BASSANO RCMP DETACHMENT Monthly MOUNTIE MEMO

August 2024

Fraud Scam:

On August 14th, 2024, Bassano RCMP received a report of a Fraud scam. The victim was contacted on the phone by someone alleging to be from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and informed them that they were a victim of a Fraud. They were instructed to download an AnyDesk App to their phone. Once downloaded, $9000.00 was removed from their account.  

These all unfortunately all to common fraud scams occurring everywhere. As a reminder, no true/legitimate government agency or financial institution will every ask you to do something similar to this over the phone or instruct you to transfer them money. Should you get a request like this through phone call, text or email – disregard it, DO NOT respond and contact your financial instruction directly first.  Should this occur to you or you fallen victim to a fraud, please notify Police, Equifax and TransUnion.

MVC on Hwy 1 – Grader vs Semi:

On August 15th, 2024 at 11:40 am, Bassano RCMP responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision between a semi truck and a grader at Hwy #1 and Range Rd 200.  The grader was travelling east bound on Hwy 1 in the slow lane when an approaching semi truck/trailer rear-ended the grader after not seeing it. Both ended up in the centre median, which blocked Hwy #1’s east bound passing lane.  Luckily, there were no serious injuries to either driver, however the semi suffered extensive damage. The semi’s driver was treated on scene by EMS and released.  Hwy #1’s east bound lanes were obstructed for several hours while the recovery was made.

Loose Cows Near Railroad Track:

Between August 15th – 18th,2024  Bassano RCMP have received multiple reports from CP Rail of loose cows being on railroad tracks near Lathom at various times of the day.  Each time Police have responded, the elusive bovines have not been seen on or near the tracks. Neighbourhood inquiries have been conducted with local ranchers, however all cattle owners are encouraged to check their fences and accessibility for their cattle to approach the train tracks.

July 2024

In July 2024, Bassano RCMP responded to over a hundred events/calls for service. Including various levels of criminal, traffic and public assistance related files. Below is a snapshot of some of the various calls of service Bassano RCMP attended:

July 8th, 2024: Mischief

Bassano RCMP received a report of 3 female youths damaging store property at the gas station and then harassing the store staff. The 3 youths were identified by Police through CCTV. The youths were spoken too and given warning for their behavior with their parents. No charges are being forwarded. 

July 10th, 2024:  Vehicle Fire (Twice)

Bassano RCMP responded to a vehicle fire near Hwy 1 and Range Road 190. Bassano Fire had previously attended the vehicle which caught fire due to mechanical issues. The fire was extinguished and the occupants informed to get a tow truck and not start it again. The driver did not heed the advice and started their vehicle after the fire department left. The vehicle again caught on fire and Bassano Fire and RCMP responded. The vehicle was again extinguished and a tow truck called to scene. 

While Police remained on scene for the tow truck, a passing Good Samaritan from Tilley, A.B. stopped and offered the family a ride to Brooks, even paying for their tow. Bassano RCMP wish to thank the Bassano Fire Dept for their response and patience and especially wish to thank the Good Samaritan for the kindness to the family to help them avoid waiting in the heat wave that day.  

July 17th, 2024: MVC / Impaired Driver

At 11:00pm, Bassano RCMP responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision at 11 Street and 2 Ave. A black pickup truck was in the ditch and had struck a light pole. The driver appeared to be uninjured.  Indicators on scene suggested alcohol may have been a factor in the single vehicle collision. The driver failed an ASD test.  A Provincial Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) administrative penalty was issued for a 90-day driver’s license suspension and the vehicle towed/ seized for 30 days.

Police & Public Education: Help us – Help you!

Landlord & Tenant Disputes:

Throughout July, Bassano RCMP responded to several landlord/tenant related issues within the community.  Most of the disputes revolved around subletting of the rental home and changing behaviors of either the tenants or landlords who wished for evictions of the tenants from the residences. These are very common disputes Police get called for to settle, often with many common myths and misconceptions from the home owners and renters. 

Bassano RCMP wish to encourage any landlords or tenants to fully inform and educate themselves as a home owner/landlord or renter to protect the investment of their properties and the rights of the individual renters. 

Under the Government of Alberta (GOA), the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) provides a framework for landlord and tenant relations in Alberta, setting minimum standards of conduct for both landlords and tenants. It governs the rights and responsibilities both parties have towards each other. 

Prior to renting a home, or renting out a home, please familiarize yourself with the RTA guidelines as well as have a WRITTEN RENTAL AGREEMENT stipulating all guidelines to be adhered too. 

For more information on the GOA website: https://www.alberta.ca/rights-and-responsibilities

Regards,

Sgt. Joe Schmidt
Detachment Commander
Bassano RCMP Detachment

No Fire Ban

August 27, 2024

FIRE BAN DEFINITIONS

The Town of Bassano has an active FIRE BAN. A Fire Ban means no fires except for approved gas or propane cooking appliances.

The Town of Bassano has an active Fire Restriction. A Fire Restriction means no fires except for approved gas or propane cooking appliances, portable fire pits or campfires in designated fire sites within approved campgrounds.

The Town of Bassano has an active Fire Advisory. A Fire Advisory means fires are allowed but public warning advising of extreme caution is issued. This level is a warning and may be upgraded to a Fire Restriction of Fire Ban if conditions do not approve. Always have water nearby and fully extinguish your fire.

The Town of Bassano has NO ACTIVE FIRE BAN.