More break-ins reported in Forestburg
The first part of August was quiet for the Killam/ Forestburg RCMP detachment, but on Aug. 6 they were called to two separate break-and-enter complaints in Forestburg that occurred overnight.
In the first residence, the occupants were believed to be in the house sleeping at the time the break-in occurred. Entry appeared to be gained by prying open a window, and police think the culprit(s) may have searched through the kitchen and bathroom before exiting the residence through the front door. Nothing appeared to be missing from the residence.
In the second instance, the culprit(s) attempted to enter the residence through a window but were unsuccessful. Three window panes and a screen were pulled out.
The residence was occupied at the time the attempt was made, police believe.
RCMP believe these two break-ins might be related to the recent rash of break and enters into occupied residences in Forestburg.
Sgt. Lee Brachmann, NCO/ic of the Killam/ Forestburg Detachment says, “We are taking these complaints very seriously, and are continuing to investigate all of them.”
Police urge anyone with any information into these crimes to contact them directly at 780-385-3509 or to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Brachmann urges people to keep windows and doors locked, and to call police at any time of the day or night if a break-in or attempted break-in is occurring.
He strongly urges residents not to attempt any interaction but to call police immediately and keep themselves safe.
On Aug. 7, RCMP responded to a complaint of theft of golf equipment from an unlocked garage in Forestburg. Golf clubs, a pair of golf shoes, and some golf balls were taken, with a value of about $800.
From the period of Aug. 1 – 8, a total of 41 files were initiated by the detachment members. These include three false alarms, eight false or abandoned 9-1-1 calls, one complaint of criminal harassment, one Careless Use of a Firearm, one mental health act complaint, one mischief complaint, three traffic complaints, three motor vehicle collisions, two animal calls, two suspicious person calls, one complaint of uttering threats, two theft complaints, one impaired driving complaint, three break and enter complains, and one trespass act.
Police responded to a number of miscellaneous calls for service which cannot be reported on due to ongoing investigation or sensitivity to the persons involved.
Brachmann says that the priority safety topic for August for drivers is Impaired Driving.
According to statistics from Transport Alberta, the number of Impaired Driving charges continues to rise each year in Alberta despite tougher legislation introduced September 2012, although the numbers could also indicate that efforts to find and charge impaired drivers have been more successful.
Brachmann points out that higher numbers could indicate better policing.
Leslie Cholowsky,
Editor
