Central Saskatchewan Businesses Targeted in String of Break-Ins
Saskatchewan RCMP are actively investigating a concerning series of commercial break-ins that have affected businesses across central Saskatchewan over a four-month period. According to police reports, a total of 19 separate incidents occurred between October 2023 and January 2024, targeting establishments in nine different communities throughout the region.
Multiple Communities Affected by Property Crimes
The Saskatchewan RCMP have confirmed that the break-ins occurred in Martensville, Warman, Aberdeen, Allan, Bruno, Colonsay, Langham, Lanigan, and Vonda. This widespread criminal activity has prompted increased police attention and community concern as businesses face property damage and theft losses.
Between December 6, 2023, and January 6, 2024 alone, RCMP received ten reports from businesses in Aberdeen, Allan, Bruno, Colonsay, Langham, Lanigan, and Vonda. These incidents involved property damage along with theft of keys, alcohol, and cash from commercial establishments.
Vape Shops Specifically Targeted in Warman and Martensville
A particularly troubling pattern emerged in Warman and Martensville, where nine separate break-ins specifically targeted vape shops between October 7 and December 30, 2023. Police have confirmed that all these incidents occurred during late evening or early morning hours, suggesting coordinated timing by the perpetrators.
"The Saskatchewan RCMP does not generally identify businesses that are victims of crime. However, this information was included so similar businesses can take the proper security precautions," RCMP stated in an official news release regarding the vape shop incidents.
Armed Robbery and Suspect Descriptions
One of the most serious incidents occurred on December 13, 2023, in Warman, where an armed robbery took place at a business establishment. Police believe this incident involved a white 2019 or newer model Toyota RAV 4 vehicle.
RCMP investigators determined through their December investigation that the vape shop break-ins involved two or three suspects per incident. All suspects were described as wearing black or dark clothing with their faces covered, making identification challenging for witnesses and surveillance systems.
Police Investigation and Community Appeal
As part of their ongoing investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP are examining "any possible connections between the incidents" across the different communities. Police have collected surveillance footage showing an individual, believed to be male, driving a dark-coloured Dodge Caravan with a missing hubcap in connection with some incidents.
The suspect in this footage was described as wearing an Under Armour hoodie, dark pants, winter boots, reflective rawhide gloves, and a headlamp during the commission of the crimes.
RCMP are urging anyone with information about these investigations to contact them at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The police continue to seek witnesses and additional evidence that might help identify those responsible for this series of commercial break-ins across central Saskatchewan.
