Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Fort Simpson RCMP have arrested five youth following a string of break and enters to commercial properties and thefts in Fort Simpson. RCMP officers responded to three break and enters at local businesses between August 26th, 2023 and September 9th, 2023. Investigators determined that these break and enters as well as three separate reports of thefts from properties and a mischief to a vehicle were linked. Through the investigation, the Fort Simpson RCMP were able to identify and arrest five local youth in relation to these incidents.
In consultation with the affected businesses and property representatives and based on the cooperation of the youth, four of them have entered into a youth diversion program that will keep the youth out of court while still being held accountable for their role in these incidents. The fifth youth declined to participate in this program and is facing charges related to their involvement in the incidents.
The RCMP is committed to using community based extrajudicial diversion programs when appropriate. The programs ensure that youth involved in criminality are held to account, given the opportunity to understand the impact of their actions and to learn from mistakes. The Fort Simpson RCMP would like to thank the businesses and residents involved for their willingness to participate in this program.