Drumheller RCMP have arrested two individuals following an investigation by the detachment’s General Investigative Section (GIS) into a series of break and enters between September and November in multiple locations, including Canada Post locations in Carbon, Sundre, and Cremona.
The investigation has also led to the recovery of stolen property, seized weapons, and drugs.
Drumheller RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Rob Harms states, “This was a complex and multi-jurisdictional investigation that involved several persons being victimized. The success of the investigation demonstrates the abilities and determination of our investigators and partner agencies to hold persons accountable for their actions and is another step to ensure safe and secure communities.”
On September 22, 2022, Airdrie RCMP were dispatched to the Petro Canada on Edmonton Trail where it was identified a verbal altercation occurred, and a male retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and pointed it at the victim.
Didsbury RCMP were dispatched to a report of a break and enter on Monday, October 10 to the Cremona Canada Post, and an investigation was conducted.
On Saturday, October 15, Drumheller RCMP were dispatched to a report of an attempted break and enter of the Carbon Bottle Dept, and the theft of a 2019 Ford F150; the stolen 2019 Ford F150 was recovered two days later on Monday, October 17 by Calgary Police Service in the Falcon Ridge area.
Drumheller RCMP were then dispatched on Sunday, October 23 to a report of a break and enter to the Carbon Canada Post and Carbon Farmers Exchange, in addition to a second attempt of a break and enter to the Carbon Bottle Depot.
Sundre RCMP were dispatched to a report of a break and enter to the Sundre Canada Post on Wednesday, November 16.
On Wednesday, November 23, Drumheller RCMP with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Police Tac Team, RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Crime Reduction Intelligence Analyst, Sundre RCMP, a Canada Post Inspector, and Drumheller GIS executed a warrant in Calgary where it was believed items stolen from three of the break and enters were being stored.
As a result of the search, police located and seized stolen property from the Cremona, Carbon, and Sundre Canada Post break and enters; a large quantity of stolen mail; clothing and tools utilized in the break and enters at the three Canada Post break and enters, what is believed to be methamphetamine and psilocybin, a black airsoft gun believed to have been used in the commission of an offence, and an extendable baton.
Matthew Hreczuch, 37, and Becca Wood-Stairs, 27, both residents of Calgary, have been charged with four counts of break and enter to commit theft; three counts of theft of mail; four counts of disguise with intent; possession of break in instruments.
In addition, Hreczuch was individually charged with break and enter, theft of mail, two counts possession of break in instruments, four counts breach of firearms/weapons prohibition, pointing a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, and utter threats.
Hreczuch has three separate court dates and appeared in provincial court in Calgary on Friday, November 25 for the charges as a result of the Airdrie incident; he also appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on November 25 for the charges as a result of the Carbon incident. He will appear in provincial court in Didsbury on Monday, November 28 for the charges as a result of the Sundre and Cremona incidents.
Wood-Stairs was released from custody on a Release Order and is scheduled to appear on Monday, December 5 in provincial court in Didsbury for the charges as a result of the Sundre and Cremona incidents, and provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, December 9 for the charges arising in Carbon.