An increase in unauthorized entry into homes and vehicles has been reported to Lacombe Police Service.
“Police are seeing an increase in home and vehicle entries and would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and call in any suspicious activity, and that the Lacombe police are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Const. Vaughan Bleasdale in a statement.
Lacombe police also want to remind the public to lock their vehicles and ensure that keys are not left inside.
Officers recently responded to the following incidents:
* On March 14, a sawed-off shotgun was discovered in a vehicle during a traffic stop in the Lacombe Lake area. Two men in the vehicle were arrested and charged with firearm offences, and a female youth, identified as missing from Red Deer, was returned home.
* On March 15, a pickup truck was reported stolen from a local business. The truck was later found by New Westminister Police Service in British Columbia. Police continue to investigate.
* On March 18, a taxi cab passenger was charged with assault after a taxi driver was allegedly struck in the head with a debit machine during a disagreement over payment.
* On March 18, a pickup truck was stolen from a business in the Wolf Creek area. The truck was later recovered and police continue to investigate.
* On March 19, a pickup truck, that had keys left inside, was reported stolen from a residential driveway. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but were unsuccessful. The truck was later found in the Three Hills area. On March 21, 12 firearms were stolen from the same home after it was entered from the back door. Both incidents are still under investigation.
* On March 21, police recovered a sawed-off shotgun and bullet-proof vest while checking on a man with recognizance conditions. He fled when police arrived and now faces multiple firearm offences and recognizance breaches.