PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Shortly after midnight on Sept. 2, a Saskatchewan RCMP officer staying a hotel in Prince Albert discovered their equipment had been stolen from their locked room.
The officer, who had been staying there as part of their policing duties, promptly notified the Prince Albert Police Service.
Investigation has determined four people – three males and one female – broke into the room at the hotel, which is on 38th Street West. The room was not occupied at the time and the theft was recognized as soon as the officer returned to it.
The following items were stolen:
– An RCMP service pistol;
– three pistol magazines;
– two carbine magazines;
– a baton;
– oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray;
– a grey RCMP shirt with RCMP patches on the shoulders; and
– other personal effects of the officer.
A conducted energy device, police duty jacket, vest, body-worn camera and radio were also reported as stolen. Saskatchewan RCMP conducted a ground search in the area of the hotel and has recovered them.
A man was arrested later in the morning in Prince Albert. The Prince Albert Police Service continues to investigate, including working to identify and arrest the other suspects. Both the Prince Albert Police Service and Saskatchewan RCMP will continue working to locate the remaining stolen equipment.
Police equipment is for police use and we work to keep it safe and secure. Initial review of the incident indicates the officer stored their equipment securely. The suspects broke into a secure location illegally and stole the equipment. The pistol, conducted energy weapon, cartridges, baton and spray were in a locked box.
“We understand the concern when unauthorized individuals possess police clothing and equipment,” said Sask. RCMP. “If you ever are in a situation where you are unsure if someone is actually a police officer, you may request to see their badge and ID card. Both the badge and card will show the same regimental number and the ID card will have a photo of the officer. If you have further concerns, when it is safe to do so, call 310-RCMP or 9-1-1 to verify the identify of the officer or individual involved.”
It is illegal to impersonate a police officer. If you notice anything else concerning, or if anything seems “off” during an encounter with police, call your local police service or Crime Stoppers.
If you have any information about this theft or know of anyone in possession of police equipment they shouldn’t have, call the Prince Albert Police Service at 306-953-4222. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
RCMP say they are disclosing this as part of our commitment to transparency, and will continue to work with the Prince Albert Police Service on their ongoing investigation.
