2 men face multiple charges in relation to break-ins at southern Alta. small businesses
A Blood Tribe man and a Calgary man face multiple charges in relation to a series of break-ins at cannabis dispensaries, liquor stores, convenience stores and other businesses and homes in Banff and Chestermere.
In April, the RCMP's Southern Alberta District crime reduction unit (SAD CRU) launched an investigation into a number of commercial break-and-enters.
In addition to small businesses such as liquor stores and cannabis stores, the suspects started targeting houses with open garages and vehicles in towns like Banff and Chestermere, where they stole bikes using stolen vehicles.
On May 2, the RCMP arrested a 36-year-old resident of the Blood Tribe and a 38-year-old Calgary man, who they say were in possession of two stolen vehicles.
'Using our analysts and a more intelligence-based approach we are able to identify and focus our enforcement efforts on these repeat offenders,' said Const. Katelyn Dagg of the SAD CRU in a media release.
'It is through this approach that we can have the largest impact on reducing crime.'
The Blood Tribe man was charged with seven counts of break-and-enter, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, three counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, five counts of failing to comply with a release order and wearing a disguise to commit an offence.
The Calgary man was charged with two counts of break-and-enter, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, four counts of failing to comply with release orders, wearing a disguise to commit an offence and possession of break-in tools.
Both men were remanded into custody. The Blood Tribe man is scheduled to appear in court in Calgary on May 16, while the Calgary man is scheduled to appear in court in Okotoks on May 30.
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