SUNDRE – A couple of reported instances of fraud were among a total of 51 investigation files recently picked up by the local RCMP detachment.
Among some of the other highlights outlined in a report provided by detachment commander Sgt. Randy Poon was an incident involving a motorist who crashed their vehicle into a building in town.
The incidents reportedly occurred during the week of Nov. 7-13.
A vehicle that crashed into a building hit the Telus Telecom store causing damage to the front end of the business, which is located on the south side of Highway 27 at 557 Main Avenue West. There were no injuries reported as a result of the crash, which the Sundre Fire Department attended to offer assistance with cleaning up the scene, said Poon, adding the building did not sustain any structural damage and that the vehicle had minor damage.
Elsewhere in town, police located an unoccupied vehicle in a ditch, the sergeant said, adding an investigation was ongoing for a possible impaired motorist.
There were also two complaints of fraud reported in town. In one incident, a fraudster impersonating a representative from a well-known company called a victim claiming that there were erroneous charges on their account and sought personal information to remedy the fabricated scenario.
“It was a suspect pretending to belong to the well-known company,” the sergeant said, adding the scammer was subsequently able to convince the victim the call was legitimate and then proceeded to obtain personal information.
The other instance of fraud stemmed from identity theft that ultimately resulted in the victim being persuaded to send the suspect an undisclosed amount of money, said Poon.
“The suspect was able to correspond with the company via email and convince them to e-transfer the money to the suspect. It was an insurance payout,” he said.
Police also arrested a subject who was on probation for being in breach of a court-imposed order, he said.
The municipality’s wastewater treatment facility was also targeted but despite the secure site being broken into on the night of Nov. 8, the damage caused was largely limited to the security gate, which was cut when the culprits gained access, as well as a security light and a municipal vehicle. The overall estimated cost of the damage caused was not immediately known, he said.
Mounties also provided assistance to a male who was reportedly stranded in town amid cold weather conditions.
“RCMP members helped the male home to Rocky Mountain House,” he said.
And as officers continued to patrol the roads, two moving as well as two non-moving traffic violations were issued, while a further three moving and two non-moving traffic warnings were issued, he said, adding there were also five traffic collisions in the span of the week’s reported incidents.
“RCMP will be increasing patrols along Main Avenue to monitor the new stop signs put up at the intersections,” he said.
Overall, the Sundre department reported a total of 51 investigation files for the week of Nov. 7-13, which included everything from traffic offences to well-being checks, violation of court orders, lost and found items, as well as providing assistance to neighbouring jurisdictions, he said.
A contingent of officers also participated in a Remembrance Day service held at Sundre High School as well as the official community ceremony at River Valley School’s gymnasium.
Residents with any information about these or other incidents are encouraged to contact the Sundre RCMP's complaint line at 403-638-3655. Alternatively, information may also be provided anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
