Extra burglary charges have been laid against two men in connection to Innisfail and area break-ins over the past several months – part of an extensive regional police operation that resulted in a major property crime bust earlier this month.
Innisfail RCMP announced that Jason Furlong, 39, and Kevin Leischner, 42, have been charged in connection to multiple break and enters at the town's Home Hardware store as well as at the Innisfail and Spruce View co-ops. Earlier this year the local Home Hardware was hit with a break and enter and theft that resulted in the loss of $18,000 worth of store merchandise.
On Nov. 8, the pair was charged with multiple counts of theft, possession of stolen property, possession of break-in tools and obstruction of a peace officer in connection to burglaries throughout the region, including in Olds and Sundre.
The police investigation that led to the Nov. 8 bust began as a result of a traffic stop in Sundre on Oct. 28. RCMP determined the vehicle had been reported stolen from Olds and was loaded with stolen property, including various tools, electronics and copper wire.
Two days later, Sundre RCMP executed a search warrant at Sundre's Sun Plaza Motel, which resulted in the recovery of a large amount of stolen property.
Following Sundre RCMP's probe, Olds RCMP attended a rural Olds property with Three Hills RCMP members and recovered several items, which had been stolen from various businesses in the Olds and Innisfail areas.
The investigation resulted in a search warrant that was executed in Olds on Nov. 8, and the subsequent recovery of stolen property with a total value of between $30,000 and $40,000. The items included tires, stereo equipment, tools, power tools, gardening tools, gardening chemicals and a firearm. Many of the items were determined to be stolen from businesses in Sundre, Innisfail and as far away as Rocky Mountain House.
Police in Olds, Sundre, Innisfail and Didsbury have been working together on the investigation.
Local police are probing a break and enter at the Penhold post office and an attempted burglary at an Innisfail auto repair shop.
Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Jeff Hildebrandt said the detachment received a report of a break and enter at the Penhold post office shortly after 8 a.m. on Nov. 20.
Hildebrandt said seven large mailboxes were forced open with mail stolen.
He said the incident occurred overnight.
Hildebrandt said a postal inspector from Calgary investigated the incident and there has now been a change in the outlet's door locking system. From now on an auto lock will close the doors from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., said Hildebrandt.
The RCMP is still investigating the incident.
“This situation is one that could involve the loss of government cheques or personal identification papers,” said Hildebrandt. “ This is a reminder for people to clear out their post office boxes routinely and completely.”
Meanwhile, local police are also investigating an attempted break-in at Innisfail 20-20 Auto Service, located at 5004 49 St.
Hildebrandt said shortly after 3 a.m. on Nov. 18 a culprit or culprits attempted to “ram” their way through one of the shop's overhead service doors.
He said entry was not gained but there was damage to the door. No suspects have been apprehended and the RCMP is still probing the case.
Any citizen that has knowledge about either incident is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
