ST. PAUL - Over the past month, St. Paul RCMP has received multiple reports of break and enters at rural lake lot properties within the County of St. Paul.
One man suspected of being involved with the break and enters has been arrested, according to information from RCMP. On Sept. 27, police located the suspect and obtained a warrant to enter a residence.
James Brertton, 54, a resident of Saddle Lake, was arrested. Brertton was also wanted on other outstanding warrants.
"Police located two unsecured firearms along with several stolen items," according to information from RCMP.
Further investigation resulted in Brertton also being charged with break and enter (x4), failing to comply with a probation order (x3), unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2), possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x2), and possession of a firearm contrary to an order (x2).
“This investigation demonstrates that the RCMP takes rural property crime very seriously and will continue to work diligently until an arrest is made,” said Cpl. Stephen Cunningham with the St. Paul RCMP.
Following a judicial hearing, James Brertton was remanded into custody and is expected to appear in court ob Oct. 3 in St. Paul.
Lottie Lake reports
Over the past 30 days, St. Paul RCMP have received eight reports of break-ins, thefts, and suspicious activity in the Lottie Lake area, which is located in the County of St. Paul. When Lakeland Today reached out to RCMP last week, the incidents were still under investigation.
Kellieka Formanek, the St. Paul RCMP detachment’s public information officer, said the incidents occurred at lake lots or seasonal residences.
She encourages anyone who may have any information, or surveillance in the area, to reach out to the St. Paul RCMP detachment.
One of the most recent incidents was reported the morning of Sept. 26, when a Lottie Lake property owner contacted police about a break-in that likely occurred the previous night. Formanek said numerous pieces of property have been stolen including vehicles, televisions, and outdoor equipment.
