BARRHEAD – Mike Stuber, President of Stuber’s Cat Services Ltd.in Barrhead was shot at and run over by thieves on a neighbouring property on June 13 at 9 a.m.
“I just wanted to get away,” said Stuber.
Stuber’s neighbour had cameras set up and called him when they saw the thieves on the camera feed.
He went over to the neighbour’s property and saw four people as he drove up the driveway.
Stuber got out of his vehicle but didn’t get a chance to take any photos because the thieves shot at him.
They used a rifle with a long-range scope on it.
The thieves were fast, and while Stuber was trying to get back in his truck and get away, they smashed into the truck, breaking his leg in five places.
Stuber drove himself home and then went to the hospital.
He was looked after quickly. It took some time waiting for a plane to take him to Grand Prairie for the hour-long operation.
Stuber has not remembered any other details since the incident occurred, saying it all happened so fast.
Stuber said the RCMP called him the morning of June 19 and said they haven't found the thieves yet, but they found the vehicle, a Ford F-350, south of Lac La Nonne.
The incident was reported to the Mayerthorpe RCMP detachment as the property was along the border of Lac. Ste. Anne County and Barrhead County.
The RCMP released tips to reduce yard theft and residential break and enters on June 3.
During the 2024 summer season, there were 367 break and enters in Alberta, with 3,940 total break and enters reported for the year.
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) can help provide information on how to secure property and keep property safe.
The RCMP recommend the following actions.
Ensuring your property is well lit with lighting especially motion sensor lights at every entry is one action property owners can take.
Overgrown trees and bushes can create cover for criminals to hide in.
Yard maintenance to keep clear sight lines is a preventive action.
Locked gates on properties can deter thieves who may not want to waste time trying to get a locked gate open.
Keeping windows locked and covered when the property is empty Is another tip.
This keeps criminals from knowing whether people are on the premises.
Alarms, security systems, and camera systems are useful, especially if property owners are away from the property for extended periods.
Many systems can be monitored through phone applications and notify the property owner of any persons entering the property.
Keeping valuables out of sight and locked away in sheds or garages can be a deterrent for keeping people off your property.
This includes bikes, lawnmowers and barbecues.
These actions have been proven to discourage crime and promote security on properties.
Keeping equipment and vehicles locked and keys put away in a safe place is another deterrent for thieves.
If there are any suspicious activities on properties, advise the RCMP immediately.
All reports provide valuable information to the RCMP about activities in the area and it's important to make the call.
