Increase in Property Crime in Bonnyville

The Bonnyville RCMP Detachment has noticed an increase in property crime. Constable Laura Carroll, with the detachment, says the best way to protect yourself and your valuable is to be proactive.

“We have noticed an increase in property crime,” explains Cst. Carroll.  “Being proactive is the best way to prevent these crimes.  People need to be vigilant about locking their doors, not leaving keys inside vehicles and not leaving valuables or wallets in their vehicles.” Often property crimes are crimes of opportunity, so eliminate the opportunity or make it hard for the criminals.  Sometimes even keeping your yard well-lit at night can deter criminals. Cst. Carroll says residents “should keep their homes well lit outside and keep valuable things inside their home or garage when possible.”

There were two property crimes of note over the past week:

On June 3rd, 2016 the Bonnyville RCMP Detachment received a complaint of a break and enter that had occurred sometime between 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM that day.  The complainant advised that when she came back to her residence on 44th avenue near 44th street in the town, her door was unlocked and her 50″ television was missing.  Police are asking citizens to come forward if they know the whereabouts of the television or if they observed suspicious activity on June 3rd, 2016 that they believe to be related.

On June 1st, 2016 the Bonnyville RCMP detachment received a complaint of a vehicle theft that occurred near 49th street and 48th avenue in the town of Bonnyville.  The owner reported that sometime between May 29th and may 31st the vehicle was stolen from their yard. The vehicle is described as a 2007 Ford F150, gold in colour, with associated licence plate of BGT7671.  Police are asking the public to come forward if they observed suspicious behaviour in the area that they believe is related or if they know the location of the vehicle.

***UPDATE: The FORD F150 Licence plate BGT7671 has been recovered***

Anyone with information on either of these crimes is asked to contact the Bonnyville Detachment at 780-343-7200.