimbey RCMP routinely seizes marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the course of their duties. This month an 18-year-old Rimbey male has been charged for possessing crystal meth, and an 18-year-old male from Drayton Valley, a 23-year-old male from Winfield, and a 35-year-old male from Bentley have been charged for possessing marijuana.
A 56-year-old male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the Rimbey Hospital following a single vehicle roll over west of Rimbey on October 2nd. Weather was a factor in this collision that occurred in the midst of an unusually early snow/sleet storm in the area.
Three local people have been targeted by fraudsters in the past month. In one incident, an official looking e-mail, skillfully crafted to appear as a letter from Canada Revenue Agency Support Services, was sent to an individual requesting his SocialInsurance Number. The claim was that he had overpaid on his taxes and was due a refund. This is a very common scam because everyone loves a refund, and many people act quickly to get it. It is important to note, however, that the CRA will not ask for personal information of any kind by e-mail or text message. If you receive an e-mail or text message from theCRA requesting personal information, investigate before you act. Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501or check out their website www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Two separate elderly individuals received phone calls from a male who used the names of legitimate lottery companies as a cover for his scam. In one call, he claimed to be associated with the STARS lottery foundation, and he tried to persuade his victim that she had won a car. In order to claim her prize however, she had to send money. And of course, she must not tell anyone. This same fraudster called another individual and claimed to be a representative from Reader’s Digest. He said that the lucky person had won a vehicle and some money, and he wanted to know the winner’s address so he could deliver the prizes. Again, it was important not to tell anyone.
These frauds are being investigated, but there is also much you can do personally to protect yourself against criminals who wish to separate you from your hard earned money. Remember that if you receive a call claiming that you have won a prize in a lottery or contest, it is very unlikely that you would be required to send money over the phone, online, or through the mail to receive your prize. If you are ever unsure about a prize offer or don’t remember entering to win, always call the charity directly to confirm that the prize is legitimate. When in doubt, you can also refer to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission website for a list of policies and procedures that charities must follow when awarding lottery winnings or other prizes. For a detailed list of frauds and scams please check out the Canadian Anti-FraudCentre website or the RCMP website and search “scams and frauds”. The best way to protect one’s self is to not give any personal information and simply hang up the phone.
Tips from the public help the RCMP to do their job. If you have any information regarding these 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.