RCMP investigate home invasion in R.M. of Paddockwood

Prince Albert RCMP are investigating a pair of thefts that happened earlier this week in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Paddockwood, and one of the incidents involved a couple being attacked in their own home.

Early Wednesday morning, at approximately 2 a.m., RCMP responded to a report of a break-and-enter and theft at a rural residence. The homeowners reported three unknown adult males wearing black and white bandanas over their faces forced entry into their home where they demanded money and vehicle keys.

An altercation between one of the residents and one of the suspects occurred. One suspect and a homeowner sustained minor injuries.

The three males then left the home and stole two vehicles, a Ford Ranger and a Pontiac G5, from the property.

The Pontiac G5 was later recovered Thursday morning, after being involved in a rollover west of Northside. The Ford Ranger was also located that morning, found at Little Red River First Nation. Both of the vehicles are being examined by the Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Unit.

RCMP confirmed a second break-and-enter and theft to a residence in a nearby resort area. Some tools were stolen from the residence. Police believe that the two break and enters are related.

Rural Municipality of Paddockwood Div. 5 Councillor Tom McKnight said he was not surprised to hear about the home invasions.

“This has been getting worse for a long time. I’m not sure how property owners will deal with this,” he said.

McKnight said there were a number of break-ins in the area recently, but added he had not personally heard of a home invasion like the one Wednesday.

“I wish I knew the answer. But one thing I can tell you, every time I hear my dog bark I’m up and looking around. I just hope I’m not next on the list,” he said.