It was another busy week for the Rimbey RCMP who dealt with 46 calls for service.
Dump trailer stolen
Police are searching for a stolen dump-style trailer bearing Alberta license plate #237857. The trailer had a UFA sticker on it at the time it was stolen. These trailers have become very popular in the construction, farming and other industries and are valued at over $7,500.
Rural vandalism
Police received numerous complaints of mischief caused by vandals driving snow machines. In one case, a farmer’s fence was cut by culprits driving snow machines while trespassing on private property in the Hoadley area.
In several other cases, vandals were operating snow machines on roadways in the Bluffton area, on and near Range Road 25, and smashed numerous mailboxes. Senseless acts of vandalism did not stop there. Sometime during the night Feb. 12, the Gimlet Community Centre was attacked by vandals who smashed out the windows of the active hall. The building suffered thousands of dollars in damage. It is not known at this time why someone would commit such a hideous crime but police are actively pursuing all leads in this case in attempts of bringing the responsible persons to justice.
Habitual drunk driver arrested
Officers have dedicated more patrol time in the rural area in attempts of reducing the number of impaired drivers dangerously driving the back roads. On Feb. 13 at midnight, police arrested an impaired driver in Bluffton. The 56-year-old man, a resident of Bluffton, was on his way home after a night of partaking in alcoholic beverages. The accused had his vehicle towed and impounded and faces numerous charges relating to drunk driving and operating a motor vehicle while his license was disqualified. In this case, the accused has already been convicted of impaired driving on three previous occasions.
Oilfield thefts investigated
Also, in the Gimlet area an oil lease site building was broken into where thieves stole several fire extinguishers. This week, RCMP located oilfield equipment stolen from the Rimbey area in eastern Alberta. The investigation into these matters is continuing and charges are pending.
Thieves target vehicles
Opportunistic criminals took advantage of more unlocked automobiles near the post office during late night hours on Valentine’s Day. Several vehicles were entered and items such as gas cards, hunting knives and other items were stolen. Please take a moment to lock your car and refrain from storing items of value in the vehicle overnight. Police have recovered some items and continue to investigate the matter.
Families assisted
Officers made two apprehensions under the Mental Health Act and were very involved in several other cases as well this week in attempts of trying to assist many families with different issues they are facing.
Drug charges laid
Police continue to work towards reducing illicit drugs in Rimbey and more marijuana was seized this week. In another investigation, methamphetamine was the drug of choice.
Keyless entry
Finally, police scrambled quickly to a break and enter 9-1-1 call in Rimbey where a lady had just returned home to find her door kicked in. Fortunately, it was not a crime but a family member who used a size 10 running shoe instead of a key. In this case, they probably won’t forget their key again.
If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please call 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.