Two charged, $40,000 of stolen property seized from encampment

We have charged two people after locating a prohibited firearm and approximately $40,000 worth of stolen property at an encampment in the community of Ogden.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, members of the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) attended an encampment involving multiple tents and structures set up in a fielded area, in the 5000 block of 24 Street S.E. Upon arrival, officers located the following stolen items:

• Bicycles
• Gas generator
• Power and hand tools

The CERT team returned to the encampment the next day, locating additional stolen items taken from residential break and enters in the months leading to the found encampment, including musical instruments. During the search, a loaded Winchester SXP 12-gauge shotgun was also located.

As a result of this investigation, approximately $40,000 worth of stolen property was seized of which approximately $15,000 worth of property was returned to victims. We have charged a man and woman who were later located at the camp and believed to be connected to the stolen property.

The CPS received a heartfelt, hand-drawn note from one of the stolen property victim’s five-year-old daughter, expressing gratitude for the recovery of a high-value guitar, which was returned with minimal damage. 

Micheal William TRACEY, 47, remains in custody until Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, and Shanelle Alisha CASTELANI, 36, remains in custody pending her next court date, on 27 charges, including:

• Four counts of possession of stolen property
• Eight counts of criminal breaches
• 15 counts of firearm-related offences  
• Nine executed criminal warrants

We would like to thank our partners at Calgary Community Safety and the Alpha House Encampment Team for their assistance in providing wrap-around supports to those residing in encampments.

“Ensuring public safety by dismantling encampments is crucial, but it must be done with compassion and commitment to providing support for individuals facing homelessness,” says Calgary Police Service District 1 Community Engagement Response Team Sergeant Kristian Thorpe.

“We appreciate the support of all our city partners who provide assistance to individuals who are in need by fostering relationships and connecting individuals to a wide range of social supports and resources, whenever they are ready to accept help.”

Supporting Calgarians experiencing homelessness

Those experiencing homelessness face multifaceted challenges, including but not limited to economic inequality, mental health issues, substance abuse, systemic discrimination, and insufficient access to social services and adequate affordable housing. 

Addressing homelessness necessitates holistic approaches that prioritize affordable housing, social support systems, mental health services, and policies aimed at combating systemic injustices. Only through concerted efforts can we strive towards realizing the basic human right to adequate housing for all.

About the Calgary Police Service Community Engagement Response Team (CERT)

The Calgary Police Service CERT is a proactive policing team, with some of CERTs being partnered with AHS Clinicians, focusing on high crime areas, vulnerable persons, and transit corridors, with the flexibility to move positions based on current crime data. CERTs goal is to ensure public spaces are safe for all by engaging with the community and take actions to reduce crime and social disorder through focused, collaborative enforcement and compassionate support services.

Media contacts:

Calgary Police Service
403-428-7979
media@calgarypolice.ca

Anyone witnessing an encampment is asked to contact the City of Calgary Bylaw by calling 3-1-1 or 403-268-2489. If you encounter danger or violence near an encampment, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Case # CA24415602/5508/5746