A string of break and enters at a number of local businesses last week has left some people feeling violated, uneasy, and unsure of what steps they can take to prevent further incidents from occurring.
Cpl. Ron Bumbry, a media relations officer with the RCMP, confirmed that a number of break-ins had occurred in the evening of Nov. 28 and early morning hours of Nov. 29.
Then, on Dec. 1, RCMP responded to a call of an abandoned vehicle on fire on 51st Avenue. It was later determined that the vehicle had been stolen from North Park Collision & Frame. The business was a victim of a theft that saw a number of tools and electronic stolen from the auto body shop.
RCMP couldn’t confirm if last week’s break and enters were linked, but police were working with forensics as the investigations moved forward.
Bumbry was encouraging locals who may have video surveillance in any of the areas that were affected, including backyard or garages, to take a look and see if there was anything remotely suspicious recorded.
“Any tip is a good tip,” said Bumbry, adding, it could be a small detail, such as a vehicle driving by, and those tips could lead to bigger breaks in the investigations.
“Little things do help us out tremendously.”
He also encourages residents to continue to report any suspicious behavior they may witness, immediately - “Don’t wait.”
No arrests had been made on any of the incidents, as of late last week.
Clearly still shaken up and shocked, Bernard Michaud, owner and manager at North Park, spoke to the Journal just hours after arriving at work on Friday. The business does have video surveillance, and it is suspected that the suspects were in the shop for over four hours.
At least three computers, a number of tablets/laptops and paint guns were some of the items taken from the business. Many of the items are used on a day-to-day basis, and losing those items will affect daily operations of the business.
“Today, we’re just trying to get our computers up and running so we can resume work Monday,” said Michaud. “Everybody feels violated,” he added, noting staff members were shook up.
The business was a victim of theft about two months ago also, with a customer’s vehicle being stolen that time too.
On Wednesday, Luke Audette was busy going through his property, boarding things up in an attempt to keep things safe. Audette had a number of personal buildings broken into between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Thankfully, thieves didn’t make off with anything, but they did damage a number of the buildings on the property, located on 46th Street.
“There’s nothing to be taken,” said Audette, adding many of the buildings contained antiques and family heirlooms that likely only have sentimental value to him. Many of the items are also large and bulky, and can’t easily be taken.
The property also has a rental house that is currently empty. But, the suspects did cause enough damage that now Audette will be spending any extra dollars he has on repairing the damage.
At this time of the year, it’s especially frustrating to deal with the break-in. While he had hoped to donate money to local causes, he now must put that money into securing and repairing his property.
Audette did acknowledge the thorough response he had received from RCMP, and says he now feels inspired to join the local Citizens on Patrol group, in an effort to help where he can.
“I don’t know where to turn,” admits Audette, adding, he realistically can’t put video cameras up everywhere. And it didn’t take long for Audette to realize he wasn’t the only victim.
According to RCMP, the Rite Water Bottling Company was also broken into, with several electronics, and an undisclosed amount of money being taken, along with mischief being caused inside the building.
The ATCO Electric warehouse was also affected, with about $1,500 to $2,000 worth of copper wire being taken.
A break-and-enter at a garage and property located at 52 Ave was also attempted, but entry was not gained. RCMP also confirmed the break-and-enter to Audette’s property, which is located along 46 Street.
All the incidents are still under investigation.
According to RCMOP, the break-in at North Park was noticed at about 5:50 a.m. on Dec. 1, when the call regarding the vehicle on fire was received. The break-in likely began at about 1:30 a.m.
Although there are no suspects at this time for the above investigations, anyone with information is encouraged to call the St. Paul RCMP at 780-645-8870 or call your local police.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
