A spate of break-ins plaguing rural communities in Saskatchewan has the RCMP appealing to the public for help.
Small businesses, churches and post offices have been among the targets hit by thieves in several communities, including Parkside, Kinistino and Waldheim.
The break-ins are happening in a broad swath of the province, and the Prince Albert RCMP have been tasked with co-ordinating investigations among various other detachments.
Rob Fines, a constable with the Prince Albert RCMP said, there was no way to know for sure if the crimes were being committed by the same individuals, but he did say that similarities between the crimes suggested it was a possibility.
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The break-ins have occurred in the late evening or early morning. Cash on the premises has been stolen, and safes in the various locations have also been taken, or have been damaged where the thieves have tried to force them open.
Fines urged rural residents to ensure that they lock up their businesses and vehicles, and if they have safes, to make sure they are properly locked, and not just “day-locked.”
“The biggest thing for the public is to just keep an eye out for suspicious people, suspicious vehicles and any activity that’s just not normal.”
While rural crime is an unfortunate reality in any year, Fines said the break-ins are alarming, and the Mounties are determined to get the situation under control.
“It seems like this has just flared itself up and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping right now so we just want to find these suspects as soon as possible to put an end to this,” he said.
Anyone with information on these break-ins is urged to contact their local RCMP detachment.
Tips can be sent anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or by texting TIP206, followed by the tip information, to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
