Stettler RCMP has successfully intercepted the attempted sale of a stolen tractor on Tuesday evening, July 5.
Earlier on Monday, an investigation was launched into a break and enter to a Stettler area equipment dealer by the Stettler detachment. Police were told a tractor worth $25,000 was stolen.
The following day there was an online ad for the sale of the stolen tractor, which led the RCMP to Erskine, resulting in the bust and execution of a search warrant for stolen property.
As a result of the search, the tractor was recovered and the property was able to be returned to the owner.
Among the suspects are two males, 38-year-old Murray Peters of Red Deer and 34-year-old Jesse McLeod of Halkirk along with an 18-year-old-female, Jacqueline Hinse of Halkirk, who were all charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking.
Further investigation has resulted in charges to both Peters and McLeod for break-enter and commit theft over $5,000 for the break and enter to the business near Stettler.
All three are scheduled to appear in Stettler Provincial Court on Thursday, July 14.
Walmart shoplifters nabbed
Stettler RCMP detachment has been able to identify some of the suspects who were involved in three different shoplifting instances at the Stettler Walmart with the help of high definition video surveillance.
Earlier this year on April 11, three males had attended the local Walmart and helped themselves to a number of small electronic devices concealing them in their pants. Using video surveillance, the identities of these males have been detected and they have been named as 22-year-old Brandon Gaudry, 22-year-old Justin Poteet and 20-year-old Jeremy Genge and currently there are warrants for their arrest as a result of the incident.
In a separate incident on June 27, another male was found to be taking a pair of ‘flip flops’ from the Stettler Walmart and concealing them in his pants before exiting the store.
The male has been identified as 34-year-old Stephen Bauer and is currently charged with this and other offences related to the theft.
The third reported incident was a week back on Tuesday, July 5 when a lone male was caught by the Loss Prevention Officer of the Stettler Walmart dismantling a fishing rod and hiding it and other items in his pants.
The male was detained and later arrested by local RCMP members.
A 44-year-old Stettler man is currently facing charges related to this incident.
The Stettler RCMP say they will continue to work with local organizations in holding shoplifters accountable for their actions.