Strathmore RCMP has laid 34 charges against six individuals, including four youths, in relation to a series of alleged thefts and assaults from cell phone stores in the Calgary area, including one in Okotoks in December.
On Dec. 27, 2017, Okotoks RCMP responded to The Source store in the Cornerstone area after three males entered the store. According to an RCMP press release, when an employee approached one, he was assaulted before all three suspects fled.
Subsequent incidents occurred at cell phone stores in Strathmore and Olds. On Feb. 5, High River RCMP responded to an attempted theft at the Foothills Mobility store in High River. Six males attempted to gain entry to the business, but weren’t able to because the doors were locked. The suspects fled on foot.
A short time later a group attempted to enter a cell store in Strathmore, but fled once again when the doors were locked.
Strathmore RCMP soon located a vehicle and arrested six suspects thanks to information from the public.
“These arrests are an excellent example of the public working with us to reduce crimes,” says Strathmore RCMP Corporal Jay Salmon. “By locking the doors of these businesses, employees were able to prevent further crimes from taking place. Furthermore, information sharing between businesses and police agencies was vital in identifying and arresting these individuals. We are very grateful for the public’s assistance with these investigations.”
RCMP laid a total of 34 charges, including theft, wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence and failing to comply with a recognizance, against four youths as well as Kareeba Joseph, 19, of Calgary, and Rauch Bang, 19, of Calgary.
Joseph was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Strathmore Provincial Court on Feb. 20 and Okotoks Provincial Court on March 2. Bang has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Strathmore Provincial Court on March 20 and Okotoks Provincial Court on March 23.
The four youths, who cannot not be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been released from custody and will appear in Strathmore Provincial Court on Feb. 20 and Okotoks Provincial Court on Feb. 23.
RCMP continue to investigate and additional charges are possible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535. Anonymous tips can be made to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
