Smoky Lake RCMP property crime “spike” saw seizure of 35 guns, skidoo, truck

The haul of weapons seized after a search warrant in Smoky Lake County. Image submitted.

A total of 35 guns were seized by Smoky Lake RCMP after a search warrant uncovered various stolen items at a rural property in the County.

Gregory Huk, a 25-year-old resident of Smoky Lake, was the homeowner, and faces a serious of charges. But this situation highlights a concerning trend for the area. 

Smoky Lake RCMP is seeing a “spike” in these break and enters, with seasonal properties especially being targeted.

This increase prompted a media availability with Sgt. Anita Doktor on Tuesday morning.

“Smoky Lake County has been facing a spike in property related crimes such as break and enters. The consequence of property crimes can significantly impact the community,” Sgt. Doktor said. 

“We are trying to fight this crime with all of our partners in the area. People need to know what is going on in their community.” 

This investigation saw RCMP crime analysts use trends in the data to create a “bait trap,” which involves leaving a trackable item in an area where goods are normally stolen to trace it to a suspect. 

On Wednesday, March 19, this investigation came to a head.

After the bait was traced to a farmyard property in the County, a search warrant was obtained and executed.

Police recovered a stolen 2013 Skidoo, a stolen trailer, a stolen 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, and approximately 35 firearms.

Huk was charged with:

• Possession of Stolen Property;
• Careless Storage of a Firearm;
• Prohibited Weapons/devices;
• Possession of a firearm while unauthorized.

Huk was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded in custody with his next court date set for March 25, 2025, to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Boyle.

“It’s a lot of seasonal properties that are getting broken into, just properties of opportunity that aren’t possibly lived in, hidden in the bush,” said Sgt. Doktor. “Those kind of properties are being hit and targeted right now we are finding.”

She credited strong relationships with surrounding detachments to help get arrests out of these investigations.

Doktor also recommended property owners use security cameras, which can help to create a lead, and follow other CPTED fundamentals (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design).

“It might not deter them, but it’ll give us a start of investigation point. Whether it’s a vehicle or a suspect’s face, any little bit of information is important.

“Proper lighting, proper tree clearing, and all that kind of stuff that is available for them. If anybody would like to get further information, just give us a call at the RCMP detachment, and we will touch base with the person that does want that program from us.”

Smoky Lake RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of criminal activity in your neighbourhood, including trafficking of drugs.

Anyone with information regarding crime is asked to contact the Smoky Lake RCMP at 780-656-3550 or your local police.  If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.