Three homes were broken into on the Morley First Nations Reserve 30 km outside Cochrane and the homeowners were held at gunpoint in the early morning of Feb. 24.
Cochrane RCMP responded to a series of complaints about the incidents between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 24.
Police believe that as many as four people were involved in the break-and-enters and are investigating all possible leads to identify the suspects.
“Right now, we don’t have any identification on the people involved because they were all wearing masks when they committed these break- ins,” said Cpl. Mel Calahasen of the Cochrane RCMP.
The suspects forcibly entered the homes and held the homeowners at gunpoint, demanding that they give them money. Shots were fired during the incidents, but no one was injured.
At present, the RCMP have not determined whether these were random or targeted acts, but are looking to speak to some people of interest.
“We’ve been given the names of some people who may have been involved or may have witnessed the incidents,” said Calahasen. “We’re trying to locate these people; the names were given to us by people in the community and we have to follow through on these tips.”
A dark-coloured Chevrolet Equinox was seen in the area during the break- ins and Cochrane RCMP have since confirmed the vehicle was stolen.
Calahasen said all avenues are being investigated and RCMP is asking for anyone in the community with information to contact authorities.
“This goes beyond just a break-and-enter,” said Calahasen.
“When you have people with concealed identities forcibly entering homes and using firearms, the totality of this incident becomes a major concern for us.”
Break-and-Enter
Police are advising residents to be vigilant as suspicious activity continues to be reported throughout Cochrane’s communities.
It is believed that an attempted break-and-enter was reported following a vehicle break-in in the parking lot of the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre Feb. 12, said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of Cochrane RCMP.
Culprits broke into the vehicle around 9 p.m., taking truck keys, a garage door opener and the vehicle registration, said Savinkoff.
At around 9:30 p.m., a woman showed up at the home of the vehicle owners. When the homeowner answered the door, the suspect asked after a household item she said was listed on an online listings website, said Savinkoff.
“We strongly believe this female was associated with the theft,” he added.
The woman is described by RCMP as between 28 to 30 years old, standing about 5’2”, with auburn hair.
At the time of the incident, she was wearing a cream-coloured jacket that was too big. She was seen in a black, four-door car. Savinkoff said it’s unlikely the woman is working on her own.
RCMP are also investigating a break- and-enter that occurred on a rural property off of Highway 68 on Feb. 17.
The suspects gained access to the home through an unsecured entrance, said Savinkoff. They made off with alcohol and batteries.
Savinkoff said at least two people accessed the property at the time of the incident. Mounties are continuing to investigate the matter.
Police encourage Cochranites to remove valuables from their vehicles and ensure cars are locked up. In many cases, thieves can be deterred by noise and action — like the racket that would be caused by smashing a car window, for instance.
The same rules apply for homes — ensure entrances are secure. Not just front doors, said Savinkoff, but also garage doors and the doors leading from the garage into the living area.
Anyone with information on this incident or any unsolved crime can contact the Cochrane RCMP 403-851-8000 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.
With files from the Cochrane Eagle
