Public's assistance sought over sign thefts
From Oct. 22-29, Alberta Auction Services roadside signs were stolen from the area of Highway 27 and Highway 760, commonly known as the Bergen Road South. More recently, on Dec. 10, another of their roadside signs was stolen near the intersection of Highway 27 and Rge. Rd. 40. During this occurrence, a game camera that was installed to monitor the signs was also stolen. Anyone with information about this theft is asked to contact the Sundre RCMP detachment at 403-638-3675. The public can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). All information will be kept confidential. Crime Stoppers may pay a reward for information that leads to an arrest, recovery of stolen property, seizure of drugs and the location of wanted persons.
AMVIC investigation leads to impersonation charge
The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC), who is the delegated regulator of the motor vehicle industry in Alberta, was investigating the unlicensed activities of a local Sundre couple last month. During the course of the investigation, the man allegedly identified himself to the AMVIC investigator as a serving member of the RCMP. However, the Sundre detachment commander was able to confirm for the investigator that the information is false. The suspect is not a member of the RCMP, nor was he ever a member of the RCMP. Charles Gow, 38, of Sundre, was criminally charged for impersonating a peace officer. Gow is scheduled to appear in Didsbury provincial court on Jan. 16.
Snake oil car saleslady
Last month, a young man from Olds came to Sundre to view and possibly purchase a used vehicle from a local woman. Upon viewing the vehicle, the male had questions about its roadworthiness. The woman provided him with a mechanical certificate to prove that the vehicle was roadworthy. This document swayed the deal in her favour, and the young man purchased the vehicle for about $2,000. The young man had the vehicle transported back to Olds and took it to his mechanic for further inspection. The vehicle failed the inspection miserably and should not have been on the road. The young man took the matter to police. The investigation revealed that not only did the woman use a falsified mechanical inspection certificate, but she also used a fake name in her effort to con the young man out of his money. Alia Kristina Parsons, 28, of Sundre, has been criminally charged for fraud, two counts of uttering a forged document and providing a false receipt. Parsons is scheduled to appear in Didsbury provincial court on Jan. 16.
A word of appreciation to our local businesses for their generosity
In an effort to increase awareness of rural dangers and reduce farm-related accidents, the Sundre RCMP is once again working with Community Safety Net (CSN). This family-run organization is values oriented and produces a series of educational safety resources created especially for children. To date, more than three million children in communities across North America have benefited from CSN materials. A similar initiative was done last year with the local RCMP and CSN, which provided educational material to kids on drug safety. This year, the detachment is embarking on an educational rural safety initiative for our local kids. The National Committee for Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention estimates that more than 100 children die and another 100,000 are seriously injured annually in North American farm accidents. Of those injured, about 50 per cent do not actually live on a farm — a statistic that underscores the need to provide rural safety education for all children living in rural areas. The youth will be receiving this resource through the generous support of our local businesses and organizations. The detachment appreciates all the support offered for this initiative.
Sundre Santas Charity Checkstop
Members of the Sundre RCMP participated in the annual Sundre Santas Charity Checkstop on Dec. 14. The event was organized by Greenwood Neighbourhood Place and also involved assistance from several other local organizations. The original date of Dec. 9 was originally postponed due to the frigid temperatures. The weather was slightly better but still cold, yet despite this and the last-minute date change, the event was a success.
