CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

IED used in Oyen

RCMP make arrests in string of break and enters, ATM thefts in southern Alberta

Apr 7, 2022 | 10:26 AM

An explosive theft from an ATM in Oyen led police to a hotel in Hanna where they arrested three people and seized more than $130,000 in cash and three stolen vehicles.

RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU) began an investigation on March 1 after a series of break and enters and ATM thefts at businesses in southern Alberta. The unit was able to identify suspects with the help of the RCMP Strathcona General Investigation Section.

On March 24 an improvised explosive device (IED) was used to take the money from the TD Bank ATM in Oyen. RCMP tracked the suspects to the hotel in Hanna.

In addition to the cash and three vehicles, RCMP also seized break and enter tools, including an IED used during the ATM theft in Oyen, and various other stolen items.

Kevin Sider, 42, of Leduc, Alta., Robert Foster, 41 of Big Valley, Alta., and Leslie Asachuk, 34, of Mirror, Alta., are charged with the following:

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• Break and enter to a business
• Mischief to property causing damage
• Explosion of an explosive device that caused damage to property
• Laundering proceeds of crime
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Possession of break in instruments
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Sider and Foster are also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Sider remains in custody and will be in Drumheller Provincial Court on April 22. Robert Foster is also in custody and will appear in Drumheller Provincial Court on April 8. Asachuk was released with conditions and will be appearing in Hanna Provincial Court on April 27.

SAD CRU continues to investigate and asks anyone with information related to these ATM thefts is asked to contact their local RCMP. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers for instructions).