Calgary, AB,
19
June
2023
|
12:49
America/Denver

Calgary man facing 19 charges in series of break and enters

We have charged a Calgary man in relation to several commercial break and enters that occurred throughout the southeast area of the city earlier this month.

Between Friday, June 9, 2023, and Tuesday, June 13, 2023, police investigated a total of 15 reported break and enters that occurred at businesses in the communities of Willow Park, Acadia and Fairview.

After examining CCTV footage and witness statements, investigators were able to identify the suspect, who is known to police. On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, investigators located and arrested the suspect downtown.

As a result, Barry Dean NIELSEN, 52, has been charged with 11 counts of break and enter, five counts of property damage and three counts of breach of probation.

NIELSEN is scheduled to next appear in court today, Monday, June 19, 2023.

Last month, the Calgary Police Service saw a 34 per cent reduction in reported commercial break and enters with 240 reported incidents compared to the five-year average of 692. Last month also saw a decrease in reported residential break and enters, with the lowest volume recorded in May over the past five years.

“These numbers reflect a variety of factors that are helping us quickly identify suspects,” says Superintendent Scott Boyd of the Calgary Police Service. “Citizens and business owners are taking steps to make their property less appealing to criminals, our investigators and analysts are successfully collaborating across the city on prolific offenders and quality CCTV and evidence is helping our officers to make impactful arrests.”

The Calgary Police Service works with businesses to implement crime prevention measures, and recommends the following safety tips for businesses:

  • Ensure all shop doors are locked and alarm is set when the last employee leaves.
  • Consider clear film glass reinforcement products, bars or shutters for windows and doors.
  • Update your key holder information every month (if there is high turnover) and ensure they are willing to answer the phone throughout the night as needed.
  • Keep an updated contact list inside the business. Store it by the till for police.
  • Consider AirTags or GPS trackers for valuables and safes.
  • Consider installing high-quality CCTV. Police require evidence of offenders in order to lay a charge.
  • Record serial numbers of electronic items and photograph all valuables. This aids police and you in identifying your property.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips

CA #23244430/5576