Bonnyville RCMP are investigating a break and enter where six firearms were stolen.
Police were advised on March 15 at about 11:30 p.m. that a residence in Therien was broken into and multiple firearms were missing including a 12-gauge Winchester Defender, a 257 Weatherby, a 204 Ruger, 253 Winchester, a 300 Savage, and an old 22 calbre.
Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to contact the Bonnyville RCMP at 780-343-7200 or Crime Stoppers.
One night, three impaired investigations
Police were busy on March 9 with three impaired operation investigations.
“Just after midnight, one of our newest police officers conducted a traffic stop at the 7-Eleven, and used the mandatory alcohol screening. The driver failed it, and was subsequently brought back for testing. He was almost double the legal limit,” detailed Sgt. Kim Hillier.
James Hancock, a 59-year-old Bonnyville man, was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle as a result.
That same day, the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit was in town. After conducting a traffic stop, they charged 31-year-old Jordan Allen from Redcliff with impaired operation.
He provided samples that were close to double the legal limit.
An 18-year-old GDL driver had his license suspended after a local officer pulled him over at 2 a.m. He provided a caution on the alcohol screening device.
Kehewin man charged with assault
Around 11 a.m. on March 9, RCMP received a 911 call that a male had assaulted a female in Kehewin.
“As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Daniel Badger of Kehewin was charged with assault, mischief, and possession of a scheduled substance,” explained Hillier, adding he was in possession of what is believed to be methamphetamine.
Woman’s purse, ID, and vehicle stolen
On March 15, RCMP were called by a rural resident after his wife’s purse was stolen from their home.
According to the complainant, her identification was inside of the purse and is also missing.
The thief also took their red 2005 Kia Spectra. It’s described as a four-door vehicle with a sticker family on the back window. There’s also a dent on one of the doors.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact RCMP.
Expensive scope stolen from Source for Sports
The owner of Source for Sports in Bonnyville called RCMP on March 16 just after 5 p.m. when he noticed a scope valued at over $6,000 was missing.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the detachment.
RCMP reminding residents to be mindful of what they purchase online
Bonnyville RCMP are reminding residents to be wary of what they buy online, after multiple cases of fraud.
“Currently, detachment members are investigating frauds resulting from people sending money over the internet for online ads. Those are difficult investigations, so we would like to remind people that the best way to make a purchase online with another individual is always in person. Always exchange the cash for the object,” Hillier stressed.
Some residents are reporting sending $1,000 or more, only to never see the item they purchased.
“You have to be very careful. The criminal activity on the internet is very high. Just be aware that it happens regularly and it takes a lot of police resources. They’re very difficult to investigate,” Hillier said. “They often result in us not being able to get the money back to the owner.”
While some victims are defrauded by purchasing hockey or concert tickets online, others are buying items such as vehicles, pets, boats, and high-end Powwow regalia.
“If you’re going to send money, you better make sure it’s a reputable company or person,” noted Hillier. “We have it for all types of items... it’s very disappointing that there’s so much criminality on the internet that’s targeting honest people who are just trying to purchase something.”
She added, if you’re willing to send the cash without having the item in-hand, “you basically have to be ready to lose the money... in the event the other person isn’t an honest person.”
Ford F350 reported stolen
RCMP are asking the public for any information regarding the theft of a Ford F350.
On March 13, the owner of the truck came out to find it was missing from the driveway of a Bonnyville residence.
The truck has a Saskatchewan license plate that reads 090 LDI.
“The only note on the vehicle that would distinguish it, if it still remains, is a John Deer vanity license plate on the front,” noted Hillier.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bonnyville RCMP.
