RCMP probing rash of break-and-enters in Wadena area

Mounties in Wadena are investigating a string of break-ins that have occurred in the area in recent weeks.

Between Dec. 15 and Dec. 28, Wadena RCMP received nine reports about break-ins in the communities of Wadena, Foam Lake, Quill Lake and North Shore Fishing Lake.

The first three were in Wadena.

On Dec. 15, the RCMP received reports of break-ins at: A funeral home, where a thief or thieves stole a small amount of change and audio equipment; the curling rink, from which cash was stolen; and the food bank, which lost a supply of gift cards.

Three days later, the Wadena Mounties were told about break-and-enters at a business in Wadena and at the senior centre in Foam Lake. No items were reported stolen.

On Dec. 20, the RCMP got a call about a break-in at the curling rink in Quill Lake. An unknown amount of liquor was stolen in that incident.

The next week, three break-ins at residences were reported.

On Dec. 27, there was a break-and-enter at a home in the Rural Municipality of Foam Lake. A media release from the RCMP didn’t say if anything was taken in that incident.

The next day, a side-by-side ATV and ice fishing gear were stolen in a break-in at a home on North Shore Fishing Lake. That same day, the keys for a quad and two vehicles were stolen from another home on North Shore Fishing Lake.

The RCMP said investigators believe the break-ins are related. The Mounties also reminded people to make sure that all doors, windows and outbuildings are locked.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity or who has surveillance video from the days of the incidents was asked to call the Wadena RCMP at 306-338-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.