Police operation targets property crime
The Calgary Police Service has charged 23 individuals in a number of property-related crimes.
The month long District 5 operation ran from Wednesday, June 24, to Friday, July 24, 2015. Its aim was to reduce the number of property related offences in the city’s northeast. Police analyzed crime statistics to determine areas within the district that had recently experienced a spike in property crime rates. Patrols of these areas were subsequently increased resulting in many arrests being made while offenders were in the process of committing crimes.
As a result of the operation, police recovered a number of items, including several vehicles, a mountain bike and assorted tools. Police also seized small quantities of heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
Police arrested 23 individuals, several of whom had additional warrants executed resulting in 46 charges laid. Charges include:
- Possession of stolen property under $5,000
- Theft under $5,000
- Fraud under $5,000
- Property damage over $5,000
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Shop break and enter
- Possession of break and enter instruments
- Flight from a police officer
- Possession of cannabis
- Breach of conditions
- Obstructing a police officer
- Driving while disqualified
The Calgary Police Service takes property crime very seriously. Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other more serious, and sometimes violent, crimes.
Police are asking Calgarians to make sure to lock all vehicle, garage and house doors, even if you are nearby or only leaving for a short period of time. Vehicles should not be left unattended with the keys inside, and spare keys should be kept in a secure location, not in or around your vehicle. Garage door openers should also not be left in vehicles as they may be used by offenders to gain entry to houses through unlocked man doors in garages.