Westlock RCMP have charged a Westlock youth in connection with the spree of downtown break-ins over the last two months.
The 15-year-old male was charged on Feb. 18 with three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 in connection with the January and February break-ins to both Arth’s Fashion Centre and Oxygen.
“We had six reports of break and enters to two local businesses,” said Westlock RCMP Cpl. Sandra Milner. “On three of those occasions, there was merchandise that was stolen, so we could tie in merchandise that was recovered to those three break-ins.”
She said the individual was charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000 as opposed to break and enter because there are different elements to prove, including proof the individual was in the building.
“We certainly have evidence that he was in possession of stolen property because it was recovered,” she said.
She said she couldn’t comment on whether this individual is responsible for the other three break-in attempts, adding in order to lay charges, it would have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Although only one individual has been charged in the offences, Milner said police do not believe he acted alone.
She said RCMP continue to investigate to determine the identity of his accomplices, but could not comment how many are involved or their ages as the investigation is ongoing.
“We’re not ruling out anything,” she said.
The recent break-ins are not believed to be related to the spree of break-ins in the fall, which affected several Main Street-area businesses.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Westlock RCMP at 780-349-4492 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
