2 charged connected to Canmore bike theft and fraud investigation
Two men from Calgary are facing charges after eagle-eyes RCMP officers in Canmore recognized them as subjects of a months-long investigation into bike thefts and frauds.
Police were alerted about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday about a man trying to use a fraudulent credit card at a business in the mountain community west of Calgary.
When officers arrived, they recognized two men in the area. Both were arrested and a vehicle was seized.
A search warrant was obtained for the car and officers located:
- Numerous counterfeit credit cards;
- Identity documents;
- Break-in instruments;
- Instruments to forge licence plates, and;
- Other property which was obtained by crime.
Melody Velasquez, 37, is facing 21 charges, including:
- Three counts of use of a forged document;
- Two counts of possession of stolen property;
- Fraudulent use of a credit card;
- Possession of break-in instruments;
- Four counts of identity theft;
- Unauthorized possession of a weapon;
- Four counts of theft under $5,000, and;
- Mischief under $5,000.
Velasquez was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on June 29.
Elmer Collo, 43, is charged with eight offences, including:
- Two counts of use of a forged document;
- Possession of stolen property;
- Fraudulent use of a credit card, and;
- Possession of break-in instrument.
Collo was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on June 28.
Canmore RCMP issued a warning to cyclistsearlier this week after several mid to high-end mountain bikes had been reported stolen.
RCMP also provided a number of tips for preventing bicycle thefts, including:
- Store bicycles indoors if possible;
- Use heavy duty bike locks that are difficult to cut;
- Take detailed photos of your bicycles and record the serial/part numbers, as it may assist with the recovery of your property;
- Monitor online resale websites/forums such as Kijiji, eBay, Facebook Buy and Sell, etc., for your recently stolen bicycle and notify police if observed;
- If using parkades or entrances to communal residences, please ensure those entering said facilities are allowed to be there as suspects are currently following patrons inside to gain access to underground parkades;
- If suspicious activity is noted, try to acquire a detailed description of the person(s) (ie: height, weight, gender, race, clothing description) or a vehicle(s) in question (ie: colour, make , model, licence plate, # of occupants), and;
- Whether a home owner or business property representative, please ensure your surveillance systems are in working order to assist victims and police with potential evidence collection.
Officers will also be increasing patrols and visibility in areas where bike thefts have been reported.
Anyone with information is asked to call Canmore RCMP at 403-678-5519 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.