COLD LAKE - In the early hours of July 23, Robertshaw Refrigeration in Cold Lake experienced a break-in, resulting in the theft of cash, computers, and tablets.
The incident, now under police investigation, has left the business community on edge. Cst. Corey Riggs, a public information officer for Alberta RCMP, provided details about the break-in.
“They were missing some cash of unknown value, and some computers and tablets,” said Riggs.
The method of entry into the business was unusual.
“I know they gained access to the refrigeration building by entering another yard and crossing over... Usually, they just kick a door down or pry a door down. Normally they don't go through the roof,” said Riggs.
The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing all evidence collected from the scene. Riggs emphasized the thoroughness required in such cases.
“It does take time to obtain that and also to review it and things like that, but it's still under investigation at this time so they will be reviewing all evidence that was seized and then go from there.”
City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland spoke with Lakeland This Week, commenting on the broader issue of crime in the city and expressing his concerns about organized criminal activity.
“We’ve noticed criminal activity for quite some time. Commercial businesses and buildings out of town have been hit by what appears to be pretty organized crime. And so, the RCMP are trying the best they can.”
Copeland highlighted the need for stricter sentencing to deter criminal behavior.
“We need to put people behind bars for a longer period of time, because obviously the risk of doing a criminal activity is outweighing the results of the consequences of getting caught.”
The mayor highlighted the difficulties local authorities face in combating organized crime, acknowledging its presence in the area and noting that Cold Lake is not alone in this struggle. He mentioned efforts such as night monitoring by Watchdog Security and municipal enforcement to keep up with criminal activities.
“What's getting missed in all of this is that the insurance for all these businesses is going up. It's the people that are victims of crime that are the ones that are suffering,” Copeland emphasized. “And the whole justice system is upside down. We need to have a hard look at what we're doing on the sentencing, the prosecution for people that are committing crimes.”
The mayor stressed the need for provincial and federal assistance.
“Unfortunately, crime is rewarding, obviously, otherwise they wouldn't do it. And it really impacts the business community in a huge way. And I think this is both a provincial and a federal matter to start having a hard look at what's going on.”
Copeland expressed sympathy for Robertshaw Refrigeration, a long-standing business in Cold Lake, acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the break-in and noting it appears criminals targeted specific items.
