ATHABASCA – Athabasca RCMP continue to investigate a break-and-enter that occurred in the Athabasca industrial park Nov. 29 and are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect who was caught on surveillance footage.
RCMP responded to a 911 call of a break-in to a business that happened overnight near 53rd St. that morning after an unidentified man broke in, causing damage to the building and stole several items that amounted to less than $5,000.
Police also learned the same man, thought to be in his early 30s, is described as having a tall and slender build and was last seen on security footage wearing a dark-coloured hooded sweater, dark-coloured seat pants, black shoes, a black toque and glasses.
“It is believed the male may have broken into several other business in the area during the same period of time, and in the days leading up to this incident. The suspect is known to travel by bicycle, and possibly carries a large black duffel bag on his person,” said Athabasca RCMP Const. Kyle Hotchkiss in a Dec. 2 media release.
“Extensive patrols of the area and known property crime hotspots were made by the Athabasca RCMP, however, the suspect was not located,” he added.
Athabasca RCMP are also trying to identify a different suspect who spraypainted a business near 49th Ave. and 51st St. in the early morning hours of Nov. 21. Police responded to the complaint and determined a man, thought to be about 30, with a light complexion and average height and build had spraypainted the side of the business.
He was captured on CCTV footage however and was seen wearing a blue jacket with tan pants.
Athabasca RCMP continue to investigate both incidents and are asking for the public's assistance for any information in relation to this incident (or identifying those responsible). Please contact Athabasca RCMP at 780-675-5122 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.
Const. Hotchkiss also reported a man who entered two Athabasca businesses on Nov. 4 and waited for an opportunity to steal the poppy donation boxes from the front counter, was identified and arrested with the help of Boyle RCMP after a quick response to the locations and flooding the area with police presence.
The poppies from one of the boxes were found on the ground behind a nearby, downtown building.
An unnamed 59-year-old Boyle man has been charged with two counts of theft under $5,000.
“Athabasca RCMP thanks local residents and business owners who provided quick reporting and information sharing which undoubtably assisted in the timely progression of this investigation,” said Hotchkiss.
