ARTICLES

On March 27^th at approximately 0450am members of MHPS Patrols were conducting property checks when they observed a suspicious vehicle with freshly sustained damage. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the suspect fled from police. Patrol Units attended the area and located the suspicious vehicle abandoned in the 2200block of 15 Avenue SE. Patrol officers along with assistance of the K9 unit quickly located and apprehended a 16 year old youth from Regina Saskatchewan. Further investigation by police determined that the vehicle was confirmed to be stolen from a local business in Medicine Hat that was just broken into minutes prior. Investigational efforts continued by police which also lead to the recovery of a stolen vehicle out of Regina which was recovered in the 2600 block of 15 Avenue SE Medicine Hat. Police continue to investigate an additional break and enter and property related offences that occurred earlier in the night while the 16 year old youth remains in custody facing numerous charges. Charges have not officially been sworn to at this time however the identity of the Youth will not be disclosed under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The Police Service would like to remind the public during the COVID19, pandemic to remain vigilant with securing valuable property and ensuring alarms systems and proper lighting are present. If suspicious vehicles or persons(s) are observed, please call the MHPS non-emergency line at 403-529-8481. The Police Service has increased property checks for both residential and business owners, and will continue to do so to ensure public safety during the current pandemic crisis.

March 27, 2020 –Impaired Driving

On March 27^th, 2020 at approximately 6:45 a.m. members of MHPS stopped a motor vehicle as a result of driving complaint. The complainant indicated the vehicle was driving erratically and posed a danger to others on the road way.

The driver, a 44 year old male from Saskatchewan, was subsequently arrested for impaired driving. Resulting from the investigations the driver had his licence suspended for driving while impaired by drug and criminal charges are pending laboratory results.

Impaired driving continues to be a major contributing factor in fatal and serious injuries in Alberta. On average, 6,000 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year for the last five years. And from 2008-2016, 574 people died and nearly 8,000 people were injured as a result of alcohol- or drug-impaired driving.

Impaired Driving Laws:

• Having a BAC of 0.08 or over within two hours of driving is a criminal offence.

• In Alberta, and in most other Canadian jurisdictions, a driver with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079 may face provincial consequences through the Immediate Roadside Suspension Program.

• Cannabis limits are measured using nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in blood.

• There are criminal penalties for cannabis when a driver has over 2 ng/ml but less that 5ng/ml of THC in blood and when a driver has 5 ng/ml or more THC in blood.

• There are also criminal penalties for combined drug and alcohol impairment when a driver has 2.5 ng/ml or more THC combined with 50 mg/100ml or more alcohol in their blood.

To report an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Thompson
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8461

On March 24^th, 2020 at approximately 12:30 p.m. an unknown female attended to the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) building located at 884 2^nd Street SE, and entered the front foyer of the building with a large black bag. Once in the foyer, the female noted signs which advised that the front doors of MHPS were locked, left the bag in the area, and then proceed to immediately leave the area.

Upon noticing the bag, members of the MHPS were able to secure the surrounding area. Members of the MHPS Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) examined the bag, which was determined to be full of personal items.

MHPS would like to remind the public, that even though access to MHPS is limited due to current COVID-19 protocols, property should not be left unattended at the MHPS or anywhere else within the city. Report found property to the MHPS by calling the non-emergency line 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Jason Graham

The MHPS is investigating a suspicious package that was left in the front lobby of MHPS, located at 884 2nd St SE.  The public is asked to stay away from the Police Service until further notice 

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind citizens to continue be aware of various frauds and scams, and keep an eye out for new ones related to COVID-19.

One of the most common types of reported frauds are mass marking scams, also known as phishing scams. The word phishing comes from the way it is done, the fraudster will pose as legitimate organizations by replicating a valid company and sending out emails that act as a lure to attract potential victims. The more lures (emails) used the more potential victims that can be reached. Phishing scams not only occur over the Internet but can also occur over the phone or traditional letters mailed to the general public.

With the increase in people working from home, it is more important than ever to be cautious about clicking on links from unknown senders. Never respond to unsolicited requests from a company requesting personal information and do not provide your financial information.

Unfortunately in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are reports of several new scams popping up.  Some emails that claim to provide information about coronavirus and provide links to websites or include attachments. These links and attachments contain malware and are a threat to networks, systems, and data. Please be diligent and exercise caution when reviewing all emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments.  Others report receiving a phone call in which residents are advised they have tested positive to COVID19.  The caller then asks for credit card information.  Alberta Health Services will never call and ask for credit card information.  If you receive a similar call hang up immediately.

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, unfortunately so does disinformation and misinformation.  For the most update to date, accurate information on the current situation in Alberta visit https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx.  

For local updates and information from the City of Medicine Hat visit https://www.medicinehat.ca/what-s-new/covid-19-updates

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website (www.antifraudcentre.ca) is another great resource and contains information about many different fraud types, including those directly related to #COVID19.

If you have any other questions or concerns contact the MHPS non emergency center at 403-529-8481 or email mhps@mhps.ca

Follow all Alberta Heath Services guidelines and recommendations and call Health Link 811 if you have concerns about your health

Stay safe! Take care of each other and work together to #StopTheSpread.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler

Administrative Services Manager

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8416

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19, and to protect the health & safety of first responders and members of the community, the Medicine Hat Police Service will be adjusting response protocols while maintaining the continuity of public safety service delivery. There will be no disruption or changes to emergency response protocols and use of 9-1-1.

Effective March 16, 2020 at 7:00 AM, a call center will be established at the police station (located at 884 2^nd Street SE) to assist the community with all non-emergency police calls for service. All inquiries and reports of non-emergency events can be provided by calling 403-529-8481 or filing a report via the MHPS mobile app or website online reporting (www.mhps.ca).

These changes will also affect the Collision Reporting Center (CRC). To report a motor vehicle collision with no injuries call the CRC 403-581-1070.

This temporary measure is being taken, and will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis and we apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

On March 11, 2020, at approximately 12:30PM, Medicine Hat Police Service received a 9-1-1 call reporting a break and enter in progress to a residence located in the 200 block of 13 Street SW.

The home owner was able to give an excellent physical description of the lone suspect as well as the direction they ran from the home.

Several patrol members attended to the area and based on the description from the complainant the suspect was spotted in the 1600 block of Bomford Crescent SW. When the suspect spotted Police he attempted to avoid apprehension but his bad luck continued and he was quickly taken into custody.

A search of the suspect after arrest revealed several items that had been stolen from the residence.

A 40 year male, has been charged with one count of break, enter and theft. He is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Trevor Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Kyle Duchcherer, previously reported as missing has been located and is safe. 

The Medicine Hat Police Service would like thank members of the public for their assistance in this matter.

On March 9, 2020 at about 10:15 p.m. a call was received about a single vehicle accident on Industrial Avenue SE at Iron avenue SE. A 2018 Hyundai Sonata with a lone female operator was travelling east bound on industrial avenue SE when it entered the ditch causing about $12000.00 damage to the vehicle. The female driver was arrested at the scene and is facing charges of impaired driving and exceed .08. The female driver suffered minor injuries.

One of the most common types of reported fraud are mass marking scams, also known as phishing scams. The word phishing comes from the way it is done, fraudster will replicate a valid company and send out emails that act as a lure to attract potential victims. The more lures (emails) used the more potential victims that can be reached. Phishing scams not only occur over the Internet but can also occur over the phone or traditional letters mailed to the general public.

Look out for emails, phone calls or letters claiming that you have won a prize but need to call in or respond to an email to verify your winnings. Often times you will be asked to call in to a 1-900 number, which require you to pay a price, sometimes up to $6.00/minute or a flat rate/phone call. Some phishing scams will appear to be from an institution you are currently involved with and will ask that you to provide some personal information such as; a credit card number, or social insurance number. This should be a warning sign as your financial institution will already have this information on file.

There are several ways to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams:

• Never respond to unsolicited requests from a company requesting personal information.
• If you receive a notification that you have won a prize from a contest that you have never participated in, do not respond to it.
• Block 1-900 phone numbers from calling you through your local telephone provider.
• If you receive a request from a company you are currently involved with, whether you work for them or are a client, and they are requesting money or personal information, contact that institution directly to confirm the details.
• If you receive unsolicited mail, either via email or regular mail, do your research on the company before conducting business with them. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource to confirm if they are a legitimate business with a positive reputation.

The best rule of thumb to protect yourself is to always be skeptical. Educate yourself on ways to protect your hard earned money and seek advice if you are concerned that something might be a scam. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website (www.antifraudcentre.ca) is a great resource and contains information about many different fraud types.

Media Contact:

Sgt Darlene Garrecht
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Safety Unit
Ph: 403-580-7043