Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser speaks on a recent string of thefts and break-ins. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Gates Guarin

Increase in commercial and high end property crimes over six-week period, police say

Dec 1, 2022 | 4:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat police are cautioning residents and businesses about a recent string of thefts and break-ins in our city.

Police say there has been an increase in commercial and high-end property crimes over the past six weeks. Trailers, equipment, tools and high-end vehicle thefts are just some of the crimes reported to police. Light industrial areas of the city have also been targeted more frequently during this time.

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser says it isn’t abnormal for opportunistic crimes, like thefts to occur during this time of year, as people may leave their car doors unlocked or leave purchased goods in plain sight in their vehicles.

Fraser says police have been zeroing in on areas where thefts and break-ins have been occurring more often and are actively patrolling them between calls.

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“Our approach is a proactive policing approach based on statistics,” Fraser says. “We have been pushing more resources into those areas that have been targeted. We have heat mapping we use on a daily basis to assign our strength on the street to best combat and ultimately prevent those crimes from happening.”

Fraser says it is ultimately up to the home or property owner to best evaluate the safety measures of their residences or businesses. He is reminding residents and business owners to always lock up homes, properties and vehicles to minimize criminal activity and to stay vigilant during the holiday season.