Red Deer home ordered closed following successful SCAN investigation

December 4, 2012

Red Deer… A Red Deer home in the Inglewood East area has been ordered closed for 90 days after the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit was successful in obtaining a Community Safety Order (CSO).

This is the second time SCAN has shut down a property in Red Deer since the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act was introduced in Alberta in 2007.

SCAN began investigating the property after receiving public complaints about suspected drug-related activity at 51 Ibbotson Close. During the investigation, SCAN attempted to resolve the matter informally with the property owner, but the alleged activity continued. SCAN then took steps to obtain a CSO, which was eventually granted by the Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench on November 16.

During the 90-day closure period which takes effect at noon today, the owner must vacate the house and the property will be secured, including the installation of a fence around the perimeter. Any and all tenancy agreements or leases of any tenant of the property are terminated as of the closure date.

The CSO will remain in effect until November 16, 2013, unless the title of the property is transferred to a third party purchaser before that time.

“Properties like this have a significant impact on residents’ ability to feel safe and enjoy their community,” said SCAN Manager Billy Kerr. “We are very pleased to have played a role in addressing the problems associated with this house for the benefit of the neighbourhood.”

Throughout the investigation, SCAN members worked closely with the Red Deer City RCMP. This property has presented an ongoing problem for police.

While the police deal with criminal complaints against people, SCAN investigators use civil legislation to target problem properties around the province used for illegal purposes such as prostitution, drug use and drug trafficking, and gang activity.

Albertans who suspect a property in their neighbourhood is being used for illegal activity should contact SCAN toll-free at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226) or online at www.scan.alberta.ca. All complaints are confidential. Residents are reminded never to investigate suspected problem properties on their own.

SCAN is an ALERT team established and funded by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Billy Kerr
Manager, SCAN South
ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams)
403-819-5936

Candace Cook
Communications
ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams)
780-218-2825