BONNYVILLE - Bonnyville RCMP will be collaborating with the Integrated Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit after a local parent reported concerning online gaming activity involving their child.
According to Sgt. Kim Hillier, on Jan. 28 a Bonnyville mother contacted police after she "had found someone attempting to lure her child to open up a webcam through their PS4."
“That’s a high priority investigation and it will be underway. We will be in touch with the ICE Unit in Edmonton, but it’s important right away to get out there that this is happening and it’s happening in our area,” stressed Hillier.
RCMP are recommending parents take the time to talk to their children about online gaming safety and the use of webcams.
Police led to the scene of the crime
The owner of a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan is thanking their lucky stars after their vehicle was recovered thanks to a GPS tracking system they had installed post-purchase.
"They had it placed in the van which then allowed us to track the vehicle directly to this property and provide the grounds for a search warrant," explained Hillier, adding the van, which had been reported stolen out of Edmonton, had minor damage.
A 44-year-old Bonnyville woman was arrested on-scene Jan. 25, and the investigation into the theft is ongoing.
Lock-up your vehicles
Police are reminding the public to lock-up their vehicles before leaving them unattended for any length of time.
On Jan. 27, RCMP were called by the victim of a theft.
“The complainant is reporting his vehicle had been accessed and he had property stolen from the vehicle while it was parked at his residence (on 39 Ave.),” detailed Hillier, adding this wasn't the only complaint relating to theft from a motor vehicle they received.
In fact, officers were notified someone was biking down their neighbourhood checking for unlocked vehicles.
“It’s important to ensure your vehicle is locked before you go into the house or store, or wherever it is you’re going,” Hillier exclaimed.
Caught in the act
“One of our members was on foot patrol (on Jan. 29) and located what he found to be a possible drug deal between two adults. The member quickly detained both adults and found one of them to be in possession of money and crystal methamphetamine," detailed Hillier.
As a result, a 31-year-old Bonnyville female was arrested, and has possession of methamphetamine charges pending.
According to Hillier, officers are focusing on "some of the hot spots in town that might be causing problems," including 66 St., where RCMP were patrolling when they came across the offence.
Shoplifter takes off
Local RCMP are asking the public for information following a shoplifting incident at Pharmasave on Jan. 29.
It was around 11 a.m. when police were called to the local pharmacy after a man stole several items before leaving the store, running towards Hamel's Meats.
The suspect was wearing a black hat with a brightly coloured logo and a pair sunglasses resting on the hat, a camo sweatshirt, blue jeans, black untied work boots, and a black cross-body bag.
Anyone with information is asked to notify the RCMP at 780-343-7200.
Vehicle reported stolen
A 2003 silver Dodge Dakota with license plate CFF 0811 was reported stolen from a driveway south of town on Jan. 30.
“We also had multiple complaints in the days before and after of people seeing a red truck possibly associated with this theft,” noted Hillier.
The vehicle has not yet been located and anyone with information is asked to contact local police.
Criminals targeting catalytic converters
Police received a report in the early morning of Jan. 30 that a catalytic converter was stolen from a resident's 2009 Chevy cargo van.
If anyone saw anything suspicious in the 43 St. area, they can contact RCMP.
Meagan MacEachern, Bonnyville Nouvelle
