BANFF – A proactive Banff RCMP surveillance program has yielded successful results after officers caught the suspect thought to be responsible for a string of break and enters at resorts on Tunnel Mountain.
On July 23, Wayne Clear, 56, from Canmore was arrested and charged after RCMP witnessed Clear breaking into a room at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff.
Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr said RCMP observed Clear acting "fairly suspicious" trying to open door handles, causing significant damage to one before he gained entry to a suite. The 56-year-old was then arrested upon exiting the suite.
"We are confident this is the person subject to the press release early July," Buxton-Carr said.
Earlier this month, RCMP officials sent out a press release asking the public for help in identifying the suspect who on three separate occassions since February gained access to guest rooms at Tunnel Mountain resorts – stealing items or cash.
The man was gaining entry through patio doors and when confronted by hotel guests, the suspect said he was a resort employee performing maintenance tasks before fleeing.
Subsequent to the incidents, RCMP began surveillance at the resort with officers and members of the RCMP Crime Reduction Unit.
"This is a proactive plan – we had a recurring issue at several resorts on Tunnel Mountain [and] we were conducting surveillance at several locations," Buxton-Carr said.
Clear has been charged with break and enter, possession of break-in instruments, mischief and failure to comply with court order.
Anyone with additional information in encouraged to contact the Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600.
