In December 2014, Leduc RCMP recovered three pieces of the specialized ski equipment from a dumpster in Calmar, AB and returned it to the owner.
An in-depth investigation led EPS members to execute a search warrant on February 17, 2015, in Devon, AB with the assistance of the RCMP which resulted in the recovery of the stolen cargo trailer. The trailer was returned to the rightful owner in February.
Jason Noel, 37 of Calmar, AB, has been charged with trafficking stolen property under $5,000, VIN tampering, and possession of stolen property under $5,000, breaching a condition of a recognizance.
Province-wide warrants were issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 for the arrest of Noel.
Background
EPS Northeast Division officers are investigating the theft of a cargo trailer filled with special needs ski equipment, and are asking for the public’s help in locating the stolen property.
Sometime during the evening hours of Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, an unknown suspect approached a cargo trailer parked on the rear driveway of a house at 119 Avenue and 44 Street. The suspect allegedly cut several locks that were securing the trailer, hitched it up to what is believed to be a truck, and drove off in an unknown direction. The owner noticed the trailer missing on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, and reported the theft to police.
The trailer is described as a 2011 Mirage Cargo Craft Trailer, with single axle, 10’ long, and white in colour. There is no licence plate on the trailer. The trailer’s value is estimated at $3,000.
The trailer contained cross-country ski equipment for disabled athletes worth approximately $12,000, and V-boards for making trails in the snow valued at approximately $25,000.
Michael Neary, Sport Manager for Cross Country Alberta, adds “This ski equipment is used by para-nordic participants or individuals with spinal injuries and other conditions that require the use of a wheelchair. It’s very specialized and unique to the participants that use it. This equipment is also used by school children so that all students can enjoy the thrill of skiing. It’s very sad and unfortunate that our para-nordic participants will be deprived of their equipment. I would be very grateful to get this equipment back so that the kids we work with can participate this winter.”