From RCMP:

The goal of the RCMP’s crime reduction efforts in Alberta is to use evidence and intelligence led enforcement to target individuals and groups that have a negative impact on the safety and security of the communities we serve. In the short time since the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Team (SACRT)has up been and running, the model has been shown to work.

Through analysing crime data, calls for service and community engagement, the SACRT identified a “crime hot spot” in the Olds, Sundre and Didsbury areas. Several thefts and property offences in the rural area identified a trend which the SACRT set out to change. In late February, members of the SACRT set to work identifying known offenders in the area and gathering evidence from numerous offences in order to take enforcement action.

On February 27, evidence was gathered indicating that Amber Rose Johnson (23) of Sundre was in possession of a vehicle stolen from a farm near Didsbury. SACRT members determined that Johnson, and the stolen vehicle were in Calgary and shared this information with the Calgary Police Service. As a result, Johnson was arrested by Calgary Police and charged with Possession of a stolen vehicle.

On March 13, SACRT arrested and charged Shaylene Kendra McCauley (19) with Failing to comply with a recognizance. At time of the arrest, McCauley was on release for charges of Possession of a stolen vehicle. McCauley has been released from custody and is scheduled for trial on July 12 in Didsbury Provincial Court.

Also on March 13, SACRT conducted surveillance on two repeat offenders, Austin Cody Jay Graham (22) and Desire Jade Fahlman (23). Graham and Fahlman were seen driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen from a rural property.  Officers followed the vehicle and made the arrests when they stopped for gas in Bowden. This was the second time Fahlman was charged by SACRT for possession of a stolen vehicle. She has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear on March 26 in Didsbury Provincial court. Graham has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear on March 26 in Didsbury Provincial Court.

On March 15, SACRT charged Ron Hanlon (43) of Olds with four counts of Fail to comply with probation. Hanlon was located at his residence in through surveillance by the SACRT. Hanlon was apprehended as he attempted to flee out the back of the residence. On March 19, Hanlon entered a guilty plea to the Fail to comply charges and was sentenced to 30 days jail.

“These arrests are an example of what out team is doing to address the concerns of rural residents.” Says SACRT commander, Sergeant Brad White. “This hot spot and the people responsible were identified by our analyst thanks to citizens calling their local detachments. Those calls and tips from the public are a huge help and we can make a pretty big impact with a handful of arrests.”

In addition to the charges already laid, SACRT is looking for Lee Edward Clouthier (34) on outstanding arrest warrants for charges of Possession of a controlled substance and Failing to comply with probation. Clouthier is of no fixed address and is known to frequent Sundre, Olds, Didsbury and Rocky Mountain House.  RCMP are asking for the public’s help to locate him.

A photo of Clouthier is attached. He is described as:

  • ·White male
  • ·5’ 9” tall
  • ·185 lbs
  • ·Blue eyes
  • ·Brown hair

Anyone with information on Clouthier’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Rocky Mountain House RCMP at 403-845-2881. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca] for instructions on how).  You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.