UNITY — Social media shares started occurring mid-afternoon Sept. 17 of vehicles being stolen.
In the early morning of Sept. 18, Luseland Police Service was notified of a break-and-enter at a local business. Later that same day, several locations reported stolen vehicles, thefts and even shots fired. With no one knowing if any of these incidents were acts of the same people or a larger group was moving in for this criminal activity, concerns arose amongst communities.
Unity RCMP issued a release on the evening of Sept. 18 Unity RCMP investigate robbery and firearm discharge. - SaskToday.ca
Resident concerns arose on social media, around coffee tables and in community conversations.
“I feel for the cops - our “catch and release” justice system is the problem. People are getting frustrated,” Macklin resident Lori Cosh says,
“I think it’s just very disheartening and frustrating that hard-working people, on farms, in town, at businesses are losing so much through all this crime.” Luseland resident Twilla Heintz adds.
“When there is a ‘spree’ and a series of events it causes so much turmoil and fear. People are on the lookout, scared and worried. We purchased more padlocks, locking up more items and being more vigilant but scared for our loved ones. Are home invasions, firearms, high-speed chases going to hurt our loved ones? Scary and too close to home.”
“Yes, it was a bit of a shock and scary to see out in our area,” Amber Fischer Sperle, who lives in the Reward area, says.
“We have been pretty lucky so far with not much activity out our way, but it was scary to see the cops in a chase yesterday. My husband called and said to lock the doors and make sure my kids were inside. My daughter was at a neighbour’s house with her friend and the suspected trucks went by their place. We have a dog that would protect my family with her life, which makes me feel a little better but definitely makes you worry. It is getting so bad.”
In an alarming coincidence, the Saskatchewan RCMP Facebook page posted Sept. 15, “Multiple Saskatchewan RCMP detachment and units are working together to investigate a number of recent incidents in the area surrounding Prince Albert, including a firearms discharge reported on Monday, Sept. 11. Investigation has determined that some of these reports of violent and property crime are likely gang-related.”
The same Sask. RCMP release notes that they are able to investigate connections between incidents that may cross community borders.
Saskatchewan RCMP asks the public to report all suspicious activity to police.
The social media post states, “Sometimes you see something you think may be a little off, and you brush it off and don’t report it to police. We are encouraging you to report everything. You’re not wasting our time or resources – you may be holding the piece of information we need to solve a puzzle,” S/Sgt. How says. “Saskatchewan RCMP uses intelligence-led policing. While we have analysts and other public safety professionals gathering that intelligence, the public has an important role to play, too. When you report all crimes and suspicious activity, it helps us determine hot spots and trends, and allows us to deploy our resources effectively.”
Information about suspicious persons, crimes, or the location of wanted individuals can be reported to your police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment.
You can also report Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com. It’s completely anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Unity RCMP provided an update Sept 20 just after 1 p.m. stating, “Both vehicles have been recovered, abandoned and damaged, in the Unity detachment area. Unity RCMP continue to investigate this incident.”
This was in relation to the Sept. 18 incident involving theft and firearm discharge.
