On Nov. 21st, members of the Lacombe Police Service in conjunction with the Alberta Sheriffs conducted roadside check stops at various locations in Lacombe as part of the Enhanced Alberta Check Stop Program.
During this 10 hour period, a total of 850 vehicles were ultimately stopped and checked.
One driver was found to be a suspended driver, two drivers were issued 24-hour suspensions, one vehicle was seized as per the Alberta Immediate Roadside Sanctions, one seizure was made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, six offences were identified under the Gaming and Liquor Act, two offences were identified under the Graduated Driver and Licensing Program for New Drivers and 17 violation tickets and written warnings were issued.
During this check stop, MADD representatives were also present, volunteering their time to speak to drivers and passengers of the vehicles to bring awareness to impaired driving.
The representatives were also handing out packages which contained information on impaired driving.
Sgt. Rick Kohut of the Lacombe Police Service advised that despite no impaired drivers being identified during this check stop, drivers were cooperative and numerous positive comments were received regarding the police presence on the roads.
STOLEN JEWELRY RECOVERED
During the week of Nov. 16th-18th, Blackfalds RCMP recovered jewelry that police later linked to four separate thefts in Central Alberta. Most of the jewelry has been identified by its proper owners and the only pieces yet to be recovered are a men’s gold Guess watch, a men’s metal Nixon watch, a woman’s unnamed round face watch with silver bracelet, a men’s ring, a silver bracelet and two earrings.
The Blackfalds RCMP received more than 25 phone calls inquiring whether the jewelry may have come from their respective thefts.
It is apparent that jewelry remains a popular commodity for thieves to steal, officials say.
In most of the phone calls when the victim was asked what was stolen the police would receive a general description of the jewelry which makes it difficult for police to identify.
The RCMP are suggesting that people do an inventory of what jewelry they possess including taking pictures of the pieces so that identification is possible should it ever be stolen or lost.
The Blackfalds RCMP are also suggesting to people to protect their valuable pieces of jewelry in their homes by not leaving them in jewelry boxes on their dressers in their bedrooms.
Thieves know where to go to steal the jewelry if it is left in the usual place. Hiding the pieces or using a safety deposit box to protect jewelry are two options.
Jewelry that has sentimental value should also be protected as the thieves are normally taking everything and then sorting it out later.
RING AND OTHER PROPERTY LOCATED
Sometime during the day of Nov 14th, rural residence between Red Deer and Sylvan Lake was entered by breaking a window to the home. Once inside the residence, suspect/suspects stole several items including jewelry and a 22 caliber Ducks Unlimited rifle.
Included in the jewelry stolen was a 2013 Allen Cup Championship ring. The stolen property was later recovered on Nov. 19th from a vehicle, also believed to be stolen, in Blackfalds.
POLICE OFFERS TIPS TO HELP IDENTIFY SCAMS
While frauds and scams are prevalent throughout the year, there always seems to be an increase around Christmas since people are generally in the spirit of giving and feeling generous. Genuine charities are more than happy to give you the time and opportunity to research them and decide where best to donate your money.
It is important for citizens to remember that even though scams change frequently in an effort to remain effective and deceptive, the basic premise often remains the same.
Some of the most common that are reported to the police are email fraud/Internet scams, identity theft and identity fraud, credit/debit card fraud, investment and securities fraud and counterfeit currency.
The most challenging scams or frauds for police to investigate are those originating over the Internet. Unlike local businesses with stores in our community, or international and international companies with a proven reputation and track record, individuals on the internet or social media can pose themselves as anyone or anything, and can literally be anywhere in the world. Generally speaking, the best rule of thumb has been and continues to be if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Even though fraud artists and scammers keep changing the ‘details’ of the scam, here are eight basic tips on how to recognize a scam:
- People don’t pay more than something is worth. If you are selling something and a potential buyer offers to pay more for the item and have you send them back the difference, it’s a scam.
- In Canada, there are no taxes or fees associated with winning cash prizes. If you receive notification that you won a contest you never entered and are told you have to pay taxes, duties or other fees to receive the prize, it’s a scam.
- If someone in your family claims to be in jail and is requesting bail money, contact the alleged arresting police department or another family member to verify the arrest before paying any kind of fee for their release.
- Banks and credit card companies already know your personal information details. If someone contacts you claiming to be from either of these organizations and asks for any kind of personal information to ‘verify activity in your account’ or something similar, it is a scam.
- There are a lot of made-up, fraudulent charities and causes only out to steal your money, especially during the holidays.
Do your research on the legitimacy of charitable groups before donating.