A rash of rural break and enters in Alberta and Saskatchewan has RCMP asking for assistance to solve the crimes.
Alberta RCMP spokesman Cpl. Wayne Oakes said it’s believed the 158 incidents are related.
“In a majority of cases, entry was gained through unlocked doors or windows, which is affording thieves easy access to these homes,” said Oakes in a news release.
“Thieves are targeting items such as purses and wallets, TVs, laptops, Ipods, cameras, cigarettes and liquor. These incidences are occurring during the early morning hours when residents are believed to be sleeping. To date there has not been any report of forced entry nor any acts of violence or aggression during any of the break and enters,” he said.
The thefts began in early August around Killam, Forestburg and the Camrose areas of central Alberta and moved to Fox Creek, Evansburg, Entwistle, Onoway and Swan Hills.
In September, they hit Killam and Forestburg again before moving to Saskatchewan and targeting homes in the Lashburn, Maidstone and Kerrobert area.
In November, the thieves hit the central Alberta communities of Bashaw, Alix, Delburne, Forestburg and Castor.
In a later interview, Cpl. Oakes recommended rural residents lock their doors and close their windows at night to prevent easy access to the houses.
“When you go to bed at night lock the doors,” he said.
Oakes said these crimes could be prevented.
Gates at the end of driveways are a huge deterrent to thieves who don’t like to walk down long driveways at night lugging their booty.
“The majority of thieves are not brazen, they’re more likely to drive to the next property.”
