Rimbey business break-ins cause concern

A Rimbey businesswoman, whose store was broken into twice within 30 days, is worried because the alleged burglar is still out on the streets.

“What’s to stop him from doing it again?” wonders Sandra Von Hollen, the owner/operator of Game On Outdoors Inc. Von Hollen is pleased the Rimbey RCMP has caught and charged the person who is allegedly responsible for the break-ins, noting he is connected to several other break-ins in Rimbey as well. However, she is not happy he is still out on the streets.

“I think people need to know he is out and it’s not safe,” she said.

Rimbey RCMP Sgt. Mark Groves confirmed 21-year-old Kirt Lapointe has been arrested in connection with the break-ins at Game On Outdoors Inc. and other break-ins in Rimbey that occurred from November until January.

“Police seized stolen guns, knives, computers, tools and furniture connected to six business break-ins,” he said.

Groves said Lapointe was arrested recently, held in custody and later released on bail after a hearing before a justice of the peace. Groves said Lapointe is under the direct supervision of a bail supervisor and must adhere to strict court conditions.

Groves said he understands Von Hollen’s concerns about Lapointe’s release, and added he has a strategic plan in place that targets prolific offenders and those who are released on bail conditions to ensure they are abiding by their court imposed conditions.

“The accused will be monitored closely to ensure the strict conditions are met and if he is found to be violating his curfew, etc., he will find himself back in jail.”

He said Lapointe, who is to appear in Rimbey provincial court Feb. 3, faces approximately 30 Criminal Code charges related to the break-ins.

Von Hollen said she reinforced security at the store after the first break-in Dec. 17, which made it much more difficult for the criminal to gain entry.

“A mouse can’t walk in here now,” she said.

“When the second break-in happened there were alarms blaring and he couldn’t get in the back door so he had to break the front window.”

Von Hollen said she has a right to sell firearms and other sporting equipment without worrying about break-ins.

“There is a need in our community. Firearms should be available to the hunters who want to buy them and we are here to serve that clientele.”

The young businesswoman, who took over the store from her mother, Rhea Thompson last October, is still reeling from the shock of being broken into twice in such a short time. However, she is pleased to note Lapointe didn’t get away with as much merchandise the second time, even though he caused considerable damage.

“”It’s a double-edged sword,” she said.

“He wrecked everything. There was thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. My tag machine alone cost $2,500 to replace, never mind all the structural damage. “Those machines don’t take kindly to being drug out of the window and left in a snow bank,” she said with a wry smile.

Von Hollen plans to be in court Feb. 3 when Lapointe makes his first appearance.

“He has a blatant disregard for this community,” she said. “Hopefully the justice system will do their job.”