ARTICLES

Business scams are the most common of the face-to-face frauds reported to the Medicine Hat Police Service. These occur when people canvas neighborhoods looking to complete a service but require payment beforehand, or when scammers do door to door fundraising for an illegitimate purpose.

Before hiring someone to complete work at your home, it is important ask questions regarding past work, ask for references, or a website. Professional contractors will have no issues providing you with this information along with photos of their work. It is always a good idea to obtain quotes from more than one business prior to hiring them to complete a renovation or a project. If a quote is significantly cheaper than others, investigate with the contractor or company as to why this is. This may be an indication of a potential scam.

Be extremely cautious when hiring someone from an online resource in any capacity including as a contractor. Often, these “businesses” will operate on a buyer beware policy and will offer no reimbursement if the deal falls through. Never pay upfront over the internet for services to be completed. Once you have paid, it may become a civil issue for you to fight to have your work completed, or money returned. Online communities can be an excellent place to locate a potential service provider, but always meet with the contractor in person and go through the proper steps to verify their credentials before hiring them to complete any work.

Real estate fraud is another type of fraud that victimizes people. One scenario involves a person or a fraudulent company soliciting unsuspecting victims to invest in a business development or land purchase with a group of people. The property is often located outside of the country and is portrayed to produce significant profits in a very short time. Victims purchase a share of the real estate property, later to find out that the property does not exist, and they are unable to contact the scammer. Another type of real estate fraud involves the scammer listing a house on social media for sale or rent. Their target victims are people living far enough away that they are unable to conduct a walk through of the property prior to signing a lease or purchase agreement and paying a deposit. When the victims arrive at the address of their newly acquired property, they learn that the homeowners never listed the property, and the victims have no home to move into, and their deposit is lost.

If someone comes to your door, claiming to represent a company or charity, always ask to see his or her identification badge or supporting documentation before donating funds. If they cannot produce ID, there is a good chance that it is a scam. Even if they have an ID badge, but something still does not feel right, do not allow yourself to be pressured into donating money and contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 to report the suspicious behavior.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt Brent Bohrn
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403-458-0209

March 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and the community on how to recognize, report, and stop fraud.

Frauds continue to victimize thousands of Canadians annually resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars being stolen from them. Medicine Hatters are not immune to these scams.

There are a wide range of scams currently being used by fraudsters. The best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud is to educate yourself on current trends and remain skeptical of any situation that appears too good to be true. Criminals are constantly changing their tactics, and they are becoming more complex in their delivery of the scams.

Throughout the month, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) Community Support Unit will be sharing information on how to recognize and stop from becoming victims of common frauds and scams.

This week the focus is on online frauds which are very prevalent as we continue to expand the ways we communicate on the internet. The reduced face-to-face communication can make is challenging to determine if we are being targeted by a scam. Common online frauds include:

• Romance scams that prey on people longing for friendship and relationships. Communication often begins through a friend request or a “like” on a publicly shared photo. These scams may continue for months or years with the victim truly believing that the suspect loves them and has their best interests at stake. They will often convince the victim to send money to help them pay bills, or to pay for flights so that the suspect can visit the victim. The suspect often has excuses for not using the money as intended and will request more money. They may even video-call the victim to make the fraud seem more legit. In some cases, the victim’s friends or relatives realize the relationship is a fraud and must convince the victim who is deeply invested in the relationship.
• Online marketplace scams take advantage of unknowing internet shoppers. Scammers will post a photo of an item (that may or may not exist) for sale. They will request partial or full payment for the item prior to arranging a meeting with the buyer. They buyer will show up at the meeting place and the suspects are nowhere to be seen, and the advertisements are quickly removed.
• Lottery/Prize scams are another type of fraud often found online. Scammers will send mass emails advising the recipient that they have won a cash prize or an item of significant value. They will request credit card or banking information to deposit the funds, or they may request a cash deposit, wire transfer, or e-transfer to hold the prize for the victim. Once they receive banking or credit card information, they will attempt to withdraw funds from the accounts. The prize is never sent to the victim, and the money sent to the suspects is frequently not traceable.
• Computer support or technology repair company scammers will contact victims claiming that there is an issue with the victim’s computer files or computer accounts. They may convince the victim to allow them to remotely access their computer or device. Once they gain access the suspects will attempt to retrieve banking information and passwords which are then used to withdraw money from the victim’s accounts.
• Employment or investment opportunities scams often sound very appealing but will require they victim pay a fee first before reaping the rewards. This fee may be requested as an e-transfer or very typically a code from a gift card or similar online currency.

In general, no legitimate company will request someone to send money, gift card codes, or deposit into crypto currencies.

The sad truth is that many of the scammers are across borders and once the money is e-transferred, money ordered, provided through gift card codes, or deposited into a crypto currency account, it is often gone for good and extremely difficult to investigate and hold anyone accountable. Beware of communication from any company that you have not previously been a customer, especially if it is not a local business that you are familiar with. It is recommended that you conduct research on a company prior to hiring them. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource, as well as word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends or family.

Media Contact:

A/Sgt. Brent Bohrn
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403-458-0209

On February 24, 2024, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received a report of a male who had attended the Medicine Hat hospital with a gunshot wound. This disclosure was made to police by hospital staff under the Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act.

An investigation was initiated by the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section and during a follow up evidential search warrant conducted on February 27, 2024, at a residence on Bannon Avenue SW, Medicine Hat, evidence was seized which is believed to be connected to the incident. Items located included a restricted firearm, ammunition, a small amount of controlled substances, and a number of prohibited weapons.

Resulting from this investigation, Chad Lentz (44 years old) of Medicine Hat, AB was charged with multiple breaches of firearm prohibition orders, multiple new firearms related offences, possession of weapons dangerous to the public, obstructing police and possession of a controlled substance. Lentz was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody until his next appearance in court on March 13, 2024.

Media Contact:

Sergeant Darren Lole
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1061

Three Medicine Hat men, one adult and two youth, have been charged with assault following an investigation into recent events where members of the public were exposed to bear spray.

In early December 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to two separate reports of random bear spray assaults that occurred in the city. In both incidents the unsuspecting victims were sprayed with a chemical agent, later identified as bear spray, as they were walking. In January 2024, a third incident was reported.

The Medicine Hat Police Service Criminal Investigation Section investigated the series of events and were able to identify those responsible. As a result, three males from Medicine Hat have been charged with the following:

Jared Adam (19 years of age)

• Assault with a weapon x 3
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public x 2
• Resist arrest

The two other individuals charged were ages 15 and 17 years old and under the provisions set forth under the Youth Justice Act, their names can not be released. The 15-year-old was charged with three counts of assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon dangerous, while the 17-year-old was charged with assault with a weapon.

All three victims were treated for bear spray exposure and did not sustain any lasting physical effects from these events.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8421

Ten drug traffickers have been charged in an ALERT investigation that aimed to disrupt street-level drug sales in Medicine Hat.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team targeted street-level drug dealers operating in the downtown core and who were allegedly involved in distributing and profiting from the sale of fentanyl to the vulnerable street and addicted population.

“ALERT launched this investigation in late December 2023 to undermine the illicit supply that was targeting a vulnerable population and causing harm in our community,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

The investigation culminated on January 31, 2024, after a hotel room was searched with the help of the Medicine Hat Police Service.

In total, more than $40,000 worth of drugs were seized, including:

• 134 grams of fentanyl;

• 204 grams of methamphetamine;

• 19 grams of cocaine;

• 61 illicit prescription pills; and

• $4,000 cash.

The suspects face a total of 48 criminal offences. All of the suspects are known to police for similar drug trafficking offences and several of the suspects are being charged with breaching current probation orders.

The following suspects have all been charged with at least one charge of drug trafficking:

• Stacey Heidel, 48 years old;

• Danny Snyder, 40 years old;

• Wendy Scott, 39 years old;

• Donald Jamieson, 48 years old;

• Cory Snyder, 44 years old;

• Brandon Pudwell, 31 years old;

• Douglas Abraham, 44 years old;

• Tristan Skappak, 33 years old;

• Daniel Giurissevich, 60 years old; and

• Jared Martin, 28 years old.

In Medicine Hat, members of the public who suspect drug activity can contact the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submitting tips online (anonymously if preferred) via the website at mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app. The app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Mike Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3015

UPDATED February 7, 2024 at 9:00AM - Marrian GROSS (known as Barbara), has been located and is safe. The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to thank those that assisted with the search and in particular the volunteers with South Eastern Alberta Search & Rescue (SEASAR) who privded extensive assistance.  

No further information will be released. 

S/Sgt. Trevor Humphries

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking the public's urgent assistance in locating a missing elderly individual, Marrian GROSS (known as Barbara) aged 91 years, who was last seen in the area of JYSK and London Drugs on February 6, 2024, at approximately 6:30 pm

We have an updated picture attached. The image was captured today and it is believed that Barbara is wearing the same clothing and pushing a black coloured walker.

Description of the individual:

• Gender: Female
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches
• Weight: 140 pounds
• Hair: short white hair
• Eyes: brown
• Clothing: red coloured sweater, black pants
• Distinguishing Marks/Features: wears glasses and uses a walker

Ms. Gross is believed to be on foot. The police service is extremely concerned for her safety, especially considering her age and potential medical conditions. She may be disoriented or confused.

Residents in the vicinity of the London Drugs are urged to check their properties, outbuildings, and any surveillance cameras they might have. Anyone traveling on roads or highways, especially in the areas of Meadowlands and Norwood Communities are asked to be vigilant and report any sightings.

The police service has requested the assistance of Southeast Alberta Search and Rescue (SEASAR) to assist in the search efforts. 

We kindly request that members of the public share this information on their social media platforms to widen our reach.  

Please contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 with any information that may assist the police in locating Barbara 

On February 01, 2024 (Thursday) at around 3:30 pm, a group of youths were walking eastbound in the crosswalk located at Division Ave and 12 St NE. While in the crosswalk a white SUV was driving west bound on 12 St NE and turned left southbound onto Division Ave N and struck a pedestrian.

The driver of the SUV interacted with the group and provided information.

The youth received minor injuries and reported the incident to a School Resource Officer at Crescent Heights High School.

Medicine Hat Police Service – Traffic investigators are looking to speak to the driver involved in this situation for further information.

Police are requesting anyone with further information and/or dashcam, doorbell video, or witness information to please contact Constable Jordan Wyton at 403-529-8481.

Early this morning at 6:23 a.m., Medicine Hat Police Service members responded to a report of a suspicious individual trespassing in yards at Iris Court SE. A responding officer apprehended the individual, who was found to have outstanding arrest warrants. A subsequent search led to the recovery of stolen items, including a men's yellow gold ring embossed with “Taylor Cup Championship Ring” and bearing a San Diego Gulls logo.

The police request public assistance to identify the owner of the ring. Attached photos provide reference.

If you recognize the ring, please contact Constables Brooklyn MacKenzie or Scott Switzer at 403-529-8491

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) wants you to become a member of our team! We have an exciting opportunity for you to join a dedicated group of police professionals, serving and protecting our community with pride. As a member of the MHPS you will be part of a progressive, thriving organization, and in Medicine Hat you will find an exceptionally high quality of life with a comparatively low cost of living.

The MHPS is currently seeking applicants for the position of police constable. Applicants selected from this process will be hired as police recruits and commence 24 weeks of police recruit training at the MHPS starting in early 2025.

The Police Recruit Training Program is accredited by Lethbridge College (LC) and follows standards set forth by the Alberta Justice & Solicitor General’s office. Upon successful completion of the training, Lethbridge College (LC) will award graduates of the training with a Credential of Academic Achievement in Police Recruit Training, documented by an official parchment and transcript.

If you are ready for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement, in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, apply today!  For more information on the Medicine Hat advantage and why you should chose a career with the MHPS click here.  For more information on the required qualifications and to submit your application click here.

Application deadline is June 1, 2024.

If you have any additional questions, contact a member of the MHPS Recruitment Team by email at recruiting@mhps.ca

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Cory Both
Recruitment Team
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-581-1056

At approximately 6:05 PM on January 28, 2024, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 800 Block of 10 St SE following a 911 call regarding a weapons complaint. A concerned citizen reported seeing an individual, entering a residence while appearing to be in possession of what looked like a pistol.

In response and out of an abundance of caution, the police contained the crisis point and utilized incident command best practices.  Emphasizing the safety of the public, the suspect, and police personnel, we utilized a loud hailer to establish communication with the occupants of the home.

As the situation unfolded, investigators gathered new and pertinent information. This included verifying the identity of the individual in question and ensuring a thorough but respectful engagement with all parties involved. The situation was resolved peacefully, with no harm coming to any individuals involved or to our officers.

Following a comprehensive assessment, it has been determined that there will be no charges arising from this incident. Police recovered an air pistol and liaised with a police service firearms expert and learned that the air pistol did not meet legal thresholds. It should be noted that the subject did not threaten or act in a dangerous manner with the pistol. We do recognize the public alarm that can occur in these instances.

This incident serves as a reminder about the responsibilities associated with firearms safety, including real, imitation, or air pistols.

Attached is a photo of the air pistol.