Charges laid in construction site break and enter

One man has been arrested in relation to a construction site break and enter that occurred earlier this month.

On Monday, June 10, 2024, a construction company contacted police to report a theft from a new home construction site in the southeast community of Belvedere. It is believed that at approximately 6 a.m., two men entered an unoccupied home under construction in the 0 to 100 block of Belvedere Green S.E., where they were observed to be stealing large bags of insulation. A contractor interrupted the break and enter, causing the men to flee the scene.

The District 4 Break and Enter Team was assigned to investigate, and after speaking with witnesses and reviewing video footage of the offence, were able to identify potential suspects.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence located in the 100 block of Dovercliffe Way S.E., and one man was taken into custody. A search of the property resulted in the recovery of the stolen bags of insulation, as well as a blue Dodge Ram, which is believed to have been used in the offence.

Robert Philip WILLIAMS, 60, of Calgary, has been charged with one count of break and enter. He will appear in court on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Investigators have identified a second suspect and additional charges are pending.

“As our city expands, we continue to see new developments being targeted by thieves looking to steal construction materials,” says Staff Sergeant Keith Shufelt. “We have dedicated numerous resources across our Service to investigate and prevent these offences, however, we are also asking for the public’s help to reduce these crimes of opportunity.”

If you are a new homeowner or employed in the home construction business, keep the following tips in mind:

New home residents:

• Secure your property before heading to bed by establishing a 9 p.m. routine:
  • Close overhead garage doors and any garage windows
  • Lock any doors leading to or from the garage, especially if they lead directly into your house
  • Close and lock all windows
  • Turn on an exterior light
• Consider installing security or doorbell cameras, alarm systems and exterior motion lights
• Close your blinds to prevent people from looking inside your home
• Photograph your valuables and record any serial numbers
• Consider using tracking devices (AirTags or GPS trackers) for your vehicle and any other valuables
• If you live in a multi-unit complex with shared entrances, do not let anyone into the building that you don’t know
• Get to know your neighbours and look out for each other
• Report any suspicious activity to police

Home construction employees or contractors:

• Secure or close all doors, windows and entrances into homes
• Know your site and who is working on it
• Question people visiting the site
• Get a good description of the people you don’t recognize on and around your site
• Take a license plate and vehicle description
• If you see something suspicious, say something
• Film any suspicious activity on your phone
• Liaise between sites and take note of trends
• Keep items of high-value in secure areas
• Only confront individuals if it is safe
• Call 9-1-1 for all crimes in progress

Anyone with information about break and enters and theft-related incidents occurring in new communities is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case #CA24234331/5172