SCAN successful in obtaining extended closure for Grande Prairie property

July 16, 2013

Grande Prairie…The closure period for a problem property in Grande Prairie is extended after ALERT’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit was successful in varying a recent Community Safety Order (CSO).

On June 10, SCAN announced a six-week closure for a property located at 12613 105 Street, as well as several charges against the property owner. Charges included one count of possession of a stolen credit card, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and 10 counts of use of a stolen credit card. The investigation also uncovered several weapons, including firearms, and approximately 2,500 litres of gasoline unsafely stored at the property. This development led SCAN to proceed with an application to the court to extend the closure to 90 days.

On July 15, the unit’s application to extend the closure was granted. The home will now remain closed and the owner must remain at least 200 metres from the property until September 6, 2013.

After the closure expires, the CSO will remain in effect until April 19, 2014, during which time only the owner and tenants approved by SCAN are permitted at the property. Before SCAN grants any approvals, prospective tenants must complete a written application, provide references, and enter into a written tenancy agreement. The property owner must also maintain the appropriate insurance throughout the closure period.

SCAN began investigating the property in late October 2012 after the unit received public complaints about criminal activity, including drug trafficking, at the property. After informal efforts to resolve the concerns were unsuccessful, SCAN applied for a CSO, which was originally granted on June 3.

“Given the disruption occurring in this community and the extreme safety hazard, we are pleased to see a full 90-day closure now in place,” explained SCAN North Investigator Enio Perizzolo. “This kind of activity is obviously unwelcome in our communities and SCAN will continue working with our partners and residents to tackle problem properties across Alberta.”

While 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 trafficking, and gang activity. SCAN conducts investigations into residences and commercial properties in both urban and rural areas.

Between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, the public submitted 305 complaints regarding problem properties province-wide, of which SCAN resolved 268. This includes seven CSOs levied against problem properties.

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

Made up of Alberta Sheriffs, 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. Nearly 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Enio Perizzolo
SCAN North Investigator
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-777-0343

Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028