Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Athabasca RCMP respectfully requests that members of the public refrain from contacting Athabasca Detachment to inquire about potential found property. We understand the interest in recovering stolen items, and we are committed to ensuring property is returned to its rightful owners. RCMP investigators are currently in the process of identifying and cataloging recovered property, including vehicles and equipment. Owners will be contacted directly by police.
Thank you for your cooperation as we continue this complex investigation. We remain committed to addressing property crime and protecting our communities.
Background:
Jan. 2, 2025
Athabasca RCMP dismantle large scale chop shop make major recovery of stolen property – Update
Athabasca RCMP has successfully recovered a substantial quantity of stolen property valued in the multi-million-dollar range as part of an ongoing investigation into rural property crime.
On Dec. 29, 2024, Athabasca RCMP received a report from a member of the public that their vehicle had been stolen. The vehicle’s GPS tracking system indicated that it was located at a rural property, located on Township Road 670.5. Officers from Athabasca RCMP, K Division Auto Theft Unit, Eastern Alberta District (EAD) Crime Reduction Unit, and EAD General Investigations Section attended the property, and during their investigation and subsequent search warrant discovered a large number of stolen items including:
- Multiple stolen vehicles, including semi-trucks and trailers
- Off-road vehicles such as quads
- Heavy equipment and parts
Further investigation revealed evidence that the property was being used as a “chop shop”, where stolen vehicles and equipment were dismantled and repurposed for illegal resale.
A 36-year-old individual, a resident of Athabasca, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Alter/destroy/remove a Vehicle Identification Number
The 36-year-old individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was released with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 27, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Athabasca.
This recovery reflects the ongoing dedication of the RCMP to address property crime, particularly in rural areas where these thefts have significant impacts on residents and businesses. “The successful recovery of millions of dollars’ worth of stolen property, including semi-trucks, trailers, RV’s, and construction and oilfield equipment, highlights the critical role of community collaboration in combating property crime.” said S/Sgt. Mark Hall, Athabasca RCMP Detachment Commander. “Thanks to the diligence of a vigilant property owner who tracked their missing equipment and the meticulous investigation by the Athabasca RCMP members, we were able to uncover and recover this significant cache of stolen assets. This operation serves as a powerful example of how community members and law enforcement working together can achieve remarkable results in protecting property and holding offenders accountable.”
As part of our commitment to addressing property crime, the RCMP would like to share the following tips that can aid in decreasing the risk of becoming a victim of property crime.
- Store valuables out of sight and in secure locations
- Secure vehicles and equipment with high-quality locks and immobilizers
- Use GPS tracking devices on vehicles and heavy equipment
- Install proper lighting and surveillance cameras on properties
- Regularly document and photograph property, including serial numbers and other unique identifiers.
If you have any information regarding property crime within the area of Athabasca please contact Athabasca RCMP at 780-675-4252. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.