Foothills County, Alberta – In February of 2023, the RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) began an investigation into a series of residential break and enters in Foothills County. At least three homes were entered, damaged, and various valuable items were stolen.
On Feb. 15, 2023, RCMP Southern Alberta District CRU executed two search warrants on residences in Calgary, with the assistance of Okotoks RCMP, Cochrane RCMP CRU, Airdrie RCMP CRU, and Calgary Police Service. The searches resulted in the recovery of stolen property from the residential break and enters, as well as other previously reported thefts. Three people were arrested and the following persons have been charged:
Matthew Grouette (35), and James Lennie (38), both residents of Calgary, Alta., have been charged with:
Break and Enter
Possession of stolen property
Possession of break-in tools
Fail to comply with a release order
At the time of these offences, both Matthew Grouette and James Lennie were on a release order with conditions for similar offences.
After a judicial interim hearing, Matthew Grouette was held in custody and will be appearing in Okotoks Provincial court on March 10, 2023.
After a judicial interim hearing, James Lennie was held in custody and will be appearing in Okotoks Provincial court on Feb. 24, 2023.
Another person was arrested during the investigation and charges are pending in relation to the stolen property that was located.
Jewelry, electronics, personal identity documents, tools, collectables, break in tool kits, high end fashion items and mail were among the items seized during this investigation. RCMP Southern Alberta CRU continues to investigate the quantity of stolen property and to date, over 100 different people have been identified as victims.
Cpl. Cory Burton of RCMP Southern Alberta District CRU states, “The RCMP Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit is committed to identifying and disrupting property crime and is taking a targeted approach to prolific property crime offenders in southern Alberta.”
Residents in Foothills County are encouraged to continue to report suspicious activity to police. Anyone with further information related to these residential break and enters are encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment or e-mail [email protected] 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” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit
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