The Airdrie RCMP has recently received several complaints regarding the defrauding of senior citizens.
In Airdrie, a group of unknown individuals has placed calls to elderly citizens posing as a grandson or granddaughter. The callers tell the victim they are in jail and need bail money. In multiple cases, elderly victims have wired the caller money through Western Union or some other money transferring company.
“RCMP would encourage people with elderly parents to touch base with them and go over some safety tips,” said Airdrie RCMP Cst. Robert Frizzell.
“Once that money is gone, there is no way to track it or get it back.”
Frizzell recommends residents who are contacted by these fraudsters call Project Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501 or visit the website www.phonebusters.com
Sometime overnight from Aug. 21 to 22, suspects broke into CrossFit Edge on Kingsview Blvd.
At 8:30 a.m., Airdrie RCMP attended the scene and determined that the culprits broke through the drywall in the unit and entered another bay in the building. There were attempts to enter a third bay as well.
“It appears the suspects kicked through the wall,” said Airdrie RCMP Cst. Francine Hennelly. “They stole and undisclosed amount of money and a laptop. There are no suspects or witnesses to this crime.”
Hennelly said there was footprints in the building but RCMP do not know if they are those of the suspect or employees in the building.
The total damage and losses are estimated at less than $5,000.
“We would like to remind residents to be aware and report any suspicious activity they see,” said Hennelly.
On Aug. 22, the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit determined that packages in the CrossIron Mills mall were not bombs.
The Beiseker and Airdrie Rural RCMP were called to the mall after two suspicious packages were located in the parking lot. One witness believed he saw wires protruding through the packages. No threats were made. The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit attended the scene to ensure there was no risk to the public. The area was cordoned off.
“RCMP would like to thank the public and those inconvenienced, for their patience and especially the staff of CrossIron Mills mall for their assistance with the people stranded at the mall,” said the RCMP press release.
The Airdrie RCMP have laid charges against 21-year-old Samantha Marina Manuel, of Airdrie, as a result of an investigation into a break and enter at the Petro Canada, located at 217 Edmonton Trail.
On Feb.18 at 4 a.m., Manuel gained access into the business by smashing the glass in the front door.
Once inside, she stole an unknown quantity of cigarettes.
Manuel will appear on Sept. 30 in Airdrie Provincial Court to answer to charges of break, enter and theft and mischief under $5,000.
If you have information any unsolved crime, contact the Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca
