A Cold Lake man is facing multiple charges after RCMP say he was responsible for a series of break-ins that targeted businesses in the city’s downtown core over the past several weeks.

Cold Lake RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit launched an investigation in early July after responding to 16 reported business break-ins since the beginning of June. The incidents raised growing concerns among local business owners.

On July 9, officers with the Crime Reduction Unit, assisted by the General Investigation Section, Cold Lake RCMP detachment members and Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant at a home in the 5000 block of 47 Street.

As a result of the investigation, 42-year-old Michael Daniels of Cold Lake was arrested and charged with:

• Five counts of break and enter to commit theft
• Two counts of break and enter with intent
• One count of mischief causing damage to property
• Eight counts of wearing a disguise with intent

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Daniels was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Lac La Biche on July 13.

RCMP Thank Local Businesses

Cold Lake RCMP credited local businesses for helping move the investigation forward by providing surveillance footage.

“Your willingness to work with investigators played an important role in advancing this investigation and ultimately led to an arrest,” said Const. Jordan Walker of the Cold Lake Crime Reduction Unit. “We recognize the significant impact this suspect’s actions had on our local business community.”

Walker added that businesses affected by the break-ins can expect to hear from investigators in the coming weeks as the court process moves forward.

RCMP continue to encourage residents to report suspicious or criminal activity. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress should call 911. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers.