CANMORE – Canmore RCMP is investigating multiple reports of stolen vehicles in the Cougar Creek area this week.
The vehicle thefts occurred Wednesday morning (Oct. 14), according to a press release from Canmore RCMP Sgt. Stan Andronyk.
"It is believed that the culprit(s) in these incidents would have spent a significant amount of time in the residential areas around Cougar Creek," Andronyk said in a press release.
"Any residents in the area who have video surveillance on their properties are asked to review their footage between midnight and 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 to determine if suspicious activity is noted."
Sometime between midnight and 2 a.m., a black 2016 Toyota 4Runner was stolen from a residence along Moraine Road. RCMP believe the suspect gained access through the garage to take the keys.
A 1992 GMC Sierra was reported stolen in front of a residence along Lady MacDonald Drive, but was recovered a few hours later only a few hundred metres away. RCMP said the ignition appeared to be tampered with and it is unknown what time it was stolen.
A third vehicle was stolen at approximately 6:25 a.m. from a home along Glacier Drive. The vehicle was warming up when a suspect described as female, between 20 and 30 years old, wearing ear muffs, jumped into the driver's seat and took off.
According to Andronyk, the suspect had to swerve to avoid hitting the owner of the vehicle while fleeing from the scene. The vehicle was a 2017, gold Ford Escape and was seen by officers on the Trans-Canada Highway eastbound near Highway 1X.
Andronyk said the vehicle would not stop for police and a pursuit was not initiated due to public safety concerns, weather and poor road conditions.
Two incidents of items being stolen from motor vehicles overnight in Grotto Terrace and Moraine Road were also reported. RCMP believe these incidents to be related and are asking the public for help in identifying the suspects.
Andronyk said vehicle thefts are often crimes of opportunity and he would like to remind the public to secure their property and ensure no valuables are left in parked vehicles.
The RCMP would like anyone who may have witnesses suspicious activity in the area overnight to contact the detachment at 403-678-5519.
