Viking RCMP Report: Unknown male reported on complainant’s deck

The Weekly Review is now posting an abbreviated version of the Viking RCMP Report  ‘Word on the Street’ online each week! This is in response to Town of Viking posting a version of the long established newspaper column online on their website and social media in recent months. We don’t agree with their decision, and feel it is not a municipality’s duty to report the news or use tax payer funds to compete with a local business. Nevertheless, we encourage residents to continue to turn to The Weekly Review for their local news and advertising – both in print and online!

On March 10, police received a complaint of a vehicle that was parked in a private parking lot for over three days. Police attempted to contact the registered owner but were unable to. Members spoke with the caretaker of the building and learned the registered owner was a tenant.

That same morning, police received a complaint of the suspected misuse of a credit card at a business in Viking. The complainant advised a customer purchased over $4,000 in lottery and gift cards. The suspect made separate purchases entering the credit card into the machine manually each time. With the assistance of Leduc and Bonnyville RCMP a suspect has been identified and charges of fraud and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 are pending.

Later that morning, police responded to a residential alarm north of Holden. Members attended the rural location and nothing suspicious was noted. All the buildings were secure and no signs of entry to the property were found. The property owner was contacted and advised, it is believed that animals on the property set off the alarm.

That evening, police received a complaint of missing cans from a smoke shack at an adult living complex. The complainant advised this is an ongoing issue and believes the cans are being stolen for the cigarette butts inside. There are no witnesses or suspects at this time.

Later that evening, police responded to a complaint of a suspicious person. The complainant advised an unknown male was walking around his deck pacing back and forth asking for the complainant’s neighbour. Members attended the rural location and made patrols looking for the suspect and vehicle but were unable to locate them.

On March 11, police received a complaint of harassing communication. The complainant advised an ex-partner was continually contacting her via text message and social media, and also driving past the residence. All parties involved were spoken to regarding their actions and they agreed to stop.

That afternoon, police responded to a complaint of dogs running along Highway 14 east of Viking. Patrols were made and the dogs were not located.

That evening, police received a request to assist with the retrieval of property. The complainant advised she was currently on conditions not to attend the location. She was requesting assistance from the police to retrieve her personal property. As members were responding, a call was received that the complainant no longer needed assistance as she was getting assistance from a friend.

On March 12, police were approached by a minor inquiring about property that was being withheld by a guardian. The youth advised a guardian was withholding her identification. The youth was provided with further information and advised to contact police if the identification is not returned.

On March 16, police received a complaint of an abandoned vehicle on Highway 857. Members contacted the registered owner who advised the vehicle had broken down and was in the process of having it retrieved.