Cochrane RCMP have laid charges in a string of business break-ins and ATM thefts in the Bragg Creek, Priddis and Turner Valley area.
The criminal activity took place on September 25 and continued throughout October. Cochrane RCMP launched a coordinated investigation and identified several suspects. On Tuesday (Nov. 19) two men were taken into custody by the Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit and several charges were laid.
Charged jointly are 23-year-old Ian Charles Abercrombie, formerly of Calgary, and 19-year-old Ethan Michael Enns of Calgary. The pair face eight counts of break and enter to a business. They are also charged with five counts of wearing a mask while committing an indictable offence. Both offences took place in the Bragg Creek and Priddis area.
"The public has been very supportive of our efforts in this investigation and we’re extremely pleased to report these results," says Sgt. Ryan Singleton, Operations Support NCO of Cochrane Detachment. "This has been a comprehensive effort, and the investigation continues with support from several different units and detachments.” He added that both suspects were known to frequent the areas.
The suspects are scheduled for their next court appearance on December 3 at the Cochrane Provincial Court. Abercrombie has been remanded in custody after a judicial interim hearing, while Enns has been released.
As part of the investigation the Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit, Cochrane General Investigation Section, and Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit obtained a search warrant on November 20 for a property south of Airdrie. During the search police recovered several all-terrain vehicles, a motorcycle, a covered trailer, and a pickup truck.
Police believe the truck was used to commit offences. Other stolen property was recovered.
“We’re in the process now of matching up that property with the people who were affected,'' Sgt. Singleton said.
Singleton added that during the investigation the RCMP worked enhanced shifts doing night surveillance in unmarked vehicles.
“Overall we have very good people working very hard to try and keep our communities safe,” he said.
Just last week the provincial government launched a plan that will deter rural crime, reinforce property rights and give victims a stronger voice in the justice system. The Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence Force (RAPID Force) will expand the roles and authorities of 400 peace officers in the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch and the traffic arm of the Alberta Sheriffs.
Sgt. Singleton says the RAPID Force initiative will enhance and improve communication and intelligence between police in the province.
Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit is asking anyone with more information about these offences to contact Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
