Standard Co-op victim of late night break and enter

Strathmore RCMP are continuing to investigate a brazen break and enter and theft from the Standard Co-op early Monday morning.

    At 1:15 a.m., the Strathmore RCMP detachment responded to an alarm call at the Standard Co-op. While they were enroute to Standard, they received a 911 call from a witness who told the police there were two Ford trucks backed up to the doors of the store and they could see several individuals wearing balaclavas inside the store.
    The manager of the Standard Co-op arrived on scene before the RCMP. The two vehicles fled and the manager followed the trucks. Along the way, the two trucks turned around and drove at the pursuing vehicle, colliding, causing extensive damage and pushed the vehicle off the road before fleeing the scene.
    RCMP from the Strathmore and Gleichen detachments conducted a search of the area, however the suspects were not located.
    According to Corporal Mark Harrison of the Strathmore RCMP, the culprits gained access by smashing the front door. He is concerned by the reckless ramming of the vehicle.
    “It is definitely a concern for us for them to go out of their way to (collide),” said Harrison. “ They were maybe worried someone was going to get a licence plate number.”
    On Monday, in the early stage of the investigation, there were no suspects identified and the RCMP forensic identification section was at the store investigating.
    Don Cuthill, Mayor of Standard, said the community is shocked and disappointed, as it is the only store in town, and it is closed while the investigation is being completed.
    Strathmore RCMP are looking for two Ford trucks; one was reported as being a quad cab with a gas tank in the box. Both are believed to have damage from the collision.
    The RCMP are asking if anyone has information on this incident, to contact the Strathmore detachment at 403-934-3968, or if they wish to remain anonymous, to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).