ARTICLES

In response to several thefts of bicycles in the city, the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit with assistance from the Medicine Hat Police Service, have deployed a few “bait bikes” within the community. Bait bikes are bicycles equipped with tracking, identification and other technologies which allow officers to follow their movement. Over a short period, the bikes were stolen on four occasions. All four persons responsible for the thefts were quickly arrested and charged with theft under $5,000.

Theft of bicycles continues to be a concern and the ALERT teams and MHPS will continue to target those responsible for committing these crimes as well as other active property offenders. Residents are also encouraged to take steps to safeguard their bikes and other property to reduce the risk of theft. This can include:

• Invest in a good lock – a U-lock is recommended. Lock your wheels and frame together, use a designated bike rack as sign poles, trees, fences, etc. are not as secure
• Lock bikes in well-lit, well-traveled areas
• When not in use/overnight, store your bike in a locked garage or shed if possible
• Record the serial number and register your bike at BikeIndex.org.

Bike Index is a non-profit, online bike registry to prove ownership, alert the community if a bike has been stolen, search a found bicycle to identify its owner and help police return recovered bicycles to their rightful owners as soon as possible. Bike Index enables owners to create a free account and in just a few minutes the bike’s distinguishing details can be recorded, including serial number, make, model, and colour. A photo can be added as well as additional details like aftermarket parts. Once a bike is registered a Bike Index sticker, each with a unique code can be picked up at the MHPS or by attending Gravity Sports or CyclePath bike shops in Medicine Hat. A photo, physical description (make/model/distinguishing characteristics) and serial number are all that are required. Owners can scan the sticker’s code with a smartphone camera and link to their bike. Bike Index stickers are made of a strong, weather-resistant material and are extremely difficult to remove. They help serve as a deterrent for potential bike thieves by showing the bike is being watched by the entire community and the owner can be identified by simply scanning the code.

If your bike is stolen, report it to police online at www.mhps.ca, via the MHPS mobile app or by calling 403-529-8481. The bike can also be marked as lost or stolen on Bike Index. When the bike is recovered, the code can be scanned, and the owner will be contacted. If a bike wasn’t registered before it went missing, the owner can still create an account and mark it as stolen.

Media Release:

Sergeant Darren Lole
Regional Property Crime Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On September 8, 2021, at approximately 1:00 PM a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service was flagged down by a male victim who had just been assaulted by an unknown male subject near Central Park. The male victim received serious, nonlife threatening, physical injuries and was been transported to the hospital by EMS for further medical assessments.

It is believed that there was a witness to this event who assisted the victim following the assault and investigators are urging this individual, and any one else with information on this matter to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Ryan Thorburn
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8481

On September 2, 2021, the Medicine Hat ALERT Unit concluded a two-week long drug investigation with the arrest of two males after a search was conducted where a large sum of money and cocaine was seized. A follow up search warrant was conducted at the arrested individual’s residence in Medicine Hat where additional drugs and prohibited firearms were seized, including:

• sawed off 12-gauge Remington shotgun
• sawed off Winchester shotgun
• shotgun rounds
• 36 grams of Psilocybin
• 121 grams of cocaine
• 2 grams of methamphetamine
• 2 litres of liquid GHB

The street value of the drugs seized was estimated at approximately $18,500 as well as approximately $12,000 in cash.

Resulting from this investigation, Luc REAUME aged 40 and Daryl STEFANI aged 36, have been charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purpose of trafficking cocaine and GHB
• Possession of methamphetamine and psilosybin
• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
• Numerous firearms offences

Both were the subject of a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and were released by a Justice of the Peace for future court appearances in Medicine Hat.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Darren Lole
Regional Property Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On August 26, 2021, members of the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit arrested and charged a Medicine Hat male after a sawn-off double barrel shotgun and ammunition was recovered at his residence, together with the identity documents and financial data of eight victims. The male was serving on a Conditional Sentence Order in the community following recent prior convictions. Austin LANE aged 25 yrs, of Medicine Hat, was the subject of a Judicial Interim release hearing and remains in custody at this time.

Media Contact:
Sgt Darren Lole
Regional Property Crimes Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On August 31, 2021, at approximately 3:34 PM a Nissan Altima was travelling west on 6th Street SW between 1st Avenue SW and Division Avenue SW. A moped scooter was travelling east on 6th Street SW at the same location. The driver of the Nissan Altima turned left into a parking stall in front of the scooter resulting in a collision.

The driver of the scooter was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan Altima was uninjured. Total damage to the vehicles involved is estimated to be in excess of $2,000.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Traffic Unit continues to investigate the accident.

Media Contact:

Cst Darren Holeha
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

The Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section of the Medicine Hat Police Service will be focusing on Parking at and near Schools during the month of September.

With the start of the new school year will come some parking problems around many schools. People living near schools often find their driveways and alleys obstructed and in addition, school bus zones are often filled with student and parent vehicles.

City of Medicine Hat Public Roads Bylaw #4346 allows for parking in alleys for a maximum of 30 minutes for the purposes of loading and unloading passengers providing that the vehicle does not obstruct the use of the alley by pedestrians or other vehicles. In addition, parking in a designated school bus zone is a violation for the times posted at the schools.

It is also important to park on the public roadways only and avoid parking on private property near the school unless you have permission from the property owner. Many of the schools have parking lots that are designated for staff only or are adjacent to other private properties that have parking lots that are monitored.

Around many of the schools are clearly marked “NO PARKING” zones that should be adhered to at all times. These zones are placed to allow for the visibility and safety of all children around the schools.

Bylaw #4346 also prohibits parking within 1.5 meters of a driveway or other vehicle crossing over a sidewalk. In addition, parking within 5 meters of Stop or Yield Sign, a Marked Crosswalk or a Fire Hydrant is prohibited.

By obeying these parking laws, we can all contribute to a safe community and make sure that all the children coming and going to school can do so in safety.

Violators could be fined as well as have their vehicles towed. Fines for parking violations start at $50.00. To report a concern call 403-529-8481.

Have a great school year everyone and stay safe!

For more information contact:

Colin Heyens
Acting Supervisor,
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement
Ph: 403-529-8436

On the early morning of August 18, 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a complaint of a stolen 2014 Dodge 3500 Ram truck.  Later this same day at about 7:30 pm MHPS patrol officers located the same stolen vehicle as it was being driven by a male.  Shortly thereafter the truck was abandoned and the male suspect fled on foot.  Police containment was immediately established and the male was quickly apprehended hiding in the backyard of a residence.

As a result, a 32-year-old Lethbridge male has been charged with the following offences and is currently being held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing;

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,
• Flight from police officer,
• Possession of stolen property over $5000
• Possession of stolen property under $5000

The MHPS would like to remind the public to secure vehicles when not in use and never to leave ignition keys or valuables within vehicles. 

On the early morning of August 18, 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a complaint of a stolen 2014 Dodge 3500 Ram truck.  Later this same day at about 7:30 pm MHPS patrol officers located the same stolen vehicle as it was being driven by a male.  Shortly thereafter the truck was abandoned and the male suspect fled on foot.  Police containment was immediately established and the male was quickly apprehended hiding in the backyard of a residence.

As a result, a 32-year-old Lethbridge male has been charged with the following offences and is currently being held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing;

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,
• Flight from police officer,
• Possession of stolen property over $5000
• Possession of stolen property under $5000

The MHPS would like to remind the public to secure vehicles when not in use and never to leave ignition keys or valuables within vehicles. 

Media Contact:
S/Sgt Jason Graham
403-529-8410

The Medicine Hat Police Service has noted a recent trend of vehicle entries throughout the City.  All of the entries have occurred to vehicles which have been unlocked and have contained valuables such as keys, credit cards and cash money.  

The Police Service is requesting the publics’ assistance in these matters by ensuring vehicles are locked and all valuables are removed or secured, and any suspicious activity is reported to the Police Service immediately.

In response to this trend, the Police Service will augment resource deployment; with the aim to identify offenders and hold them accountable for any illegal activities.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

The Medicine Hat Police Service has noted a recent trend of vehicle entries throughout the City.  All of the entries have occurred to vehicles which have been unlocked and have contained valuables such as keys, credit cards and cash money.  

The Police Service is requesting the publics’ assistance in these matters by ensuring vehicles are locked and all valuables are removed or secured, and any suspicious activity is reported to the Police Service immediately.

In response to this trend, the Police Service will augment resource deployment; with the aim to identify offenders and hold them accountable for any illegal activities.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Cory Both

Patrol Section

Medicine Hat Police service

Ph: 403-529-8481