BANFF – Thanks to a quick cellphone picture, Banff RCMP were able to catch a man wanted on a Canmore arrest warrant after he was caught breaking into vehicles at Bow Falls.
Ahmed Baladie, 55, was wanted on an arrest warrant from Canmore for theft when a bystander observed someone trying to break into vehicles at Bow Falls in Banff National Park on Aug. 28.
The bystander snapped a quick picture on his cellphone and called Banff RCMP, resulting in officers going to the Bow Falls parking lot the next day when police caught Baladie trying to break into vehicles.
"The success of this investigation relied upon timely information provided by the public," Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr said.
Baladie is facing charges of theft in Canmore, a breach of recognizance that was issued in Vancouver and Banff RCMP are anticipating charges of theft not exceeding $5,000 and failure to comply with a recognizance.
In Vancouver, Baladie was arrested after allegedly walking off with more than $6,000 worth of photography equipment from a wedding ceremony in Sept. 2013, which also resulted in a ban from Stanley Park.
Sgt. Buxton-Carr said the Bow Falls parking lot has been targeted a "fair amount" this year and wants to remind people to keep their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight.
"Even if vehicles are locked, keep valuables out of sight," he said.
Anyone with more information about Bow Falls vehicle break-ins or any other Banff crimes are encouraged to contact the Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
