On Jan. 12, 2024, members of the Western Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (WAD CRU), with the assistance of RCMP Air Services, took two individuals into custody following a several month-long investigation into thefts from oil and gas sites throughout the region. WAD CRU began the investigation in the fall of 2023, monitoring the suspects for involvement in crimes targeting oil and gas sites in the County of Grande Prairie, Alta., the MD of Greenview, Alta., Big Lakes County, Alta., Woodlands County, Alta., Parkland County, Alta. and the Peace River District of B.C.
A 44-year-old individual and a 41-year-old individual, both residents of Grande Prairie, have been charged with multiple offences in both Alberta and B.C., including:
- Break and Enter;
- Theft Under $5000;
- Possession of Break-In Instruments;
- Mischief Over $5000;
- Possession of a Controlled Substance; and
- Multiple counts of Failing to Comply with Release Orders.
Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 44-year-old individual was remanded into custody, and the 41-year-old individual was released on conditions. The 44-year-old individual will appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on Jan. 29, 2024, while the 41-year-old individual is due to appear on Feb. 5, 2024.
"The successful outcome of this file was a result of a combined efforts from several RCMP detachments in Western Alberta and B.C., along with the assistance of specialized RCMP units including Air Services and Police Dog Services" says Sgt. Chris Power of WAD CRU. "Our unit continues to work with local detachments to identify, disrupt and bring those responsible for targeted oil and gas site thefts before the courts."