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Arrests made in in relation to ATM thefts

Arrests have been made in regard to a string of thefts, going back to a break-in that occurred in February of 2014, when a number of firearms were stolen from Warehouse Sports in St. Paul.
Arrests have been made in relation to a string of thefts, including the 2014 break-in at Warehouse Sports that resulted in the theft of a number of firearms after a vehicle
Arrests have been made in relation to a string of thefts, including the 2014 break-in at Warehouse Sports that resulted in the theft of a number of firearms after a vehicle was used to crash through the business. Many of the thefts also related to ATM machines being taken.

Arrests have been made in regard to a string of thefts, going back to a break-in that occurred in February of 2014, when a number of firearms were stolen from Warehouse Sports in St. Paul.

Earlier this week, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) and RCMP offered information on the trend of ATM thefts taking place across Alberta.

“Two organized theft rings were identified and arrests made in response to the crime trend,” according to the ALERT media release, dated Oct. 18.

In the first six months of 2016 more than 130 instances of ATM theft have taken place, according to ALERT’s criminal intelligence analysts. More than 60 communities have been impacted, with banks, credit unions, gas stations, and convenience stores incurring severe damage in addition to monetary loss.

Video surveillance of some of the thefts, including one in Goodfish Lake, was released by law enforcement.

“The impact of these offences extends far beyond the monetary loss of an ATM. These offenders have left a trail of destruction in rural communities and have shaken resident’s sense of safety,” said S/Sgt. Dave Knibbs, of ALERT, in the release.

ALERT’s Edmonton organized crime and gang team became involved in May 2016 after two suspected groups were identified by intelligence analysts. A total of 101 charges have been laid to date against seven individuals, with the latest arrest occurring on September 28, 2016.

“The success of our investigation is attributable to the collaborative approach and teamwork between all our agencies working together to combat this crime trend. Integrated policing is the most effective model for keeping our communities safe,” said Chief Supt. Shahin Mehdizadeh.

One of the two theft rings was found to be local. The first phase of the investigation pointed to residents from the Rimbey/Bentley area, while the second phase pointed to a group of people from Saddle Lake and Edmonton areas.

Tyrone Hunter, 23, Byron Hunter, 42, Rodney Hunter, 37, Francis Cardinal, 22, and Abigail Hunter, 45, face a total of 38 charges related to weapons, theft, break and enter. ALERT alleges that the group was involved in ATM thefts, firearms trafficking, and other criminal activity.

Two search warrants were carried out at homes on the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, on Aug. 9 and Sept. 19. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of 12 firearms, body armour, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The final arrest occurred on Sept. 28 when Rodney Hunter was arrested in West Kelowna, B.C. for weapons trafficking, amongst other offences.

Hunter and company have been charged with the following incidents:

Armed Robbery at Northside Store in Saddle Lake – June 25, 2014

Perjury at the St. Paul Provincial Court – Aug.10, 2016

Break and enter to steal firearm at Warehouse Sports in St. Paul – Feb. 17, 2014

Break and enter at Guardian Pharmacy in Mundare – April 14, 2015

Break and enter at Northside Store in Saddle Lake – June 25, 2014

Break and enter, Theft of ATM, at Cardinal Cash n’ Carry in Goodfish – Jan. 12, 2016

Break and enter, Theft of ATM at Servus Credit Union in Lamont – March 14, 2016

Break and enter, Theft of ATM at Servus Credit Union in Mundare – May 19, 2016

Break and enter, Theft of ATM at Northside Store in Saddle Lake – May 20, 2016

Arrested Byron and Tyrone Hunter in Edmonton – Aug. 19, 2016;

Arrested Abigail Hunter and Francis Cardinal in Saddle Lake – Aug. 31, 2016

Arrested Rodney Hunter in West Kelowna – Sept. 28, 2016

Byron Hunter is expected to appear in court on Oct. 28, while is co-accused will appear on Nov. 1.

The first phase of the joint forces investigation resulted in the arrests of Jonathan Andrews, 23, of Bentley and Shane Hicks, 37, of Rimbey. The pair was arrested on June 12 and three search warrants were conducted at associated properties.

Andrews and Hicks face 63 charges related to theft, possession of stolen property, mischief, and break and enters. In two instances, the pair allegedly sabotaged police cruisers at the RCMP detachments in an attempt to obstruct police.

Investigators have charged Andrews and Hicks for the following incidents:

ATM theft in Caroline – May 5, 2016

Stolen trailer in Pigeon Lake – May 31, 2016

Break and enter in Rimbey – June 2, 2016

Stolen pickup truck in Rimbey – June 2, 2016

Damaged police vehicles at RCMP Rimbey detachment – June 5, 2016

ATM theft at Rimbey Credit Union, Rimbey – June 5, 2016

Damaged police vehicles at RCMP Bashaw detachment – June 9, 2016

Attempted theft in Ponoka – June 9, 2016

Break and enter and stolen truck in Bashaw – June 9, 2016

Break and enter Canada Post Office in Mirror – June 9, 2016

Attempted theft in Ponoka – June 12, 2016

Break and enter Canada Post Office in Mirror – June 12, 2016

Arrested Andrews and Hicks in Mirror – June 12, 2016

Andrews was recently sentenced to 30 months in prison minus six months credit for time already served. Hicks, meanwhile is due in Wetaskiwin court on Nov. 2.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

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