RCMP Mountie Memo – April 2025

Bassano RCMP – Local Media Release – May 7th, 2025:

Theft of SUV:   2025-611737

On May 7th, 2025 at 7:00am, Bassano RCMP received a report of a dark grey 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (AB plate #CFH8251) was stolen overnight from within the Town of Bassano. The investigation is ongoing.

Theft of Pick-up: 2025-609164

On May 6th, 2025 at 4:00pm, Bassano RCMP received a report of a brown 2017 Dodge 3500 pick-up (AB plate #CLJ4848) was stolen the previous evening from within the Town of Bassano. The investigation is ongoing.

Theft of Pick-up: 2025-522383

On April 20, 2025, at 9:00pm, Bassano RCMP received a report of a grey 2010 Ford F-150 was stolen during the previous evening from within the Town of Bassano. The parked and left unlocked with the keys inside it.  Gleichen RCMP located the pickup later that evening after it fled from an attempted traffic stop. Police located it abandoned a short distance away and it was recovered. Efforts to identify the Suspect(s) are underway and the investigation is on going.

If you have any information to, please contact the Bassano RCMP at 403-641-3677. If you have information about this and you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

**PSA***

“Bassano RCMP are urging all vehicles owners to never leave their vehicle unlocked and ensure there are no keys left inside the vehicle. In two of these thefts, the vehicle’s keys were left inside and unlocked.

Unfortunately, the days or being able to leave your vehicle unlocked are behind us. Thieves have zero respect for people’s hard work for their possessions, and the vehicle that gets them too and from work to provide.

Bassano RCMP will be making targeted patrols and working with Southern Alberta RCMP Crime Analysts, FIS and Property Units to locate and identify the Suspect(s)” – Sgt. Schmidt

In April 2025, Bassano RCMP responded to 73 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:

Miscellaneous Files from April 2025:

Break and Enter to Bassano Family Foods:

On April 9th, 2025, Bassano Family Foods grocery store was broken into at approximately 2:45 am. The front door glass was smashed and 3 Suspects entered the premise. An estimated loss of $25,000.00 worth of cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets were stolen.

Bassano RCMP utilized forensic services, neighbourhood CCTV and Crime Analysts to be able to link this B&E to a criminal ring completing several other similar thefts in southern Alberta. The investigation is ongoing with criminal charges anticipated, however no other information can be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Irrigation Pivot/Wire Theft:

On April 14th, 2025, Bassano RCMP received two separate reports of wire theft from irrigation pivots. The first occurred just south of Gem, within the proceeding two weeks causing $1800.00 worth of damage. The second happened just south of Hussar causing $8000.00 worth of damage. There was a long-time frame before the damage was observed. In both incidents, no physical evidence remained on scene and no witnesses were located.

There has been an increase of wire theft from pivots all over Alberta currently.  Extensive efforts are being made to identify the suspects in these matters and abilities to identify the wire at scrap dealers is very difficult to lead toward formal criminal charges against a person to prove the wire was obtained through criminal means.

To assist in identifying suspects and mitigating the thefts, Police encourage pivots owners to install wildlife cameras or CCTV near their entrances to their fields or on pivots to be activated by motion, so Police can quickly respond to arrest these individuals.

Assault with a Weapon:

On April 16th, 2025 at 11:00pm, Bassano RCMP received a report of an Assault in Progress at the Silver Inn. The report was two men were physically fighting and hammer was involved. Bassano RCMP with the assistance of Brooks RCMP were able to locate a 60-year-old Victim male who had been injured and he was treated by EMS and taken to the health centre with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The male suspect had left the scene and was located at his residence and refused to exit. A warrant was obtained, entry was made and Police arrested the male, who was transported to cells.

62-year-old Bassano resident, Michael BOUDREAU has been charged with 1 count of Assault with A Weapon and 1 count of Mischief Under $5000.00 and has a Brooks Provincial Court date of May 21st, 2025.  

Impaired Driver:

On April 17th, 2025 at 5:35 pm, Bassano RCMP were alerted to a possible impaired driver who left a senior home in Bassano. Police attended and located the vehicle driving near the liquor store. The driver was determined to be impaired and blew a FAIL. Their vehicle was impounded for 30 days and he received a 90 Day Provincial Impaired suspension.

Copper Wire Theft:

On April 22nd, 2025 at 3:00 pm, Bassano RCMP received a report of approximately $3000-$4000.00 worth of copper wire coils being stolen from an industrial property in Bassano. The theft happened between April 17th – 22nd. There was no physical evidence present or operating CCTV. 

Police were able to locate the stolen wire while working with local scrap dealers. The wire was recovered and returned to the owner.  A Suspect has been identified and criminal charges will be forthcoming as the investigation is ongoing.

Police & Public Education: Help us – Help you!

Bassano RCMP warns of the dangers of excessive speeding:

Bassano, Alta. – Bassano RCMP ask that motorists slow down on highways and rural roads. In Alberta, standard speed limits are established for different roadways for the safety of those traveling on them.

Unless otherwise posted, the following speed limits apply in Alberta:

  • 100 km/h on a provincial highway located outside an urban area.
  • 80 km/h on a provincial highway located inside a corporate limit of a city.
  • 80 km/h on a roadway that is located outside an urban area.
  • 50 km/h on a roadway that is located within an urban area, unless otherwise posted.
  • 40 km/h within the Town of Bassano

Rural roads present unique risks including livestock and wildlife, unmarked intersections and blind curves, as well as varying and sometimes poor surfaces. These roads require safe speeds and the full attention of motorists.

Speeding fines and demerits range in severity.

  • Exceed speed limit up to 15 km/h over – 2 demerits and up to $126 fine
  • Exceed speed limit by 16 to 30 km/h – 3 demerits and up to $249 fine
  • Exceed speed limit by 31 to 50 km/h – 4 demerits and up to $495 fine

Fine amounts double when construction workers or emergency responders are present.

To avoid speeding, the RCMP recommends giving yourself enough travel time, limiting distractions while driving, and being aware of posted limits in playground and construction zones.

For more crime prevention tips follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta

Commander Quote:

“As spring is upon us, so is nicer weather and longer daylights hours. In the Bassano Detachment area, the frequency of large farm equipment, tractors, cattle and wildlife greatly increases on our rural roads and highways. With this increase of traffic and hazards on the roads, speed limits and being able to react, maneuver and stop are affected.  

Please be cognizant of the speed limits, which are always the maximum limit permitted. The maximum speed limit never supersedes the fact that the driver should be driving for the conditions, meaning; rain/mud/frost heaves can dictate a lower speed to ensure safety.

Please also pay attention that you are driving a speed which allows you to stop and react safely to large equipment and animals when on the roads.  All speed related collisions are avoidable. – Sgt. Schmidt”

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.