Despite increased patrols in the areas being targeted, thefts are continuing to happen.
“There is a person or persons who are patrolling the area,” Stettler RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Duncan Babchuk said. “They're looking for things they can steal and sell for money. Tools, recreational vehicles, vehicles, for example. They have an avenue to dispose of these items.”
According to Babchuk, the industrial area has always been a target for thieves, but this increased regular acts of theft have the police's attention.
“The problem is suspects can see us coming,” Babchuk said of the increased patrols. “They can just shut off their vehicle and look like any of the other parked vehicles in these industrial lots.”
Police say tools, diesel, gasoline, vehicles, diesel filters and now an ATV are just some of the items that have been stolen.
Sometime early on March 29, thieves cut through the fence at Romar Power Sports and entered the storage yard, where they stole a customer's 2014 Yamaha Special Edition ATV. The bright blue recreational vehicle then was taken away by pushing it through the opening cut in the fence.
This time, an eye-witness reported seeing a truck and trailer in the area around the theft, but police still need more information to help catch these thieves.
This time, the value of the theft was in excess of $10,000.
“Businesses have to be – and are being – diligent,” Babchuk said. “Invest in solid locks, and protect those locks so they can't just be cut off. Surveillance cameras are good, too.”
At the same time, Babchuk warns people to be wary of “too good to be true” offers on Facebook, Kijiji and Craigslist.
“We see a lot of stolen items end up on these sites,” he said. “Watch out for 'New in Box' items that are highly discounted. Why would these people be selling these tools at such an amazing loss?”
While someone who unwittingly buys stolen goods is unlikely to be charged, if police track stolen items to a buyer, those items are seized and returned to the owner. The buyer's out the money.
“Always ask people why they're selling items,” Babchuk said. “If they don't have a reason, then don't trust the sale.”
