CANMORE – Typically fingerprints help crack a case, but for Canmore RCMP it was footprints that led to an arrest on Monday (Feb. 25).
In the early morning hours, Canmore RCMP officers found an abandoned vehicle stuck in the ditch in Three Sisters Parkway near Crossbow Place.
Facing the wrong way and with no one to be found, it was determined the vehicle was stolen.
Upon investigating, RCMP found fresh tracks in the snow leading away from the vehicle. After following the footprints for approximately half an hour, the officers ended up at a residence on Dyrgas Lane where the suspect was located and arrested.
Further investigation led to the discovery of several stolen items from vehicles parked in the neighbourhoods close to Three Sisters Parkway.
RCMP want to remind the public to remove valuables and to always lock their vehicles.
"Unfortunately we just can't convince people to lock their vehicles. As long as this trend continues, criminals will be allowed unfettered access to personal belongings and valuables left unprotected," Sgt. Stan Andronyk said.
"Our community is becoming a target for travelling criminals and incidents of theft will continue to rise until more people start locking their vehicles and homes."
Gregory Deviat, 30, from Cochrane was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, seven counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and two counts of breach of recognizance.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
