WESTLOCK – Two men face multiple charges ranging from break and enter, to mischief and possession of stolen property following a pair of early-morning business break-ins last week.
Westlock RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Baird said that in the early-morning hours of Jan. 26 they were dispatched to a burglary alarm at the old bottle depot in the West Industrial Park. There police found two men, who were arrested.
Later that morning police then got a call from staff at the Finney's Your Independent Grocery store stating one of front windows had been smashed in and numerous items were taken — one of the men arrested in the old bottle depot break-in was subsequently charged in connection to the Independent burglary, while police are now looking for a second man they believe was involved.
“Having an alarm is a good tool, it doesn’t prevent people from going in, but it does alert us that something is going on,” said Baird. “Having cameras is a great idea too as it greatly assists us.”
In relation to the Independent break-in, Travis Jean, 32, of Westlock faces charges of break and enter, mischief, possession of break-in tools, possession of stolen property and breach of conditions, while in relation to the old bottle depot crime he faces charges of break and enter and mischief.
Meanwhile, in relation to the bottle depot, Arthur Mclean, 35, stands charged with break and enter, mischief and possession of break in tools.
Both men are scheduled to be in Westlock Provincial Court Feb. 24, while Mclean had outstanding warrants and faces a date in Red Deer Provincial Court March 1. Both men have been released from police custody.
Baird said they’re looking for tips on the second suspect in relation to the Independent break in — residents can call them directly at 780-349-4492, via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), or online at p3tips.com.
