On October 29, 2017 at 5:48 a.m. the Thorsby/Breton RCMP received a report of a possible break in at the Summer Village of Silver Beach at Pigeon Lake.
The witness saw three tall, thin males on the property with flashlights. They were driving 2 sedans and one was described as having unique “domed headlights”.
At this time it does not appear anything was stolen from the property
If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the Thorsby RCMP at 780-789-3951; or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca if you wish to remain anonymous.
Stolen truck
During the overnight hours on October 27th 2017, the theft of a truck and trailer were both stolen from a property located near Thorsby on Range Road 10, which the Thorsby RCMP are currently investigating.
The trailer has since been recovered by the Thorsby RCMP, while the truck remains outstanding.
The truck is described as follows:
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Brown in colour
Four door, dually
Alberta license plate # BXJ2102
If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the Thorsby RCMP at 780-789-3951; or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca if you wish to remain anonymous.
Arrests made
October 26, 2017, the Town of Calmar community peace officer conducted a traffic stop of a Ford F250 pickup in Calmar, Alberta.
The pickup was found to be stolen and in the possession of two female occupants. Leduc RCMP responded and conducted an investigation finding additional stolen property with the suspects.
The two suspects were arrested and charged criminally for Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and one of the suspects was also charged with several counts of failure to comply with conditions of release for unrelated matters that are before the Court.
Boat theft
During the overnight hours on October 22nd 2017, the theft of a motor boat, on a trailer were both stolen from a property located near Sandholm Beach on Pigeon Lake that the Thorsby RCMP are currently investigating.
The motorboat is described as follows:
1984 Alumacraft Make
14’ Aluminum boat, with console steering
Silver in colour
Has 40 Hp Outboard Mercury motor
The boat trailer is described as follows:
Yacht Club Make
Silver in colour
Alberta plate number 853286
If you have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the Thorsby RCMP at 780-789-3951; or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca if you wish to remain anonymous.
Pyramid scheme
RCMP would like to inform the public in the hope to put a stop to a new pyramid scheme that targets law-abiding citizens who have no idea they are breaking the law.
The Gifting Pyramid Scheme usually targets groups of law-abiding women who are convinced to recruit their friends or acquaintances. New members have to pay their recruiter a $5,000 “gift” to join. In turn, each member is expected to recruit eight new people so everyone can end up with $40,000. Recruiters try to legitimize the buy-in payment by calling it a “birthday gift,” a “transaction,” or “a gifting circle” and insisting that the payment is not taxable or illegal because it’s only a gift.
You might be reluctant to talk to police because your friends are involved or you feel embarrassed but police needs your assistance in spreading the word to prevent people from being victimized.
If you have been involved with such a scam report the matter to the nearest RCMP Detachment and to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Romance scammers
Heartbreak isn’t the only risk you face when meeting someone online. Although online dating is a popular, and often successful, way to make a love connection, it is important to also be aware of potential dangers that may come with it.
Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in online dating scams. Scammers convince their victims that they are in love with them and persuade them into sending large sums of money for a variety of invented reasons. Most commonly, the scammer will make up an emergency, often health related, that concerns either themselves or a family member.
Since the beginning of this year, 56 individuals have reported being victims of romance scams in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. This accounts for a total net loss of over 3.6 million dollars. Romance scams are typically under-reported due to the substantial embarrassment often felt by victims. This means that it is likely that the number of victims and losses is much greater that what is actually being reported.
“Romance scams are a serious crime that can cause irreversible financial and emotional ruin for the victim,” says Cst. Scott Noseworthy. “This is the type of crime that can completely destroy a person’s life, especially for individuals over 50 - the most common age group targeted - who have less opportunity to rebuild and recover from the losses.”
Here are some red flags to watch out for from someone you meet online:
· Claiming to be from your area but is living or traveling abroad. (Get Cyber Safe)
· Expressing strong feelings for you after very little time. (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
· Saying they can’t meet in person due to a tragic event. (Get Cyber Safe)
· Making plans to meet but then coming up with excuses at the last minute.
· Asking you for financial help, regardless of circumstance.
The Alberta RCMP remind everyone to always exercise caution when looking for love online. It is hard enough to judge others’ intentions in person – online it is even harder. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and, most importantly, never send money to anyone you meet online.
If you believe you or someone you know have been a victim of this scam:
Report it to your local police.
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.