Calgary, AB,
06
May
2022
|
09:44
America/Denver

Two charged in relation to several commercial break and enters

We have charged two individuals believed to be responsible for several commercial break and enters that have taken place in the past few months.

Calgary has seen a 15 per cent uptick in commercial break and enters compared to last year, with offenders targeting cash and other valuables in businesses, including convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants.

“We know the community is concerned with these types of offences and we have been working with businesses to raise awareness of these issues and how we can prevent this type of crime,” said Const. Ashley Halliwell with the General Investigations Unit. “However, our efforts don’t stop there – we are working to investigate the break and enters reported to police to hold those offenders accountable.”

The Calgary Police Service recently charged two men believed to be connected to numerous commercial break and enters:

  • Marschal Stephen PATEY, 19, has been charged with five counts of break and enter, along with one count each of possession of stolen property and failure to comply with a release order. He will next appear in court on Monday, May 9.
  • Joey Patrick POTTER, 20, has been charged with break and enter, two counts of possession of stolen property, mischief to property, possession of a controlled substance and seven counts of failure to comply with a release order. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

The investigation into additional commercial break and enters continues and additional charges are pending.

Case #Multiple

Some additional crime prevention tips for businesses include:

•       Place checkout counters near the front of the store, clearly visible from outside

•       Window signs should cover no more than 15 per cent of windows to provide clear visibility into and out of the store

•       Use shelving and displays no higher than five feet to help see who is in the store

•       Avoid creating outdoor spaces that encourage loitering and provide increased security

•       Install lighting in parking lots