Two Cold Lake area men and a 14 year old youth have been arrested in connection with a string of ATM thefts across the province's northeast in January and February.
The Cold Lake RCMP is reporting that three suspects have been charged in multiple break & enters and ATM thefts in Northeastern Alberta, including one from the Lac La Biche area. Police say about $20,000 was stolen in several ATM thefts, including the machine taken from the entrance of the Lac La Biche Boston Pizza when a truck was used to smash through the restaurants front doors after the business had closed on Feb. 7.
On March 27, 2014, RCMP charged a 19 year old Cold Lake First Nation man with seven counts of break and enter, five counts of possession of stolen property and one count of flight from peace officer. An 18 year old male from Cold Lake First Nation is also charged with three counts of break and enter and one count of possession of stolen property.
A 14 year old male from the Cold Lake area has also been charged with four counts of break and enter, three counts of possession of stolen property, four counts of breach of undertaking and one count of flight from peace officer.
The extended investigation began on January 10, 2014 after the Grande Square Cinema in Cold Lake was broken into and an attempt to force open the ATM was made. Police tell the POST that this was the beginning of a series of commercial break and enters and vehicle thefts across Northeastern Alberta.
Businesses located in Cold Lake, Cold Lake First Nation, Frog Lake First Nation, Lloydminster, Marwayne, Glendon, St. Paul and Lac La Biche had been broken into between January 10, 2014 and February 7, 2014. In most instances the ATM was targeted and in some, removed all together. The cash value loss from the ATM's is estimated at $20,000.
At least five vehicles were stolen and used to commit these break and enters. Often the vehicles were driven into the buildings to gain access. The vehicles theft occurred in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Glendon and St Paul.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information, to contact Cold Lake RCMP at (780) 594-3302. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS),
