3 people charged in string of liquor thefts in Ponoka and Wetaskawin: RCMP

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A Calgary man and two Maskwacis residents have been charged in connection with liquor theft.

On April 2, at around 8:40 p.m., Ponoka RCMP say they responded to a report of a theft at a local liquor store.

Security camera footage showed two women and a man leaving with more than $1,000 of stolen booze.

On April 15, at around 5:30 p.m., Wetaskawin RCMP responded to a robbery at a local liquor store. Security camera footage showed a man and woman leaving the store with stolen liquor, and the suspects fled in a black Kia Sportage.

An investigation was launched by the crime reduction unit of the Wetaskawin RCMP which linked the Wetaskawin suspects to the Ponoka robbery.

On April 16, at around 10 a.m., officers located the suspect vehicle parked outside a home on the Louis Bull First Nation.

Officers say they were able to find the suspects at a nearby home.

A 38-year-old Calgary man was charged with robbery and two counts of theft under $5,000 (Shoplifting). The man was also arrested on 97 outstanding charges from Calgary police, and one additional charge from Maskwacis RCMP.

A 34-year-old Maskwacis woman was charged with robbery and a single count of theft under $5,000.

A 27-year-old Maskwacis man was charged with two counts of theft under $5,000.

Following a bail hearing, the Calgary man was remanded into custody. He’s scheduled to appear in court in Wetaskawin on April 23.

Following a bail hearing, the woman was released on conditions. She’s scheduled to appear in court in Wetaskawin on April 23.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of the second man.

“Retail theft and repeat offending have a direct impact on businesses and community safety,” said Cpl. John Learn in a media release. “Through coordinated efforts between our detachments, we were able to quickly identify those responsible and take enforcement action. We will continue to target repeat offenders and hold them accountable.”