The Sundre RCMP detachment has during the period between June 1 and Aug. 16 responded to about 670 calls, Cpl. Joe Mandel informed the Round Up. The following are highlights of local police activities.
Traffic-related calls
Police responded to 50 reports of motor vehicle collisions, 12 injury-related crashes and 11 non-reportable collisions in which the damage was less than $2,000. There were also five instances of dangerous driving, two alcohol-related driver's licence suspensions, 20 abandoned vehicles, 10 hit and runs as well as two refusals to provide breath samples.
Additionally, on July 1, a 48-year-old male from Calgary who was driving northbound on Highway 22 careened straight off of the road at the T-intersection with Highway 27 east of Sundre. That incident was reported at about 1:45 a.m. Despite surviving the initial crash, the man later succumbed to his injuries.
A further three off-highway vehicle collisions resulted in serious injuries but no fatalities. In one instance, an ATV rolled over north of the Ya Ha Tinda road on Aug. 12 at about 1 p.m., resulting in a 64-year-old male being airlifted out by STARS.
A total of 14 impaired driving investigations led to seven instances when charges where laid.
Thefts and break-ins
Over the nearly three-month period, a total of 38 suspicious person, vehicle, or property reports came in, 29 thefts under $5,000 were reported, 23 instances of possession of stolen property were logged, and 18 break and enters occurred while six instances of fraud were also reported.
Additionally, 12 trucks, one car and one SUV were reported stolen as well as two motorbikes, while 12 vehicles were broken into and had property taken. Rural residents also reported a dozen thefts from mailboxes as well as four cases of trespassing on private property in breach of provincial statutes.
Police remind and urge residents to be mindful as well as to remain vigilant to reduce the potential for property crime by locking up unattended vehicles and homes as well as outbuildings, keeping valuables hidden from plain sight, and making detailed observations and submitting prompt reports with as little delay as possible when a potential crime has been witnessed. The local detachment can be reached at 403-638-3675, but 911 should be called in the case of an emergency.
Firearm infractions and physical altercations
Police responded to four instances of unlawfully discharged firearms, nine uttered threats, 10 assaults, one assault on a police officer, and one assault with a weapon.
Miscellaneous
Police also logged the following: 44 mischief files, which include offences such as vandalism and catcalling; 38 false alarms; 16, 911 hang-ups; 14 animal calls; 13 assist of public; nine well-being checks; 11 mental health act cases; seven breach of the peace; and 13 disturbing the peace.
