LAKELAND - Two men are facing charges stemming from an investigation by the RCMP's Lakeland Crime Reduction Unit which has rounded up approximately $22,000 worth of stolen property, some of which is connected to a break and enter at the Rich Lake Fire Hall in mid-November and a motor vehicle theft from Wainwright.
On Nov. 18, after assisting the Cold Lake RCMP with recovering a stolen vehicle in the Cold Lake area, the crime unit began an investigation and were able to recover approximately $22,000 in stolen property tied to the theft of a vehicle from Wainwright Nov. 12 and the break and enter at Rich Lake Fire Hall five days later, according to a media release issued Tuesday.
Cody Raymond White, 33, of Cold Lake was arrested and charged with the following offences in relation to the stolen vehicle that was recovered: possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, resisting arrest, two charges of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, three counts of failing to comply with a condition of release and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He is to appear in Cold Lake Provincial Court on Dec. 23.
Wyatt James Will Whitford, 24, of Bonnyville is facing two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. He is to appear in Bonnyville court on Jan. 19.
Items taken during the break-in at the Rich Lake Fire Hall included a defibrillator, thermal imaging camera and jaws of life. The estimated value of the items was $40,000.
As these matters are still under investigation, Cold Lake RCMP are asking the public's assistance for any information that may lead to the recovery of stolen property or the identification of additional involved suspects. Please contact Cold Lake RCMP at 780-594-3301 or your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact 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."
