Calgary man charged after allegedly making tunnel to upstairs neighbour’s apartment

Calgary police have laid charges after the discovery of evidence that someone had tunnelled into an apartment suite from below to break in.

A man is facing charges in relation to accusations that he “tunnelled” into the residence above his in southwest Calgary, according to police.

On Sept. 5, Calgary Police responded to reports of a break-and-enter in the 6400 block of Coach Hill Road S.W.

The victim told police she had been having “issues” with her downstairs neighbour, and they were growing worse.

After returning home from being away, the woman told police she discovered “significant disturbances” inside her home, including a large hole in the floor — despite the fact that the door was locked.

Investigators believe that the occupant living below the woman, who was also the person she was having issues with, tunnelled from his suite into hers through an open space behind a fireplace.

Over the weekend, investigators collected evidence and obtained judicial authorization.

On Monday, police executed a search warrant and took a man into custody.

Ben Edward Maize, a 46-year-old Calgary man, was charged with one count of break-and-enter with intent to commit criminal harassment, mischief to property over $5,000 and two counts of disobeying a court order.

Maize, who formerly worked as an Alberta real estate agent, is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

“This incident represents a deeply disturbing violation of personal space and security,” said Calgary police Insp. Keith Hurley.

“The idea that someone would go to such lengths to gain unauthorized access to another person’s home is not only alarming, but it also shatters the fundamental sense of safety we all deserve in our own residences.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.

On Thursday afternoon, the Village of Westhills Condominium Board shared the following statement:

“Village of Westhills is aware of the incident on September 5th and are working with Calgary Police Service and the affected residents. As the matter is ongoing, we will not be commenting further at this time,” the statement read.

“Village of Westhills is committed to the safety of all of our residents. We ask the public to respect their privacy at this time.”

With files from Jacqueline Wilson