The Wetaskiwin RCMP are investigating a spree of break and enters to garages in Millet that occurred sometime in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 29. Reported were seven garages entered, vehicles and drawers rummaged through, and various items taken. These items include two generators, a set of Chev 22’ wheels and rims, change, lard liquor, miscellaneous tools, lighters and cigarettes.
One of the garages was entered by the suspect(s) lifting the overhead door, a couple appeared to have had the man door pried open (no deadbolt used), and the rest were unlocked.
The responding police noted that fresh footprints were seen in the snow going from house to house in the area of Porter Avenue and Jubilee Road where all of these break and enters occurred. The investigation also suggests that it was two suspects. For the theft of the wheels it appears that the suspects brought a vehicle nearby the residence for easy transport of the heavy items.
Also that morning police received a report of a 2002 GMC Sierra in the neighborhood that someone had attempted to steal. The door lock, steering column, and ignition were all damaged.
During this investigation police spoke to a neighbor in the area who claims that they did see a couple individuals in the area during the time frame of these incidences, but they did not call police.
Police continue to urge the public to take extra precautions to lock up their belongings. In at least two of these break and enters the doors were only locked with the doorknob and had unfinished or damaged door frames on the interior.
Additional safety suggestions: Reinforce door frames and use deadbolts, manually lock overhead doors, use motions sensors that make noise, lock vehicle doors even when parked in the garage and call the police if you see anything or anyone suspicious.
If you have any information on this please call your local RCMP at 780-312-7200, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) and www.tipsubmit.com . You do not need to provide your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if your information leads to an arrest or recovery of property you could be eligible for a cash reward.