County property crime way up

By Tim Kalinowski on August 16, 2017.

Medicine Hat News

Redcliff RCMP is reporting a worrying spike in property crimes in Cypress County to start the year.

“There were 57 property crimes this first quarter (starting in April), which is up from 24 the previous quarter,” S-Sgt. Sean Maxwell reported to county councillors on Tuesday.

Maxwell said his members were responding to probably about two calls related to property crimes per week.

“We are seeing an awful lot of stolen vehicles,” confirmed Maxwell. “Our police dog service has been out here on a regular basis over the last couple of months. We are laying charges, and working with the Medicine Hat Police Service with regards to intelligence on what is going on.”

Maxwell said, in most cases, criminals involved are operating out of the Hat.

“For example, last week we had a stolen truck at the Co-op in Dunmore, which led to two arrests and charges (of Medicine Hat residents).”

Maxwell said his members are working with South East Rural Crime Watch and other members of the public to remind people in the area to keep their vehicles locked and to secure all property that might be attractive to criminals. He urged continued vigilance in hamlets and rural areas in Cypress County.

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