“The impact of these offences extends far beyond the monetary loss of an ATM. These offenders have left a trail of destruction in rural communities and have shaken resident’s sense of safety,” said S/Sgt. Dave Knibbs, of ALERT.

ALERT’s Edmonton organized crime and gang team became involved in May 2016 after two suspected groups were identified by intelligence analysts. A total of 101 charges have been laid to date against seven individuals, with the latest arrest occurring on September 28, 2016.

“The success of our investigation is attributable to the collaborative approach and teamwork between all our agencies working together to combat this crime trend. Integrated policing is the most effective model for keeping our comminutes safe,” said Chief Supt. Shahin Mehdizadeh.

The first phase of the joint forces investigation resulted in the arrests of Jonathan Andrews, 23, of Bentley and Shane Hicks, 37, of Rimbey. The pair were arrested on June 12 and three search warrants were conducted at associated properties.

Andrews and Hicks face 63 charges related to theft, possession of stolen property, mischief, and break and enters. In two instances, the pair allegedly sabotaged police cruisers at the RCMP detachments in an attempt to obstruct police.

Investigators have charged Andrews and Hicks for the following incidents:

• ATM theft in Caroline – May 5, 2016
• Stolen trailer in Pigeon Lake – May 31, 2016;
• Break and enter in Rimbey – June 2, 2016;
• Stolen pickup truck in Rimbey – June 2, 2016;
• Damaged police vehicles at RCMP Rimbey detachment – June 5, 2016;
• ATM theft at Rimbey Credit Union, Rimbey – June 5, 2016;
• Damaged police vehicles at RCMP Bashaw detachment – June 9, 2016;
• Attempted theft in Ponoka – June 9, 2016;
• Break and enter and stolen truck in Bashaw – June 9, 2016;
• Break and enter Canada Post Office in Mirror – June 9, 2016;
• Attempted theft in Ponoka – June 12, 2016;
• Break and enter Canada Post Office in Mirror – June 12, 2016.
• Arrested Andrews and Hicks in Mirror – June 12, 2016.

Andrews was recently sentenced to 30 months in prison minus six months credit for time already served. Hicks, meanwhile is due in Wetaskiwin court on November 2.

The second phase of the investigation targeted a separate group operating out of the Saddle Lake and Edmonton areas. Tyrone Hunter, 23, Byron Hunter, 42, Rodney Hunter, 37, Francis Cardinal, 22, and Abigail Hunter, 45, face a total of 38 charges related to weapons, theft, break and enter. ALERT alleges that the group was involved in ATM thefts, firearms trafficking, and other criminal activity.

Two search warrants were carried out at homes on the Saddle Lake Reserve, on August 9 and September 19. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of 12 firearms, body armour, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The final arrest occurred on September 28 when Rodney Hunter was arrested in West Kelowna, B.C. for weapons trafficking, amongst other offences.

Hunter and company have been charged with the following incidents:

• Armed Robbery at Northside Store in Saddle Lake – June 25, 2014
• Perjury at the St. Paul Provincial Court – August 10, 2016
• Break and enter to steal firearm at Warehouse Sports in St. Paul – Feb 17, 2014
• Break and enter at Guardian Pharmacy in Mundare – April 14, 2015
• Break and enter at Northside Store in Saddle Lake – June 25, 2014
• Break and enter, Theft of ATM, at Cardinal Cash n’ Carry in Goodfish – January 12, 2016
• Break and enter, Theft of ATM at Servus Credit Union in Lamont – March 14, 2016
• Break and enter, Theft of ATM at Servus Credit Union in Mundare – May 19, 2016
• Break and enter, Theft of ATM at Northside Store in Saddle Lake – May 20, 2016
• Arrested Byron and Tyrone Hunter in Edmonton – August 19, 2016;
• Arrested Abigail Hunter and Francis Cardinal in Saddle Lake – August 31, 2016
• Arrested Rodney Hunter in West Kelowna – September 28, 2016

Byron Hunter is expected to appear in court on October 28, while is co-accused will appear on November 1.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

*Press Release from ALERT