ARTICLES

Nearly one million dollars’ worth of stolen property has been recovered following an extensive investigation into stolen holiday trailers and campers. ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Property Crime unit has charged two Medicine Hat men.
 
Following a three-month investigation, ALERT has recovered 13 stolen holiday travel trailers, and other stolen vehicles and property, worth an estimated $970,000. The other stolen property included a sports car, recreational vehicles, motorbikes, tools, and various vehicle parts.
 
“This was a complex, coordinated scheme that undoubtedly ruined many family’s summer vacation plans. However, the impact of organized crime extends beyond the victim, and is a cost that society collectively bears,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.
 
ALERT alleges two Medicine Hat men were involved in the thefts, and fraudulently re-vinned the trailers before being re-sold. A search of one of the suspect’s homes yielded materials for making fraudulent VIN stickers.
 
“Vehicle theft is a serious issue that affects us all through higher insurance premiums and can also be a risk to personal safety. Insurance Bureau of Canada is pleased to have been involved in this investigation and we congratulate ALERT for their success in recovering the stolen property,” said Sid Kingma, Director, Investigative Services, Western and Pacific Region, IBC.
 
Nathan Herter, 36-year-old man, was arrested in Medicine Hat on June 18, 2021 and charged with theft over $5,000, possession of break and enter tools, suspended driving, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
 
Mathew Hillier, a 36-year-old man, was arrested in Hope, BC on June 29, 2021 and charged with theft over $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
 
The thefts date as far back as December 2020 and spread across the westernmost provinces. ALERT’s investigation relied on the assistance of Service Alberta, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Medicine Hat Police, and various RCMP detachments.
 
ALERT continues to investigate and is not ruling out additional charges.
 
To date, ALERT has recovered:

• Elevation trailer stolen in Redcliff and recovered in Sylvan Lake;
• Keystone camper stolen in Dunmore and recovered in Lacombe County;
• Reflection camper stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Hope, BC;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Hope, BC;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Redcliff and recovered in Hope, BC;
• Keystone camper stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Tompkins, Sask.;
• Jayco camper stolen in Red Deer and recovered in Cypress County;
• Keystone trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Langdon;
• Dutchman trailer stolen in Dunmore and recovered in Kelowna;
• Keystone camper stolen in Strathmore and recovered in County of Forty Mile;
• Sunvalley camper stolen in Lethbridge and recovered in Kelowna;
• Palamino trailer stolen in Regina, Sask. And recovered in Cypress County;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Brock, Sask.;
• Cargo trailer stolen in Drumheller and recovered in Brock, Sask;
• Keystone trailer stolen in Swift Current, Sask. and recovered in Calgary;
• Keystone camper stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Brock, Sask; and
• Mirage trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Brock, Sask.

 
A number of trailers were purchased at steep discounts, and already in the possession of a third-party.
 
ALERT believes there are still numerous stolen trailers outstanding and the investigation is ongoing. If you believe you may have unknowingly purchased a stolen trailer, you can contact ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Regional Property Crime unit at 403-529-8481.
 
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.

Online reporting can be used for reporting a crime if the loss or damage is under $5,000 and there are no suspects.  Reports can be filed online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Once the information is submitted, a file number will be generated and final report returned to the email provided, usually within 24 hours. If you do not have internet access or have an email address, you can report the incident by calling (403) 529-8481.

The following report types should be submitted online:

• Theft from vehicle (car prowling)– Up to $5,000 value of property
• Theft of property– Up to $5,000 value of property
• Theft of credit or debit card (when that is the only item missing)
• Mischief to vehicle– such as vandalism
• Mischief to property– such as vandalism & graffiti
• Lost property– with the exception of government-issued ID such as passports. Please call (403) 529-8481 to report lost government issued documents.
• Attempted stolen vehicle– regardless of damage value
• Break & enter into unlocked premise other than residential (includes; sheds, parking garages, storage lockers, detached garages, etc.) Residential and commercial break and enters should be reported to (403)-529-8481.
• Theft of mail (including packages from postal services and other delivery services)
• Stolen property for sale online (including; Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook, etc.)

For all other property-related offences, please call the MHPS non-emergency line 403-529-8481, where officers are available to answer questions and take some reports over the phone.

To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries, call the Collision Reporting Centre at 403-581-1070.

Call 9-1-1 for all emergencies and to report crimes in progress.

Other service that can be completed online or thru the MHPS mobile app include:

• Police Information Checks - (18 years or older)
• Submitting Crime Tips
• Parking Ticket Appeals 
• Alarm System Registration 

Payment of pet licenses can be made at City Hall or APARC and payment of parking tickets can be completed at City Hall.

 

 

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19, and to protect the health & safety of first responders and members of the community, the Medicine Hat Police Service will be adjusting response protocols while maintaining the continuity of public safety service delivery.There will be no disruption or changes to emergency response protocols and use of 9-1-1.

Effective March 16, 2020 at 7:00 AM, a call center will be established at the police station (located at 884 2^nd Street SE) to assist the community with all non-emergency police calls for service.  All inquiries and reports of non-emergency events can be provided by calling 403-529-8481 or filing a report via the MHPS mobile app or website online reporting (www.mhps.ca). 

These changes will also affect the Collision Reporting Center (CRC).  To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries call the CRC 403-581-1070.

This temporary measure is being taken, and will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.  We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

March 2020 marks the 16^th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada.  Fraud Prevention Month is a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and the community on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.

Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded each year. There is no typical fraud victim in Canada. With advancements in technology it is now easier for scammers to obtain money or property through fraudulent means and to remain “faceless” as they do so.

Consumers have a role to play in stopping fraud by arming themselves with the facts and reporting fraud when they encounter it.  Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself. It is important for consumers to remain vigilant and aware of the many different types of fraud scams out there as they are ever changing and new trends are always emerging.

Throughout the month members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Safety Unit will be sharing information about common frauds, scams and tips for individuals and businesses to protect themselves.

·  March 3 - 10AM to 2 PM- Coop Mall on 13^th  Avenue – OPEN TO PUBLIC

·  March 4 - 1PM – Park Place Meadow Ridge Seniors Village

·  March 5 - 2 PM – Medicine Hat Retirement Villa

·  March 9 - 10 AM – The Wellington

·  March 19 – 11 AM – River Ridge

·  March 24 - 6:30 PM – General Fraud Prevention Information

o  MHPS Community Boardroom

o  Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit, MHPS Major Crimes Section, and the Better Business Bureau. 

o  This event is free and open to the general public to attend.

·  March 26 - 2PM – Revera Meadowlands Retirement Residence

·  April 15 – 11:30 AM – Cyber Security 101 for Business / Not For Profit

o  MHPS Community Boardroom

o  Presenters: MHPS Community Safety Unit and ATB

o  Event sponsored by APEX Alberta

o  To register:  https://cybersecuritybanking.eventbrite.com

To keep yourself in the loop about Fraud Prevention Month activities occurring provincially, follow the hashtag #FPM2020 and #fightfraud on social media or visit the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association website at www.albertacrimeprevention.com/fraud-prevention-month.

For more information about frauds and scams visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Safety Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

On April 17, 2019, Medicine Hat Police Service, Priority Street Crimes Unit (PSCU) received information regarding a drug trafficker from Lethbridge, Alberta supplying quantities of Methamphetamine to dealers in Medicine Hat.

Through investigation PSCU members were able to determine who the traffickers from Lethbridge were and set up a deal to purchase illegal drugs.  On April 18, 2019, three individuals from Lethbridge were arrested with approximately 14 ounces of Methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $37,500.00.  Also seized during the arrest were a number of Break and Enter tools and a small caliber rifle.

Johnathan SIMONAR, 36yrs old from Lethbridge, AB is charged with:

·  Possession for Purpose of Trafficking

·  Possession of a controlled Substance

·  Possession of Stolen Property

·  Possession of Break In Instruments

·  Fail to Comply with Probation X 2

·  Traffick by Offer-Meth

·  Breach of Recognizance X 5

Deserai SCOUT, 23yrs old of Lethbridge, AB is charged with;

·  Possession for Purpose of Trafficking

·  Possession of a controlled Substance

·  Possession of Stolen Property

And

Justin MOHRMAN, 26 years old of Lethbridge, AB, is charged with;

·  Possession for Purpose of Trafficking

·  Possession of a controlled Substance

·  Possession of Stolen Property

·  Possession of a Firearm contrary to a Court Order

All three have had Bail Hearings,

·  Johnathan SIMONAR was remanded in custody for court on April 23, 2019 at 0930 hours

·  Justin MOHRMAN was remanded in custody for court on April 23, 2019 at 0930 hours

·  Deserai SCOUT was released on a $4000 no cash recognizance to appear in court on April 23, 2019 at 0930 hours

Media Contact

On April 16, 2019, the Medicine Hat Police Service Priority Street Crimes (PSCU) received information of a possible stolen enclosed cargo trailer at a residence in the flats area.  Police located the trailer and three individuals were taken into custody and a search warrant executed at the property.  Police recovered a stolen truck and trailer that contained a side by side quad and welding equipment that had a total value of approximately $35,000.

During the arrest and subsequent search of the arrested persons a baggy containing approximately 39 grams of Meth was recovered from one subject.  The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $3,900.

The three arrested have been identified as;

Thomas Kundert, 36 yrs. old of Medicine Hat

Charges:

-Possession Stolen Property over $5000.00 X 2

-Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine

-Possession of Stolen Property under $5000.00

-Possession of Identity Documents

-Possession of stolen Credit Cards

-fail to Comply with a Probation Order X 2

Mindy Rumbolt, 23yrs of Medicine Hat

Charges:

-Possession Stolen Property over $5000.00

-Fail to Comply with Probation

Shane Foster, 48yrs old of Medicine Hat

Charges:

-Possession Stolen Property over $5000.00

-Possession of a Controlled Substance x 2

Mindy Rumbolt had a bail hearing and was remanded into custody to appear back in court on May 8, 2019.  Both Shane Foster and Thomas Kundert had bail hearings and were remanded into custody until April 18, 2019 to appear before the courts again.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Brian Christmann
403-581-1056

Four suspected drug dealers have been arrested thanks to a recent series of investigations by the ALERT Medicine Hat organized crime team in Brooks. More than $22,000 worth of drugs have been seized.

The arrests took place between March 28 and April 4, 2019, with the assistance of Brooks RCMP. In total, investigators seized 227 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $22,700, along with one fentanyl pill.

“While our team is based in Medicine Hat, ALERT is always ready and willing to work with law enforcement agencies in surrounding communities,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat. “Investigations like these lead to safer communities for everyone in the area.”

“These dangerous drugs pose a serious threat to the safety of our residents,” added Staff Sgt. Chris Zanidean, Brooks RCMP detachment commander. “We’re glad we are able to work with ALERT to address such threats in a timely, efficient manner.”

Scott Hancock, 41, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.

Adam McGuire, 32, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Damon Clarke, 18, and Lual Deng, 48, have each been charged with trafficking a controlled substance (x2) and possession of proceeds of crime.

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 Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Cory Both
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Section
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
403-529-8448

The Medicine Hat Police Service has initiated an electronic ticketing pilot program for traffic related offences.

The new process utilizes card scan and printing technology mounted in the police officer’s vehicle that will automatically populate driver’s licence and vehicle information into the ticket, as well as details about the offence including; fine amounts, court appearance and payment due dates. It is anticipated that the new system will speed up the ticketing process and decrease the number of tickets cancelled due to administrative errors.

Additional staff efficiencies will be realized as clerical staff will no longer be required to manually enter ticket information into various record management systems and can be redeployed to other areas of responsibility.

The appearance of the e-ticket will closely resemble those issued by specialized traffic enforcement, but without a photo attached, and will enhance legibility of the offender’s copy.  The police copy, including the issuing officer’s notes, will be saved in electronic form, (as opposed to paper files), providing cost savings and a reduction in our environmental impact.

The pilot project will run for approximately one month and will involve four members of the MHPS Traffic Unit, who will test the new technology and provide feedback to the MHPS Information Technology Section to ensure that the program meets operational requirements.  Upon completion of the pilot, it is expected that the program will be rolled out to the remainder of MHPS’s fleet within the second quarter of 2019. 

The total cost of the program is $55,000, which includes both software and hardware costs for full deployment to 20 vehicles.

The MHPS issues approximately 10,000 officer-generated ticket annually.

Media Contact:

Insp Brent Secondiak
Administrative Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On March 20, 2019 at approximately 8:00 am members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to the Medicine Hat College (MHC) for a report of an unknown male creating a disturbance. Upon arrival, police were met by MHC security staff who related that the male was acting erratically, disrupting students and was refusing to leave the premises.

Police located the male and attempted to arrest him for causing a disturbance. A short foot chase ensued when the male fled on foot into a classroom that was occupied by students and an instructor. The male continued to ignore police commands and was combative towards the pursuing officer causing the officer to deploy a burst of pepper spray on the suspect.  The male was then apprehended without further incident. No weapons were used or threatened by the male. No students or staff were physically injured during this event.

The adult male is currently held in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing.

Media Contact

S/Sgt Fraser #279
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8461

On March 16, 2019, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a report that an unknown male had been seen in the rear yard of a residence located in the 400 block of 12 NE, a couple time in the previous three days.  A kitchen knife with an approximate 12 inch blade was also located on the driveway of this residence that did not belong to the owner.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, mid 20’s, average build, with short dark hair, wearing dark clothing.

Police are asking residents in the area to contact police at 403-529-8481 if they observe someone suspicious in the area.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Brian Christmann
Community Safety Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056