On May 2, 2012, at 2:31 a.m., Drumheller RCMP members attended to a break, enter, and theft at Drum Wireless. Shortly thereafter, Police were notified of a single vehicle accident on the south hill.
While in the store, the suspect stole an unspecified amount of cell phones. This is the second time that Drum Wireless has suffered a break, enter, and theft this year.
Drumheller RCMP are investigating whether there is a connection with the previous burglary at Drum Wireless.
Video surveillance at Drum Wireless showed the suspect’s vehicle, a silver Volkswagon. The vehicle matched that of the accident.
The suspect left the scene, bleeding from an injury to the head he sustained in the accident. The suspect went to a hotel to clean up and had someone pick him up.
Subsequent investigation has identified Robert Rochon as being responsible for the break, enter, and theft. Rochon is 42 years of age.
The investigation was aided by video from several businesses. The videos were used to identify Rochon and link to these occurrences. Several other similar incidents throughout Alberta have now been linked to Rochon.
“He has been linked to many break-ins, stealing communications equipment,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
Rochon was apprehended in Lacombe and is being held on a variety of charges. Various police agencies are in the process of continuing their investigations.
Rochon had gone through a judicial review on Friday, May 4 and was subsequently remanded.
This is the third burglary this year involving the theft of cellular phones. Drum Wireless has now been broken into twice and Reality Bytes was broken into in early April.
“Some of these cell phones are extremely expensive. Some take up less room than $400 cash. They’re easy to get rid of. They’re a little trickier to get up and running, but they just need a SIM card to operate,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins.
Thefts involving communication technology has been on the rise as a result.
“For this type of business [cell phone provider], yes,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins. “Judging by the number of these types of thefts around the province, there appears to be a market for it.”
Rochon will be appearing in the Drumheller Provincial Courthouse on Friday, May 11 and will be charged with possession of stolen property for the car and break, enter, and theft.
