BOW VALLEY – More than a dozen thefts between Canmore, the MD of Bighorn and at popular trailheads such as Yamnuska, have prompted RCMP to ask the public for help to identify several suspects caught on surveillance cameras.
As part of the month-long investigation, RCMP set up several cameras at the popular Mount Yamnuska trailhead east of Canmore along Highway 1A, after receiving several complaints of smashed windows and thefts from vehicles in rural areas including Dead Man's Flats and trailheads through the Bow Valley. According to the RCMP, the Yamnuska trailhead parking lot was hit especially hard.
Photographing numerous suspects smashing windows and stealing objects from vehicles in the parking lot, RCMP are releasing the images in the hopes of identifying the suspects.
"It's difficult to tell the motive of why vehicles are getting broken into, because in some cases nothing is taken from the vehicles," Sgt. Stan Andronyk said.
While no vehicles have been reported stolen from the parking lot, Andronyk said he does believe stolen vehicles might be involved in the thefts, as several vehicles have been stolen from the Canmore area in the last month.
"We know it can be very frustrating to people," Andronyk said.
He added signs have been posted in the Yamnuska area warning of increased criminal activity, but vehicles are continuing to get broken into.
Sgt. Andronyk said investigators do not know if the crimes are related or not.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Canmore RCMP detachment at 403-678-5519. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
