Over the past month, there has been an increase in reported thefts from vehicles in the North East and North West areas of Medicine Hat.

To address this concerning trend, a strategic initiative was implemented by the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section to investigate. Together with an increased diligence by the public reporting suspicious activity has resulted in the identification of the offenders.

Resulting from this initiative, five youth, ranging in age from 14 to 17 years old, were identified as being predominantly responsible for these events. The young offenders cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The MHPS, with the assistance of the Medicine Hat Provincial Crown’s office, the Provincial Court, Child and Family Services, the Police and Crisis Team as well as the relevant caregivers, will be utilizing a multi-faceted approach to address the criminal behavior of those responsible. This will include displacement, curfews, no contact orders, addressing mental health concerns as applicable and education of the impact of their behaviors.

The MHPS wishes to thank the community for their diligence in reporting suspicious activity and encourages use of the MHPS Mobile app as a simple way to report concerns (anonymously if preferred). The app 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:

Insp Brent Secondiak

Operational Services Division

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8416