RCMP Releases

Addressing Catalytic Converter Theft in Alberta

By Carolyn McTighe

Crime Prevention Liaison-K Division

 

Catalytic converter theft is an ongoing concern across Alberta and a problem the RCMP are proactively looking for ways to combat. New crime prevention initiatives like You Etch It. We Catch It, a program created by Leduc RCMP in collaboration with the City of Leduc, are being developed to educate not only vehicle owners, but also vehicle dealerships and service shops on the benefit of ID etching.

Strathcona County RCMP Arrest Male in Relation to Residential Fire

Strathcona County, Alta. – On Nov. 13, 2022, at 2:02 p.m., Strathcona County RCMP responded with Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) to a residential structure fire near Antler Lake, Alta. The fire was deemed suspicious and an investigation was conducted by the Strathcona County RCMP General Investigation Section along with the assistance of the SCES fire investigator. No one was injured as a result of the fire.

On Nov 15, 2022, members of the Strathcona County General Investigation Section arrested a male in relation to the residential arson.

Strathcona County RCMP Arrest Male for Breaching Conditions

Strathcona County, Alta. – On Dec. 7, 2022, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Strathcona County RCMP responded to a suspicious male complaint at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park, Alta. Police attended the location and located the male who provided a false name and was subsequently arrested for Obstruction. Further investigation revealed that the male had arrest warrants for indecent acts in Edmonton and Calgary, Alta. The male was also on conditions to not attend any public pools in Alberta.

Travis Sharko (37) a resident of Edmonton, Alta. Has been charged with:

Strathcona County RCMP Arrest Three People for Mail Theft

Strathcona County, Alta. -  On Dec. 20, 2022, at 4:17 a.m., Strathcona County RCMP received a report from a resident that three people were breaking into the Canada Post community mailbox in the area of Summercourt Way and Summercourt Place in Sherwood Park, Alta.

Police arrived at the scene and located three suspects believed to be involved. The suspects were arrested and subsequent to arrest a backpack was searched and police located stolen mail and break-in tools. 

Strathcona County RCMP Arrest Male for Fraud Offences

Strathcona County, Alta. – In June 2022, Strathcona County RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) received a fraud complaint. RCMP completed a thorough investigation and as a result a male has been arrested.

David James Churchill (44), a resident of Sherwood Park, Alta. has been charged with:

  • Theft over $5000
  • Fraud over $5000
  • Uttering a forged document

Churchill was served a summons and is scheduled to appear in Sherwood Park Provincial Court on Feb 1, 2023.

Strathcona County RCMP Joint Forces Operation Leads to Nine Arrests

Strathcona County, Alta. - On Dec. 7, 2022, members of the Strathcona County RCMP joined forces for an operation with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team's (ALERT) Human Trafficking Counter Exploitation Unit targeting individuals seeking Sexual Services for Consideration.

During this operation, nine individuals were arrested and each charged with a single count of Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, and released on documents compelling them to attend Strathcona County Provincial Court on Feb. 22, 2023.

Strathcona County RCMP Investigate Mail Thefts

Strathcona County, Alta. - Strathcona County RCMP are presently investigating a large number of thefts of mail incidents that have occurred at various locations throughout Strathcona County during the past few weeks.

The thefts involve small parcels and cards, along with general mail being stolen from compartments in community mailboxes located throughout rural Strathcona County.

Tips to prevent mail box thefts:

Strathcona County RCMP Provide Holiday Safety Tips to Residents

Strathcona County, Alta. - Strathcona County RCMP remind residents that the holiday season is an active time and requires extra vigilance to prevent theft.  It is also a time when busy people let their guard down and become more vulnerable to theft. Crime prevention is especially important during the holiday season. Protecting yourself, vehicle and your home from potential crime is the easiest way to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Here are some crime prevention tips for the holiday season:

Strathcona County RCMP Arrest Male for Break and Enter at Local Jewellery Store

Strathcona County, Alta. –On Nov. 30, 2022, at approximately 2:47 a.m., Strathcona County RCMP responded to a commercial alarm at Kings Fine Jewellery on Sherwood Drive in Sherwood Park, Alta. Upon arrival members observed a male suspect attempting to pry open the back door of the store and when approached he fled on foot.

The male suspect was apprehended by police a short time later and arrested for break and enter. Extensive damage was caused to the back door of the store but no items were taken.