The Leaf Rapids store that houses the town’s liquor vendor has been broken into six times since New Year’s Day – three times each in January and February.
The break-ins occurred Jan. 1, Jan. 8, Jan. 11, Feb. 14, Feb. 18 and Feb. 23
Charges have been laid in the first four break-ins to King’s Health and Variety Store in the Leaf Rapids Town Centre. A 14-year-old male from Leaf Rapids was charged with break-and-enter and theft for the New Year’s Day break-in and later released on an undertaking with conditions. Two Leaf Rapids males aged 14 and 16 were arrested for the Jan. 8 break-in and charged with break-and-enter and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence. They were remanded into custody before being released a few days later.
Investigation of the Jan. 11 break-in led to three Leaf Rapids males aged 14, 16 and 17 being charged and remanded into custody. Two Leaf Rapids females aged 16 and 17 and one 20-year-old male from Leaf Rapids were charged for the Feb. 14 break-in, then released on undertakings with conditions.
No charges have yet been laid in the Feb. 18 and Feb. 23 break-ins, which are still being investigated. Anyone with information about these break-ins can call Leaf Rapids RCMP at 204-473-2944 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
A store manager declined to comment except to say she hoped security in the Town Centre would be improved soon.
