RCMP reports property crimes rose in 2013

Sgt. Doug Coleman, detachment commander of the Tofield RCMP, reports that break and enters in the detachment area rose from 51 in 2012 to 74 last year.

Many of these have occurred in the west end of Beaver County, with businesses often being the target. Coleman thinks the reason is that Tofield and area lies “too close to populated areas.”

Before Christmas, thieves broke into homes north of Tofield and virtually cleaned the houses out. As well, damages have also risen as a result of the break and enters. About 12 or so mailboxes have had either their locks pried open or the mailbox itself taken.

“Some of these people are travelling,” he said, adding that criminals from places like Morinville and Vegreville pass through and commit crimes of opportunity.

The RCMP is “trying to… For more see the Feb. 11/14 issue of the Tofield Mercury