Central Parkland County

In the spring of 2023 Parkland County Enforcement Services received a number of complaints regarding suspicious and/or potential scams related to paving services and contracts.

We are reminding residents to exercise diligence and caution when retaining contractor services. Keep the following tips in mind to avoid falling victim to a scam:

• Ask for names of previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work.
• Research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, your local Rural Crime Watch, or on social media.
• Obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable.
• Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of materials being offered. Be skeptical if contractors decline to provide this information.
• Seek estimates from reputable companies to compare costs.
• Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take "no" for an answer.
• Be leery of unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

The Alberta RCMP is working together with the Alberta Consumer Investigation Unit (CIU) to counter this trend. For more information, see the Service Alberta's Dealing with Door-to-Door Sales tip sheet. If you, or anyone you know, suspect a paving-contractor scam, please report it to your local RCMP detachment:

Parkland - 825-220-7267 - Non-emergency

Drayton valley - 780-542-4456 - Non-emergency

Evansburg - 780-727-4446 - Non-emergency

Parkland County, Alta. – On March 5, 2024 at approximately 2:30am, Parkland RCMP were conducting patrols near Alberta Beach and Range Road 32 when they located an older model Volvo car that had been previously stolen out of Beaumont. When the Parkland RCMP attempted a traffic stop, the stolen Volvo fled to evade police. The police did not initiate a pursuit, however, a short time later, the police were able to follow the vehicle tracks in the fresh snow that led them to a property in a subdivision, near Alberta Beach. Parkland RCMP located the stolen Volvo at this property and the lone driver fled on foot from police. Again, the fresh snow assisted the police in locating the suspect hiding in the bushes. This suspect is known to police and was arrested without incident.

Samantha Alley of no fixed address was charged with:

• Possession of stolen property under $5000
• Flight from police officer
• Possession of break-in instruments
• Possession of a prohibited weapon
• Fail to comply with a release order
• Drive while unauthorized

The accused was brought before a Justice of the Peace and released from custody on a Release Order. Her next Court appearance is April 24, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, AB.

If you have any information about this or any other crime, please call the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-7267. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

During the month of February 2024, Parkland County Enforcement Services (PCES) conducted an increased number of targeted patrols in Wabamun and surrounding areas. Based on information from both the RCMP and the general public, these patrols were coordinated to occur at specific times and locations in the Wabamun area.

PCES planned a number of traffic enforcement operations intended to deter, disrupt and displace crime in the area. These operations target traffic offences statistically related to crime, increasing the likelihood Officers have of encountering criminal entities and activities as well as deterring and displacing any would be criminals.

PCES also planned and conducted several Joint Force Operations with Parkland RCMP in the Wabamun area. These patrols were conducted at specific times identified by the RCMP as peak property crime times.

As a result of these operations, several arrests were made for individuals with outstanding warrants and/or breaching conditions. Several drivers were issued summons for offences statistically related to crime, including: driver while unauthorized/suspended, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Uninsured vehicles were towed and impounded.

Help us keep your community stay safe, if you see criminal or suspicious activity, report it to Parkland RCMP!

It was standing room only in Wabamun at the Community Crime Update hosted by Parkland County Enforcement Services, alongside RCMP Corporal, Ferri. with an appearance by Division 5 Councillor, Rob Wiedeman on February 22, 2024.

After presentations by both the Enforcement team and an RCMP Constable, there was a great dialogue with lots of questions from engaged members of the Wabamun community.

The main takeaways from the meeting were:

• Members of the Community need to stay vigilant. If something seems off – it probably is.
  
  
• Reporting is key, no matter how small the issue may be. This provides the most accurate crime data and allows resources to be deployed in the areas that need it most.

•SCAN - Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods is a unit of the Alberta Sheriffs that helps keep communities safe by dealing with problem properties that are being used for specific illegal activity such as drug trafficking. Properties can be anonymously reported online or by phone.

Now we want to hear from you! In order to serve you better, please register on YourParkland.ca so we can keep you updated on the latest Enforcement efforts and let us know if you’d like to attend a Community Crime Update in your area.

Parkland County will be hosting a community crime update at the Enforcement Services Satellite Office (old Fir Hall) in Wabamun on February 22, 2024 at 7pm.This update will focus on crime and enforcement in Wabamun and the surrounding area.

Please check the County's upcoming events page for other engagement dates and locations. If you're you're looking for information about another area, or you're interested in setting up an update for your neighbourhood you can use the Questions Tool to reach a Peace Officer.

Parkland RCMP responded to 1,123 Mental Health Act related calls in 2023. Bell Let’s Talk Day marks the start of a new year to take action in mental health.

We can all create real change by doing one or more of the following:

• Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support

• Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them

• Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health

• Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies

• Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health

• Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

We are all in this together!

For a list of resources please visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca

If you are in crisis, please go to the closest hospital or call 9-1-1. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.

On January 5, 2024, Parkland County Peace Officers initiated an early morning targeted patrol of Wabmun based on information provided by residents. During the patrol a prolific offender known to law enforcement was observed acting suspiciously, a Peace Officer initiated a traffic stop and conducted an investigation. Parkland RCMP was called to assist in the investigation and a member attended the stop.

The subject was investigated for property crimes, breaching a restraining order, along with several Traffic Safety Act violations. The subject was issued a violation ticket and their vehicle was towed for no insurance.

On December 17, 2023, Parkland County Enforcement Services held a Coffee with a Cop event in Wabamun at the Enforcement Services Satellite Office (the old firehall). Peace Officers and RCMP Officers were on hand to answer questions and promote local initiatives and resources.

Please check Parkland County's Upcoming Events Calendar for the next Coffee with a Cop event!

Interested in having a similar event in your area? Want to learn more about our public engagement and crime prevention presentations? Ask us through the Questions tool!

Throughout November 2023, Parkland County Enforcement Services focused their presence through targeted operations in Wabamun and Duffield. Numerous operations were conducted in these locations in efforts to deter, disrupt and displace crime. With the help of Parkland RCMP who attended some of these operations, scores of warnings and numerous violation tickets were issued.

These operations we're well received by residents in the area. Some of whom came out to talk with officers, helping build positive relationships within the communities.

On November 9, 2023, Parkland County Peace Officers and Parkland RCMP members teamed up to conduct a document check in Wabamun. Increasing uniform presence is one way law enforcement can deter, disrupt and displace crime.