CARROT RIVER — The Carrot River fire hall was broken into, but nothing was stolen.
The break-in took place on May 29. Over that same night two local businesses were broken into, and some cash was taken.
According to the Carrot River RCMP, this wasn’t the first connected string of break-ins the community has faced, with the town office and another business being targeted on April 17.
“Over the course of three months we’ve had a break-in at the skating rink, the town office and fire hall as far as municipal buildings, and then there have been many businesses broken into in those times as well,” said Kevin Trew, the town’s administrator.
There was no damage and nothing stolen from the fire hall.
The RCMP said they believe the thieves were looking for money but didn’t find any at the location.
In response, Carrot River council approved putting video cameras in five town-owned facilities that includes the town office, the fire hall, town shop, community hall and community centre. The community centre is also known as the skating rink.
“Those five facilities will all have video cameras,” Trew said.
The Carrot River RCMP had previously believed these thefts were non-local, but the May 29 string of thefts has changed their opinion.
“Initially we didn’t believe they were local because, I believe, at the same time period there were other town offices in other communities broken into as well. But given the fact that the second group of break and enters on May 29 occurred, one business was targeted both times,” said Sgt. Richard Tonge, commander of the Carrot River RCMP.
While tools were stolen from one business during the April 17 break-ins and used to break into the town hall, this time only cash was taken.
The RCMP detachment has had a constable in communication with Carrot River business owners.
“They’ve gone to every business in town and acquired information about their security and they’ve had some discussions on maybe what they could do to improve their security,” Tonge said.
If members of the public see something suspicious, but not necessarily criminal, they can contact the Carrot River RCMP at 306-768-1200.
“The main thing is if you see something you’re uncomfortable with, call the police.”
