Skip to content

Thieves crash through Sobeys to loot ATM

Sobeys grocery store staff were in for an unpleasant surprise when they showed up to work on Feb. 11, as during the overnight hours...

Sobeys grocery store staff were in for an unpleasant surprise when they showed up to work on Thursday, Feb. 11, as during the overnight hours an unknown person or persons drove a vehicle through one of the sliding doors, knocking the glass and metal construct down and causing significant damage to the doors and surrounding structure.

Once inside, the unknown individual or individuals stole the Bank of Montreal ATM machine from the store's front lobby, making away with it and the money inside.

Distracted driving still an issueStettler RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Phil Penny said that distracted driving remains an issue in the community as people continue to use hand-held devices like cell phones and GPS units while driving.

"The fine for this particular TSA (Trafic Safety Act) offence is $287 and carries with it licence demerits," Penny warned. The legislation is available online at www.transportation.alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm.

Online and Phone Fraud on the risePenny said that the detachment has received a number of calls from the public about various frauds they've experienced of late, with two of the common ones being an RCMP Internet lockdown on the computer and the Grandparent scam.

In the first, a screen will pop up on the computer advising the user that the website they are visiting is illegal and they're being fined — usually $250-$300, Penny said.

Once the fine is paid to the supposed-RCMP, the computer will be unlocked.

"This is not an RCMP initiative, it's a scam," Penny said. Rebooting the computer and clearing the browser history should remove the problem, though a virus scan is recommended.

The second is the grandparent scam, where someone calls an elderly person claiming to be a grandchild in trouble. The trouble means the supposed grandchild needs money wired to them, usually to pay some sort of bail.

"The public is encouraged to make sure they're aware of who they're talking to when someone is requesting money," Penny said. "This scam is particularly troubling because it targets the elderly so family members are encouraged to share this information with them."

Anyone with any information about these or any other crimes can contact police at 403-742-3382, or anonymously phone Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).