Lacombe Police Service has had a busy week.
• On Wednesday police arrested and charged three males after a rash of thefts from unlocked vehicles.
A resident called police at 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday to report suspicious activity. Two police officers were in the area within minutes, resulting in the apprehension of the three suspects who were found to be in possession of some items taken from vehicles.
Daniel Marten, 24, of Red Deer, is facing seven criminal charges including theft, possession of stolen property, mischief and possession of a controlled substance.
Curtis Watson, 18, of Lacombe, is facing four criminal charges including theft and mischief.
A youth from Lacombe faces five criminal charges including theft and mischief.
All three are to appear in Red Deer provincial court over the next few weeks.
Police remind citizens to always report suspicious or unusual activity in their neighbourhood, regardless of the time of day as it can often lead to police successfully solving or preventing crime.
Lacombe Police Chief Steve Murray also reminded citizens about the importance of locking their vehicles when unattended.
“Lacombe remains a very safe community but it is incumbent on all of us to do our part to prevent crime or tragedy. Locking our vehicles when they are unattended not only deters would-be thieves, but can also prevent a child from entering an unlocked vehicle and potentially becoming a victim of the elements.”
• An investigation by Lacombe police resulted in the arrest of a youth after several picnic tables were burned and a recreation gazebo damaged at Michener Park overnight on July 10.
The youth has been charged with criminal mischief and will appear in Red Deer court later this month.
• Lacombe Police Service is undertaking a pedestrian safety awareness and enforcement campaign after several complaints and near misses in the downtown.
Increasing summer congestion in the downtown as people are attracted to the numerous murals, shopping and other services has resulted in police deciding to monitor crosswalks to make sure both pedestrians and motorists are following the rules.
Pedestrians are reminded to use marked crosswalks, indicate their intention to cross by outstretching their arm, making eye contact with approaching motorists, then proceeding safely in the crosswalk.
Motorists must yield to a pedestrian and may not pass in either direction another vehicle that has already stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. The penalty for failing to yield to a pedestrian is $575.