The Edmonton Police Service has arrested and charged a 48-year-old female in relation to a series of west Edmonton purse thefts.
On Friday, Nov. 26, 2020, West Division officers arrestedLisa Sanregret, 48,in the area of 149 Street and 95 Avenue. She has since been charged withuse stolen credit/debit card (x9), theft under $5000 (x7), possess stolen credit card, fraud under $5000 (x3)and breach release order.
While a suspect has been arrested in relation to this series, officers would like to continue to remind citizens to remain aware of their possessions and their surroundings while shopping. Additionally, anyone who experiences purse theft is encouraged to contact theEPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Background
Since the beginning of September, police received 16 reports of purse thefts in west Edmonton, with a recent incident taking place at a retail store in the Mayfield area.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, West Division officers responded to the report of a purse theft at a retail store in the area of Stony Plain Rd and 168 Street. It was reported to police that a female shopper had placed her purse inside of her shopping basket and shortly after realized it was gone. When the complainant contacted her financial institution to cancel her debit card, she reportedly learned the suspect had immediatelyused her card to make purchases at various stores nearby.
Similar instances were reported by shoppers at other stores in Edmonton’s west end, with majority of the thefts taking place at larger grocery and retail stores along Stony Plain Rd between 149 Street and 185 Street. In each instance, the suspect reportedly waited until the shopper was distracted and then removed the purse from the shopping cart or basket. The suspect then allegedly used the complainant’s cards or cash at nearby stores. In total, EPS West Division responded to 22 similar theft reports between Jan. 11 and Nov. 25, 2020, with more than $5,700 reported stolen from citizens.
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating after receiving multiple reports of purse thefts at west Edmonton stores.
Since the beginning of September, police have received 16 reports of purse thefts in west Edmonton, with a recent incident taking place last week at a retail store in the Mayfield area.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, West Division officers responded to the report of a purse theft at a retail store in the area of Stony Plain Rd and 168 Street. It was reported to police that a female shopper had placed her purse inside of her shopping basket and shortly after realized it was gone. When the complainant contacted her financial institution to cancel her debit card, she reportedly learned the suspect had immediatelyused her card to make purchases at various stores nearby.
Similar instances have been reported by shoppers at other stores in Edmonton’s west end, with majority of the thefts taking place at larger grocery and retail stores along Stony Plain Rd between 149 Street and 185 Street. In each instance, the suspect reportedly waits until the shopper is distracted and then removes the purse from the shopping cart or basket. The suspect then allegedly uses the complainant’s cards or cash at nearby stores. In total, EPS West Division has responded to 22 similar theft reports between Jan. 11 and Nov. 25, 2020, with more than $5,700 reported stolen from citizens.
Purse thefts in west Edmonton
Investigators have identified a person of interest in the thefts and are actively seeking their whereabouts. As the holiday shopping season begins, officers would like to advise citizens shopping in this area to remain aware of their possessions and their surroundings at all times. Additionally, anyone who has had their purse stolen in a similar way or has noticed any suspicious activity while shopping is encouraged to contact police.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online atwww.p3tips.com/250.
Three men and one woman are facing multiple charges in connection to a random shooting that occurred in southeast Edmonton in February.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 29, 2020, police received multiple reports of gunshots heard in the area of 38 Avenue and 78 Street. After officers arrived, they heard a second volley of shots, and police established containment on a residence to which the suspects were believed to have fled.
At that time, police learned of a female who had been struck by a stray bullet while asleep in her bed in a nearby residence. With the assistance of EPS Tactical Section and an armoured rescue vehicle, she was extracted safely and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She was not known to the suspects. In total, four homes were struck by bullets, though no one else was injured.
Four people were arrested in the residence police had contained. At the time, a search warrant on the address resulted in the seizure of a loaded SKS rifle with a prohibited magazine, another magazine containing five cartridges, and several loose cartridges. The four individuals are now being formally charged with a variety of offences following the conclusion of the investigation in November 2020.
“These firearms investigations are often lengthy and complex. We rely on ballistic and forensic evidence analysis that takes time for results, not to mention the numerous interviews and search warrants that are needed in many of these files we handle,” says Sgt. Eric Stewart with the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit. “We are grateful to the RCMP for their assistance in bringing this file to conclusion.”
Following ballistic and forensic analysis by the RCMP laboratory, EPS has charged two men and one woman with 14 offences:
Antonio Crane, 28, faces eight charges including causing bodily harm by criminal negligence and firearms-related offences.
Ferlin Rowan, 24faces four charges including causing bodily harm by criminal negligence and firearms-related offences.
Sara Brertton, 30faces two firearms-related charges.
Nikosis Stevenson, 24
A third male, Nikosis Stevenson, 24 is wanted on ten outstanding warrants, including causing bodily harm by criminal negligence and multiple firearms-related charges.
Police encourage anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online atwww.p3tips.com/250.
Today, the Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Community Safety and Well-being Bureau (CSWB) is pleased to announce their work to reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system with the establishment of theDIVERSIONfirst program.
“Edmonton has many organizations dedicated to helping youth who have conflicted with the law or are at risk of being introduced to a criminal lifestyle,” said Superintendent Nicole Chapdelaine of the Service’s Integrated Community Safety Division.
“Our Bureau recognizes that our officers play an essential role in redirecting youth who may become involved with the criminal justice system. Rather than making an arrest, we saw an opportunity to divert them toward programs and services that provide comprehensive support while creating meaningful consequences that are educational rather than punitive.”
A pilot program that began out of EPS’ West Division in September 2018, DIVERSIONfirst connects young, first-time non-violent offenders (12-17 years old) to community organizations and family supports that offer a wide range of services dedicated to mentoring and improving the lives of youth to help them build a foundation for a positive future, away from crime.
At the time of inception, the CSWB anticipated that 20 youths might get referred. Several months later, when the pilot was complete, nearly 80 youths had been referred by patrol members, School Resource Officers, Beat Officers, and others. Since its humble beginnings, the DIVERSIONfirst program has expanded city-wide, with its number of participants now exceeding 250 youth.
A partnership between the EPS and the YMCA of Northern Alberta, and in collaboration with program community partners, DIVERSIONfirst supports youth as they navigate a customized plan that holds them accountable for their behaviour, addresses underlying issues and provides them with opportunities to connect to local community resources.
“Our goal is to reduce youth’s chances of reoffending and instead empower them with community resources,” said EPS Sergeant Kendall Booth of the DIVERSIONfirst Unit. “In addition to building and fostering positive relationships between youth and police, we are giving youth a chance to recognize how their actions impact others, while connecting them with community resources that help them to better prepare for their future.”
Referrals to the DIVERSIONfirst program are founded on officer discretion. At the point of arrest, a constable can instead refer a youth to the program. DIVERSIONfirst staff will then follow up with the youth and their guardian(s) to further assess the youth’s suitability for the program. Once both parties have committed to participating, an in-person meeting takes place with DIVERSIONfirst members and community partners.The YMCA Youth Diversion program assists with these meetings by supporting the youth and their family with accountability and agreement items.
“Ensuring the right support is provided at the right time is important. Once a youth referral is received, our Youth Diversion program staff work alongside DIVERSIONfirst officers to ensure the individual needs of each youth and their personal network are met,” said Michael Peters, Program Manager of Community and Housing Initiatives at YMCA of Northern Alberta.
“Staff create personalized plans that help youth identify how their behaviour impacts others, addresses underlying issues, and provides them with opportunities to connect to local agencies to ensure they receive extra support they may require. By using restorative justice principles, we’re meeting youth where they’re at as well as holding them accountable — bringing both law enforcement and community together to build meaningful relationships with youth and their family.”
To be eligible, youths who have committed non-violent offenses like shoplifting or mischief must be willing to participate in the program, have no more than a limited criminal history, and a supportive guardian involved.
Once the youth and their guardian commit to participating and the program begins, DIVERSIONfirst constables continue supporting youth and work along side community partners throughout the youth’s participation to help identify challenges, navigate services, provide youth engagement opportunities, and engage families wherever appropriate.
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday evening in northwest Edmonton.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, Northwest Division officers responded to a weapons complaint in the area of 121 Street and 146 Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located Abdirahman Hashi, 25, deceased inside a vehicle.
Another 22-year-old male in the vehicle was also injured and was treated and transported to hospital by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.
An autopsy completed by the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office this morning, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, determined that the cause of Hashi’s death was a gunshot wound and the manner of death is homicide.
Homicide detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information about this death to contact the EPS.In addition, investigators are asking any residents who live on 121 Street between 153 Avenue and 139 Avenue that have residential cameras or anyone travelling that route who has dash cam footage to contactpolice.
Anyone with information or video footage can contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The Edmonton Police Service is warning citizens to do their research when looking to adopt a new fluffy friend as online puppy fraud becomes more prominent.
In May of 2020, police received a report from a couple who believed they had lost money to a puppy fraud. After deciding to add a new dog to their family, they reportedly began an online search and responded to an ad that they believed belonged to a legitimate breeder. The couple was soon contacted by the seller to discuss the purchase of a puppy, as well as the cost of shipping. The couple reportedly agreed to the terms and sent an e-transfer to the seller. A day later, the seller allegedly reached out to request several hundred additional dollars for a travel crate and travel vaccinations, claiming they were required prior to shipping. The couple once again agreed to pay. The seller then reportedly reached out a third time to request several thousand additional dollars for pet travel insurance, which they claimed would be refunded when the puppy arrived. Becoming suspicious, the couple reportedly ended communication with the seller and contacted the EPS.
“Unfortunately, this is only one of many reports,” says Acting Detective Dana Gehring with the EPS Cyber Crimes Investigations Unit. “As more citizens add furry friends to their families during the pandemic, fraudsters have found a way to take advantage of them.”
Since October 2019, the Edmonton Police Service has received 17 complaints of online puppy fraud, with individual losses ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In total, more than $40,000 has been defrauded from citizens over a 13-month period.
While each situation is unique, the frauds seem to follow a similar pattern and often begin with the victim conducting an online search that leads them to fraudulent websites/ads for breeders/suppliers. In most cases the purchase price is largely undervalued, and the fraudster will add additional costs like insurance, vet bills, shipping fees, quarantine housing fees, and more, claiming it must all be paid before the puppy can be sent. Payment is usually sent via e-transfer, though some fraudsters have also asked for payment through Western Union or Bitcoin.
As the holidays approach, investigators anticipate the fraudsters will be ready and waiting and are hopeful this warning will prevent more heartbreaking frauds from taking place.
“These fraudsters frequently try to use the emotion of the situation to their advantage,” says Acting Det. Gehring. “They may claim the puppy is waiting in an airport or shipping facility and will remain there until payment is received, which often tugs at the heartstrings of dog lovers.”
If you are planning to add a new fluffy friend to your home, the EPS advises doing plenty of research to ensure you’re getting a real pet from a trusted organization. When possible, seek out a local organization first. Edmonton has numerous legitimate organizations and registered charities/incorporated societies who have furry friends waiting for their furever homes. If you must search outside of the Edmonton area, keep the following tips in mind:
Do your research.
Research adoption fees and prices for the dog you are considering ahead of time.If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Ask for detailed information about the seller such as full name, phone number and mailing address. Search the seller’s name or phone number online along with the word “scam” or “complaint.”
Try doing areverse image searchof the website or ad photos. If the same photos show up in older ads, on social media or on other websites, it is likely a scam.
Ask questions.Responsible breeders and rescues like to discuss and educate you about the dog or breed. Ask anything you want to know, including breed traits, information about the parents, temperament, the dog’s history or health concerns, etc.
Request proof.Ask for proof of health records/screenings and registration with any breed specific organizations (CKC), all of which you can confirm by calling the veterinarian and organization. This information will also be helpful when you bring your dog home.
Meet in person. If possible, ask to meet the seller and the dog in person or, at minimum, meet them both via video call. If the seller declines, ask why.
Avoid providing payment via e-transfer, Bitcoin or using a money transfer service. Scammers often use these forms of payment because they are like cash; once payment is sent it cannot be retrieved. Use a method of payment that has some form of fraud protection such as a credit card or PayPal.
Be patient. If the seller seems anxious to complete the sale, get your deposit or pushes you to make a quick decision, be cautious. Likewise, don’t trust a seller if they claim they must sell the dog quickly, cannot take care of it or threaten harm to the animal. Responsible breeders and rescues seek out the best homes for their dogs and are typically not in a rush.
Have you lost money to online puppy fraud? Do you have information about an ongoing puppy fraud? Contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #311 from a mobile phone.Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online atwww.p3tips.com/250.
A 25-year-old Edmonton man is facing one count of possession of child pornography in connection to a month-long investigation that commenced in early September.
Detectives began an investigation into Nicholas Baglole-Gaudet, 25, of Edmonton, in September, after child pornography allegations involving the accused were brought to their attention.
Investigators executed warrants at Baglole-Gaudet’s southeast Edmonton residence on Sept. 9, and confiscated a laptop computer, which investigators later confirmed contained child pornography.
Baglole-Gaudet, who operated an unlicensed child daycare home at the time, has since been charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count ofaccessing child pornography.Investigators do not believe any of the pornographic images discovered on his laptop involve any of the children left in his care.
Currently, the accused has been released with several conditions including no contact with any child under the age of 16 except in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
