Calgary, AB,
29
November
2018
|
10:44
America/Denver

Police lay 87 charges in break and enter investigation

The Calgary Police Service has laid 87 charges among four people in connection with multiple break and enters and other related offences.

Starting in August 2018, the Centralized Break and Enter Unit saw an increase in break and enters, motor vehicle theft and other fraudulent activity related to the stolen property of these offences.

The Calgary Police Service collaborated with the Edmonton Police Service, Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP in Richmond and Langley, British Columbia, to identify the four offenders, all from Surrey, B.C.

Through further investigation, the Centralized Break and Enter Unit executed a search warrant in the 9000 block of Bridleridge Green S.W., where Robert Paul ALLARD, 30, Steven Edward HART, 34, and Courtney Lee DELF, 29, were arrested. The fourth suspect, Laetitia Angelique ACERA, 25, was arrested at a later date.

As a result, evidence from multiple break and enter offences was recovered. Police seized seven firearms, various stolen property and more than 5,000 pieces of stolen mail originating from four different provinces. This affected 2,194 members of the public.

Through the assistance of Canada Post Inspectors, approximately 3,970 pieces of the mail recovered were confirmed as having been reported stolen. The recovered mail will eventually be returned to the rightful recipients, once the disruption to Canada Post service is resolved.

On Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, the investigation was concluded with 87 charges being laid collectively against ALLARD, ACERA, HART and DELF, who are charged with:

  • Break and enter commit (Residential & Commercial)
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Disguise to commit an indictable offence
  • Possession of stolen property over $5,000
  • Possession of stolen property under $5,000
  • Use of a stolen credit card
  • Fraud under $5,000
  • Identity theft
  • Breach of probation
  • Unsafe storage of a firearm
  • Possess firearm obtained by crime
  • Knowing possession of an unlicensed firearm
  • Possess weapon contrary to a prohibition order
  • Possession of stolen mail

Break and enters are often a crime of opportunity. On average, offenders have to force entry in only 34 per cent of break and enters. The Calgary Police Service is reminding citizens to use the 9PM Routine to secure homes and vehicles every night by:

  • Always remove garage door openers from vehicles parked near your residence. Offenders will often target vehicles that have openers in them to gain access to a residence.
     
  • Secure all of your windows and doors, even if you are home.
     
  • Keep your car keys in an unlikely place, not right beside your door for thieves to easily find.
     
  • Keep irreplaceable documents, photos and items in an unlikely place.
     
  • Get to know your neighbours. Report any suspicious people or activity to police immediately by calling either the non-emergency number at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 for a crime in progress.
     
  • Never leave keys in an unattended vehicle, especially while warming up vehicles in cold weather.