LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche RCMP members responded to almost 600 calls for service in October. So far, more than 100 of those files have resulted in charges with another 18 still under investigation, says Lac La Biche RCMP Const. Jordan Walker.
The files include 140 traffic calls, 60 property crime investigations and 50 "person crimes" involving frauds, assaults, uttering threats and missing persons. The month's workload also included 54 complaints from community residents reporting suspicious people or suspicious activity.
Walker says the community's involvement is a valuable part of the crime reduction formula.
"Police being aware and responding to these behaviours is what helps us prevent offences that are more serious in nature," he said. "RCMP want to remind residents in the community to be diligent in reporting suspicious activity to the RCMP complaint line."
The public can also help reduce crime by securing their own property and making it more difficult for criminals to find opportunities.
October saw police respond to 58 property crime offences, half of those were break and enter investigations at homes, businesses and cabins. The month also saw 13 vehicles reported stolen, with six of them recovered by RCMP.
"Property owners can protect themselves by removing valuables and locking their vehicles, motion sensor lights, and securing high value outdoor items such as ATVs, inside locked garages or outbuildings," urged Walker.
Impaired charges
Another statistic for the month that RCMP would like to see reduced is the nine impaired driving investigations. Of those, six drivers were issued immediate roadside sanctions with their vehicles seized for 30 days and their licenses suspended for 90 days. So far, three Criminal Code investigations have been conducted, resulting in two convictions and one on-going investigation.
The month also saw RCMP members responding to 19 well-being checks and 14 mental health calls.
Significant files
From the October call-outs, local RCMP have highlighted several significant files where charges have been laid, court dates are pending or convictions have been made.
October 6 — Lac La Biche RCMP received a report that a female was en route to the hospital with a gunshot wound to her leg. During the subsequent investigation, and with the assistance of St Paul RCMP, a 24-year-old female from Goodfish Lake was located and arrested for multiple firearms offences, uttering threats, and failure to comply with court order. The accused was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody.
October 11 — Lac La Biche RCMP entered a drug trafficking investigation following a traffic stop. During the subsequent investigation, 32 grams of suspected cocaine was seized, $9,400 dollars, scales, packaging equipment, and weapons were seized from the vehicle. A 33-year-old man from Lac La Biche was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was released from custody. He has his first court appearance at the end of October.
October 15 — Lac La Biche RCMP responded to a reported assault at the Oslos restaurant in Lac La Biche. A staff member was allegedly assaulted by a patron who then left before to RCMP arrived. An 18-year-old male suspect has been identified as a suspect in the file, and efforts are ongoing to locate him.
October 30 — Lac La Biche RCMP responded to a break and enter in progress at a business in the Venture Industrial Park. On arrival, RCMP located and arrested a 41-year-old man from Lac La Biche. The suspect was transported to RCMP cells and released with conditions to attend court in early December.
"The RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to your local police — Lac La Biche RCMP at 780-404-2500," said Walker. "Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 -TIPS."
