Fuel thefts on the rise

It could be a sign of the times we’re living in. In their weekly report, Saskatchewan RCMP report that fuel thefts are up in RCMP detachment areas. From January to April there have been 178 reports of fuel theft which is 76 per cent more as compared to the same time period last year.

Most recently on May 15th, Swift Current RCMP initiated an investigation into a fuel theft after a motorist drove away on Highway #1 eastbound at a high rate of speed after leaving a Tompkins gas station without paying for fuel. The vehicle had a Quebec license plate and the driver was a white male.

Tools stolen in Nipawin area

Nipawin RCMP area asking local residents who had power tools stolen recently to get in touch with the detachment. In the RCMP weekly report, Nipawin area officers executed a search warrant and seized a computer, power tools, two strollers and camping equipment.

As a result, Dustin Pelly, 38-years-old and 53-year-old Martin Pelly, both from Nipawin, were arrested and each charged with one count, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5,000.

Some of the items were returned to their owners and Nipawin RCMP are encouraging residents to document make, model, serial numbers or other identifying marks of electronics, tools and other valuables.

Durum seed theft

On May 5th, Ponteix RCMP received a report of theft of 1300 bushels of durum seed from a rural property 8 kilometres south of Ponteix.

Their investigation has determined that the theft occurred between April 28 and May 5th.

The durum seed, which would have weighed approximately 78,000 pounds, was removed from a bin.