Steven McMichael spent the last 20 years working as a stunt man, obtaining specialized work equipment costing approximately $35,000 – and it was all stolen last week.
“You feel violated,” McMichael stated.
“My family is safe, which is one hundred per cent my priority, but now my kids come home and they set the alarm … in a place that is supposed to be a private community.”
McMichael’s 24-foot long Mission trailer was stolen on Jan. 10 at approximately 3 a.m. from his home located in MonTerra at Cochrane Lakes. The trailer was filled with stunt gear including mats, harnesses and rigging equipment. Within an hour of the trailer being reported stolen, it was found ditched on Weedon Trail.
Cochrane RCMP said the staff from the identification unit examined the trailer and were able to find clues.
“The investigation ongoing,” said Sgt. Jeff Campbell.
The majority of McMichael’s stunt gear was in three blue storage bins in the trailer – all were taken.
“These guys can’t do nothing with it … they can’t sell it, everything has registration codes on them,” McMichael said.
“The sad thing is the (equipment) is probably lying on the road somewhere – they went in the trailer and opened the bin and knew there was nothing of value and they took it anyways.”
While McMichael said it is going be a hassle to deal with insurance and replacing everything that was stolen, he is grateful the items taken were, for the most part, replaceable.
“Stuff gets stolen, I understand the economic downturn and people are trying to survive and what they stole from me I can replace, but the other trailers stolen (in the area) had personal stuff taken,” McMichael commented.
Cochrane RCMP confirmed there were three trailers stolen between Jan. 9-11, with one being recovered in Calgary. Sgt. Darlene White said it is a “likely scenario” that the thief or thieves are from the city, but mentioned that nothing is for certain and the investigation is still ongoing.
Leslie McMichael, wife of Steven, said it is a scary feeling.
“My kids keep asking if they are going to come back, and now when I wake up, I look outside to see if everything is still there … I shouldn’t have to do that,” Leslie said.
The couple said they are now focusing on getting to know their neighbours and trying to create a safe neighbourhood.
“It’s what we need to do as a community, for Cochrane as awesome as it is and as small as it is, if you see something … report it, so your neighbours know. It’s about having knowledge,” Steven said.
Leslie said she posted on social media after their trailer was stolen and it made one of their neighbours look outside and realize theirs had been taken too.
“Everyone needs to be really aware and look out for each other,” Leslie said.
“It seems to me any time there is an unusual ‘bottle-drive’ there are some thefts in the area.”
“It is as simple as keeping your neighbours aware, even if you don’t like them, I am sure they’d appreciate if you noticed something and told them,” Steven said.
The McMichaels have been living in Cochrane for the past 6-7 years. Steven has worked a variety of films for the past 20 years, he has worked most recently on the heavily Oscar-nominated The Revenant filmed in the Cochrane area. Steven has also worked on The Hobbit movies and played a stunt double in Fargo, Wolverine, Freddy vs. Jason, and as Superman … to name a few.
Leslie is also a stunt performer, the two met on the 1990’s Ninja Turtle TV series while Leslie was playing the female ninja turtle.
“We came here for a wedding years ago and I thought, ‘damn, this place is awesome’ and this is the place we chose,” Steven said.
“You have to trudge on – there are five cameras on my house. I am a sword master and I just got my PAL (Possession and Acquisition License for firearms) – I feel fine safety-wise,” Steven stated.
“Imagine if this happened to your family? And it is unfortunate because someone is going to die … not by my hands, but it is going to reach the point where they cross the wrong person.”
The McMichaels said if anyone notices any discarded blue bins in the ditch, to please bring the bins to local RCMP.
The family is also offering a reward for any returned items. For more information contact Cochrane RCMP at 403-932-2213.
