Two suspects behind a string of jewelry store thefts in Red Deer, Airdrie and Calgary have been arrested.
RCMP said two men were arrested on Nov. 24 after their vehicle was spotted on Highway 2 and police tracked them to a residence in Calgary.
Police were investigating an incident south of Red Deer about 2 p.m. that day when Red Deer RCMP contacted officers with the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit and asked them to be on the lookout for a car that was believed to be connected to a theft from a business in Red Deer.
Officers spotted the vehicle on Highway 2 and with help from a police helicopter tracked two suspects to a residence in northwest Calgary. They were arrested and taken into custody.
After getting a warrant, officers searched the home and recovered a $2,500 ring that had been stolen in Red Deer. A Nissan Maxima, various pieces of stolen identification, a peace officer’s uniform, wallet, and keys to a Saturn vehicle, along with other items were seized along with small amounts of cocaine and meth were also seized.
Police believe the suspects were behind five separate jewelry store “grab-and-go thefts” between Oct. 4 and Nov. 24. The thefts happened on Oct. 4 and Oct. 13 in Calgary, Oct. 8 and Nov. 24 in Red Deer and on Oct. 16 in Airdrie.
A 53-year-old man is facing five charges of theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance and failing to comply with a release order.
A 49-year-old man was arrested and charged with theft over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance and failing to comply with a release order.
Both men already warrants for their arrest on other charges.
They are due in Red Deer provincial court on Dec. 14.
RCMP are looking for the owners of several drills and a battery booster pack that was recovered. The Hilti drill has the name “Brett” on it and the battery booster pack has “WOOL #112”.
If you believe these items are yours contact police at 403-420-4883.
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