ATHABASCA - While executing an arrest warrant on a rural property south of Athabasca last week, RCMP found a lot more than they were there for, in the form of a stolen $250,000 excavator.
It was one of two stolen vehicles located on the site May 10, said Const. Jay Tessier last week.
“Athabasca RCMP were on a rural property in an attempt to execute an arrest warrant. During that time police were able to locate and recover two stolen vehicles on that property, one of the stolen vehicles was a Case excavator with a value of over $250,000,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing at this time, but the owner has been contacted.
Tessier urged residents to be aware that street vehicles aren’t the only ones that are targeted by thieves.
“People usually don’t bat an eye seeing expensive equipment like that just sitting around, but they can be stolen.”
Athabasca RCMP responded to 432 calls for service within the detachment area, which spans from Rochester to Calling Lake, between April 20 and May 19.
Tessier reported there had been seven assaults in that time. An additional assault with a weapon was investigated after an individual exited a vehicle and was then bumped in Calling Lake. Police also investigated reports of nine gunshots heard in and around the community, including one allegedly fired at RCMP.
Police also laid two charges of possession with intent and investigated one vehicle theft; five thefts over $5,000; five under; five frauds over $5,000; three under; and six calls for uttering threats.
There were also 10 B&Es involving seasonal homes at Calling Lake, for which the forensics investigation was utilized. Several others break and enters also took place throughout the detachment area.
They also responded to five hit-and-run accidents and numerous other motor vehicle collisions; six calls of mischief; and laid three impaired driving charges.
There were also 11 calls regarding the Mental Health Act during that time.
