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Drugs, firearms seized in rural southern Alberta

More than $160,000 in drugs and cash were seized after an ALERT investigation in southern Alberta. Four firearms, including two loaded handguns, were also seized.

The drugs were seized after a rural residence was searched in Mountain View County. ALERT seized large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine and arrested six suspects.

“Our information suggested these suspects were trafficking drugs in the region, and also supplying methamphetamine and fentanyl towards Medicine Hat and Lethbridge,” said Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser, ALERT Medicine Hat.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team concluded the investigation on February 24, 2021. A number of partner agencies provided assistance, including Didsbury RCMP, Red Deer RCMP, Medicine Hat Police, and ALERT Red Deer.

An estimated $160,000 worth of drugs and cash were seized, including:

• 281 grams of methamphetamine;

• 330 grams of fentanyl;

• 261 grams of cocaine;

• 758 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and

• $30,780 cash.

ALERT also seized four firearms, including two handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun. One of the handguns was found loaded inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Six people were arrested and face a total of 27 criminal offences:

• Edward Nicholson, 53-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and 11 firearms-related offences;

• Ryan Riley, 35-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;

• Lori Ehrler, 32-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;

• Denise Dorge, 73-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with two firearms-related offences;

• Colin Orum, 47-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with possession of drugs and careless storage of a firearm; and

• Letisha Whitesel, 19-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with property obtained by 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.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8425

Michael Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Desk: 780-509-3015
Cell: 780-983-4159

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Parking Near Schools

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has received numerous concerns regarding parking infractions at/near several of the elementary and middle schools in our city. The infractions are often for parking near or blocking crosswalks, blocking driveways and parking near fire hydrants or parking where signs prohibit.

In an attempt to mediate several of the schools have sent out notices reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of respecting parking laws. In addition to the school reminders, the MHPS has increased patrols of school zones and has assigned the Parking Monitors to enforce parking laws in the areas. The safety of school children and volunteer crosswalk patrollers is our primary focus.

For reference, here are some of the parking laws from the Traffic Safety Act and Medicine Hat Municipal Bylaws that will be enforced;

Parking;

  • on a crosswalk or any part of a crosswalk
  • on a sidewalk or boulevard
  • nearer than 5 metres from an intersection
  • within 5 metres of a crosswalk
  • within 5 metres of a stop sign or yield sign
  • within 1.5 metres from access to a garage or driveway
  • at any place where a traffic control device prohibits parking or stopping
  • Failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk

Fines begin at $50 for Medicine Hat Bylaw offences and can be as high as $810 for Traffic Safety Act offences.

Lets work together to make our city roads safer for everyone! Thank you for your cooperation

Media Contact:

Sgt Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

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Male Charged with Stolen Property

On March 8, 2021, at approximately 6:45 PM the Medicine Hat 911 Communications received a call from a Calgary resident who advised that his vehicle had been stolen from Calgary earlier in that morning. He further stated he was live monitoring the vehicle GPS system which was displaying the vehicle’s current location in Medicine Hat.

Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service were dispatched to the area, located the vehicle, and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The driver would not stop for the responding officers. The vehicle owner continued to provide real time GPS updates, and as a result police were able to safely follow the vehicle at a distance until it stopped in the 200 block of 7 Street NE.

Patrol members blocked the vehicle into a dead end close in the zero hundred block of 7 Street NE. In an attempt to flee the driver then proceeded to drive the vehicle over the seven foot retaining wall crashing onto Division Avenue below, severely damaging, and disabling the vehicle. The driver was uninjured, exited the vehicle, and took off running from the area on foot. Patrol officers apprehended the driver a short distance away.

A 27-year-old Calgary resident is in custody facing charges of; Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000, Possession of Identify documents, Obstruction, Resist Arrest, and multiple bail violations.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Rod Thompson
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

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FPM Week 2: Identify Theft / Phishing Scams

One of the most common types of reported fraud are mass marketing scams, also known as phishing scams. The word phishing comes from the way it is done, fraudster will replicate a valid company and send out emails that act as a lure to attract potential victims. The more lures (emails) used the more potential victims that can be reached. Phishing scams not only occur over the Internet but can also occur over the phone or traditional letters mailed to the general public.

Look out for emails, phone calls or letters claiming that you have won a prize but need to call in or respond to an email to verify your winnings. Often times you will be asked to call in to a 1-900 number, which require you to pay a price, sometimes up to $6.00/minute or a flat rate/phone call. Some phishing scams will appear to be from an institution you are currently involved with and will ask that you to provide some personal information such as; a credit card number, or social insurance number. This should be a warning sign as your financial institution will already have this information on file.

There are several ways to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams:

  • Never respond to unsolicited requests from a company requesting personal information.
  • If you receive a notification that you have won a prize from a contest that you have never participated in, do not respond to it.
  • Block 1-900 phone numbers from calling you through your local telephone provider.
  • If you receive a request from a company you are currently involved with, whether you work for them or are a client, and they are requesting money or personal information, contact your local branch of that institution directly to confirm the details.
  • If you receive unsolicited mail, either via email or regular mail, do your research on the company before conducting business with them. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource to confirm if they are a legitimate business with a positive reputation.

The best rule of thumb to protect yourself is to always be skeptical. Educate yourself on ways to protect your hard earned money and seek advice if you are concerned that something might be a scam. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website (www.antifraudcentre.ca) is a great resource and contains information about many different fraud types.

Media Contact:

Sgt Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

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Celebrating Women in Policing

On International Women’s Day the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is proud to celebrate women in policing. While all policing organizations employed women in civilian roles as receptionists or data entry clerks in the early years, very few employed them as uniformed members until the 1970’-1980’s. In Medicine Hat the first female officer was hired by the MHPS on January 8, 1986.

 

Over the past 35 years, female officers have faced varying degrees of challenges as they embarked on careers in policing. Some were met with open minds and coworkers who were very supportive and willing to teach, and others unfortunately with closed doors and the belief that women were not suited to the nature of police work. Today, 16 of the 114 police officers in Medicine Hat are women and are strong contributors to the community and the organization. The MHPS is committed to encouraging others to consider policing as a career as is demonstrated by the composition of the recent cadet training programs.

While female civilians have been an essential part of the MHPS workforce from its earliest days it is important to also acknowledge the much more diverse roles that they now play. Every day women offer their professional expertise in increasingly diverse areas including; municipal bylaw enforcement, communications, information technology, data analysis, victim services and many more.

Today, and everyday we thank these women for their service to our community, their strong leadership and for breaking down barriers for those who follow.

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Multi-Vehicle MVC - Injury

UPDATE: 2:00 PM March 5, 2021

The multi vehicle collision which occurred at the Trans Canada Highway at 7th Street SW has been cleared. Two individuals have been taken to hospital for treatment of undetermined injuries. Emergency crews are now clear of the scene and the traffic collision is still under investigation. Thank you for your patience.

 

Medicine Hat Emergency Services are currently on scene of a multi-vehilce MVC at the intersection of the Trans Canada Hwy and 7th Street SW.   Traffic is currently being re-routed in the area in order for emergency personnel to manage the situation and conduct an investigation.   If travelling near the area expect delays and if at all possible please avoid this area.   An update will be provided when the investigation is complete and traffic resumes to normal. 

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Male Charged with B&E

During the early morning hours of March 2, 2021 the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a break and enter in progress at a home in the Southwest Hill area. On arrival officers learned that the couple who reside in the residence was awakened to a male unknown to them. After an interaction between the male and the couple the male left the scene only to be arrested by Patrol officers following quick response.

Following the arrest of the suspect, stolen property from the residence was recovered. The incident did not result in physical injuries to those involved and the support of Victim Services has been offered to the couple. A 33-year-old Lethbridge male is held in custody and charged with break and enter to a dwelling as well as failing to comply with court order.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Cory Both
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

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Fraud Prevention Month

March 2021 marks the 17th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and the community on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.

Each year, tens of thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded, in excess of $100 million dollars in 2020 alone. The Medicine Hat Police Service has observed a sharp increase with the number of reported frauds more than doubling over the past three years.

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 the MHPS Community Safety Unit will be sharing information on how to recognize and stop from falling victim to common frauds and scams. This week’s focus is on cybercrimes and online scams.

Cybercrime makes up a large component of all reported frauds and scams reported each year and can include any type of fraud/scam committed over the Internet. These can include; romance scams, online investments or marketplace scams, employment, loan, ticket sale or phishing scams.

With our increased reliance on Internet related technology, especially during the pandemic, fraudsters have become very tech savvy and have more time to invest in their criminal activities. Police have observed an increase in “data breach” information use by criminals where they are able to obtain a lot of personal information which can lead to identity theft and misuse of your credit card and banking information. These “data breaches” can, unfortunately, occur to any business who stores customer information electronically, including loan companies, online gaming systems and most online sales/delivery services. If you receive notification from a trusted source, such as your bank or telecommunications service provider, advising that you may have been subject to a “data breach”, MHPS suggests that you immediately change all passwords and ensure that they are strong passwords (using different characters, number, and letters in no particular sequence). Also, as a general safeguard, it is always good to cycle or change your passwords multiple times a year.

Each year, especially around tax return time, the number of complaints received from people reporting a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam will increase.

In most cases, the target will receive a call that will be displayed as a local phone number. Upon answering the call, the target will hear an automated message the caller will identify themselves as being from the CRA. The automated voice will accuse the person targeted person of owing money and will also make threats to have the person arrested and charged. The automated recording will then direct the targeted person to “Press 1 to speak to an agent”. If the Targeted person presses 1, a person representing themselves as an agent of the Canada Revenue Agency will begin asking questions that will ultimately lead to The scammer will direct the person to provide personal information (SIN etc) or to purchase iTunes gift cards or other type of gift card to pay off their debt and instruct them to call back with the card codes. The cards will then be used by the scammer to sell on the black market.

The MHPS suggests that anyone receiving one of these automated calls, immediately hang-up. The CRA DOES NOT use automated calling systems and will have your Social Insurance Number on file. They will NEVER ask for payment in the form of gift cards.

Sometimes, the this scam will vary slightly and the caller will identify themselves as a police officers and advise the victim that their SIN has been compromised, and request that the victim confirm their number over the phone.

To protect against these common frauds, it is important to remain vigilant and NEVER provide personal or financial information over the phone. Likewise, never comply with an unsolicited phone caller who demands payment in gift cards.

Always remember:

  • The CRA will never call and threaten to have you arrested for not paying your taxes.
  • The CRA will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or prepaid credit cards.
  • If you are contacted and told you owe money, always confirm with the CRA directly. Look up the phone number online and do not use the call back number that the caller has provided. Do not trust your call display. It may say Police or ABC but in reality it is a scammer.

If your workplace sells gift cards, you can also help by being on the lookout for potential victims and inform them about this scam. Victims may seem stressed and agitated as they are purchasing a large amount of gift cards.

If you or someone you know is a victim of the CRA scam or any other has lost money due to a fraud contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 to report.

Due to the extremely high volume of fraudulent call attempts, if you have received a fraudulent call but are not a victim (meaning you have not shared your personal information, bank information, and have not made any payment) then there is no need to report or contact police

To keep yourself in the loop about Fraud Prevention Month activities occurring provincially, follow the hashtag #FPM2021 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 Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Safety Unit
Ph: 403-529-8451

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Update-MVC on Cameron Rd & Cypress Way SE

Update to MVC at Cameron Rd and Cypress Way SE

On February 28, 2021 at 1156hrs members of MHPS as well as other Emergency Services attended to a report of a two vehicle collision on Cameron Rd and Cypress Way SE which resulted in one of the involved vehicles rolling over. Emergency crews are now clear of the scene and the road is open back for regular flow of traffic. Investigators are please to report that there were no injuries and the traffic collision is still under investigation.

 

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UPDATE - Public Safety Incident

The event that occurred this evening in the area of Southview Drive SE has come to a conclusion. MHPS received several independent reports of gunshots in the area. A thorough and comprehensive area search was conducted which did not reveal any additional evidence.  The investigation is ongoing, however the area is now open to the public.  The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this time.

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