Hanna Detachment reports busy December

By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist

Sergeant Rob Welsman reported a busy December, with six prisoners being brought into custody over the course of the month. The duration of the prisoners’ incarceration at the Hanna detachment cell block ranged from just a few hours to over 24 hours, depending upon the availability of the Justice of the Peace for a bail hearing. “Police custody can occur as the result of new charges, warrants or other matters,” according to Sergeant Welsman.

Several individuals will be making an appearance at the next circuit court in Hanna on January 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. as the result of several criminal charges being laid in December 2023.

Individuals charged include the following, according to Sergeant Welsman’s report:

• A male resident of Hanna, charged with fraud against a banking institution in excess of $5000

• A male resident of Hanna, charged with assaulting another male

• A female resident of Hanna, charged with mischief and theft under $5000

• A female resident of Hanna, who has been charged with using a forged document, fraud in excess of $5000, and identity fraud.

Residents are asked to report any suspicious vehicles or at any utility stations to contact the Hanna RCMP. The appeal is being made as a direct result of several break-ins to utility substations, in which copper wire and other metals were stolen from the sites. Sergeant Welsman cautions that if you suspect that a crime is in progress to contact 911.

Operation Cold Start - January 8 to 12

Prevention is key when reducing the theft of idling vehicles. Every year, when the weather turns colder outside, law enforcement sees an increase in the theft of idling vehicles – including Hanna and area. Alberta RCMP is partnering with other Alberta law enforcement departments for the program “Operation Cold Start”.

Operation Cold Start is designed to work with the public to reduce the theft of idling vehicles during the winter months. Sergeant Welsman indicated that “Officers will be checking on unattended, idling vehicles to see if the keys are in them, and whether or not they are properly secured. Officers will also be participating in educational efforts to teach the public ways to keep their property safe.”

Alberta RCMP offers the following tips for vehicle safety:

• If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, ensure that you’re parking in a visible, well-lit area.

• Visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks can help mitigate vehicle thefts and break-ins.

• If possible, look into automatic car starters as an option to warm your vehicle.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended if the keys are in it.

• Always lock your vehicle's doors even if you’re parked in a driveway or garage.

• Never leave valuable items like wallets, keys, purses, or even change visible in an unoccupied vehicle.