A business in Calmar has suffered its second break and enter in three weeks.
According to Leduc RCMP Sgt. Harp Dhaliwal, three men robbed the pharmacy early on Oct. 8. “On October 08, 2015, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Leduc RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter at the Calmar Pharmacy,” stated Dhaliwal in a press release.
“Three suspects broke the glass to gain entry into the store and stole prescription drugs. The suspects fled in a unknown pickup truck.”
Contacted by phone Oct. 14, Dhaliwal said the RCMP wasn’t commenting on exactly what was stolen, as the investigation is ongoing. However, Dhaliwal did note that nothing else besides prescription drugs was stolen in the incident, so the thieves knew what they were after.
Residents and business owners in smaller communities like Calmar, Thorsby or Millet may feel less affected by crime, noted Dhaliwal.
However, a suspect was recently charged with about two dozen theft and other offences in the Millet area, so it’s not unusual for crime to come into smaller communities.
Dhaliwal said business owners in smaller communities in the area should examine their property to ensure it’s “crime proof.”
“Right now, what we’ve spoken to…what we’re saying is make sure all the exits are well locked up,” he said. Dhaliwal also noted surveillance systems are effective, as in the Calmar break-in, video of the culprits was obtained. Also, lighting is important as well-lit areas tend not to be targeted as much as darkened spots.
Dhaliwal said vehicles should be locked at all times. He said there are some thieves, in the cities and in rural areas, who just walk around trying vehicle doors to see what’s open.
In the most recent Calmar break-in, the three suspects were described thusly: suspect one was six feet tall, black jacket, black pants and had face covered; suspect two was six feet tall, dark jacket, white pants and had face covered and suspect three was wearing dark clothing
Anyone who may have seen or heard something the night the pharmacy was broken into is asked to please contact the Leduc RCMP detachment, 780-980-7200 or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions.
More break-ins
According to Sgt. Beth Philipp, the Leduc RCMP are seeking the assistance of the general public. Sometime during the early morning hours of October 15, suspect(s) unlawfully entered garages and vehicles in the Corinthia Drive area. In some instances, the suspect(s) used the garage door openers of the vehicles to gain access inside the garage.
“In most instances the vehicles were left unlocked and the garage door openers were used,” Philipp told The Pipestone Flyer Oct. 21. “One of the residences also had the main door left open.”
The Leduc RCMP are encouraging residents to secure their vehicle and ensure the doors to their garage are locked. It is also suggested to remove any keys/garage door openers from inside your vehicle.
The Leduc RCMP are encouraging anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Leduc RCMP Detachment 780-980-7200 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.