In the last week Rimbey RCMP responded to 47 calls for service. These calls include but are not limited to: three break and enters; two reports of suspicious activity, five cases of mischief, seven thefts, and several driving complaints. Also in the last week, officers responded to several 911 calls, and three of which where determined to be not only false, but misuse of 911 such as prank calls which tie up 911 operators, police dispatchers, and police officers and limit resources to those that are actually in an emergency situation.
On July 4, thanks to a concerned citizen who reported suspicious activity in the Parkland Beach area, police located a suspicious vehicle with three occupants, two of which had warrants for their arrest. As a result of the investigation, several items where seized including “break in” tools, stolen identification, stolen licence plates, and Methamphetamine (crystal meth). The occupants, all from the Edmonton area, were charged with several offences related to possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. The driver of the car was also issued a driving suspension.
Fortunately, property crime in the area has decreased and other than the odd fluctuation, has been lower than it has been in recent years. In an effort to reduce vulnerability to property crime, please consider the following ideas that can become part of your routine:
- Turn on outside lights at night
- Lock your doors
- Put away toys and bikes in a locked, safe location
- Put away tools when you’re finished with them
- Put away outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and weed trimmers
- Lock up or conceal off-highway vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.)
- Double check vehicles are locked and keys are removed
On July 6, a car was stopped for a minor traffic violation, and the male driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle shortly after. He refused to provide a breath sample and has been charged accordingly. Sadly, this individual, decided to drive to pick up a pizza rather than walk the short distance. The following day, a traffic stop was completed on a vehicle with an expired licence plate which was the least of the driver’s worries, as after a brief interaction, the officer arrested the driver for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and before transporting the driver to the detachment for a breath test, a brief detour was made to drop off the driver’s child who was also in the vehicle. Sadly, impaired diving continues to occur, and these two examples, of which there are many, show the clear disregard many irresponsible drivers have for road safety and are willing to place themselves, their children, and others on the road in danger.
If you have information on these or any other crimes, contact your local RCMP Detachment at 403-843-2224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers can also be contacted online at www.P3tips.com, or you can download the P3 Tips app for Android or Apple on your smart phone. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash award.