RCMP Crime Reduction unit makes arrest following spree of thefts

By medicinehatnews on April 8, 2026.

Alberta RCMP’s Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit has arrested 47-year-old Leslie Bill Smolley on five outstanding warrants, and laid 13 additional charges.

The investigation began in March, as RCMP’s CRU looked into a series of thefts, mostly occurring at recreation centres in Calgary and the surrounding area.

Arrest warrants were obtained as a result of theft and misuse of credit card at a recreation centre in Cochrane in October 2025, as well as theft from a business in High River in September 2025. The same suspect was identified via security footage in other similar occurrences in Canmore, Okotoks, Airdrie, Tsuut’ina Nation and multiple occurrences in Calgary.

Smolley was located at a recreation facility in Calgary and arrested on five outstanding warrants. He was found to be in possession of stolen property from 11 different victims from the recreation facility, as well as a tool used to break into lockers at the facility.

In addition to the five outstanding warrants, Smolley is facing 11 counts of theft under $5,000, possession of a break-in instrument and mischief under $5,000. Additional charges are expected to be laid, and Smolley was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and remanded to appear on Tuesday in the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary.

Anyone who is a victim of property or identity theft, is asked to contact local police to report any crime in the area. Albertans are encouraged to report any suspicious activity they witness, as this allows for proper statistical reporting and aids in the reduction of property crime.

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