Grande Prairie RCMP have charged two men following an extensive investigation into numerous break and enters in the Grande Prairie area.

Between July 11, 2019 and October 4, 2019, RCMP received reports of approximately 60 break and enters to businesses in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas. The RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), with the assistance of the Forensic Identification Section, Police Dog Section, and General Duty Section, linked the incidents by identifying similarities in each of the occurrences.

A search warrant was conducted on a residence and vehicle, and many stolen items were recovered, including multiple safes and cash registers, many associated to businesses, a stolen truck, firearms, identification and personal cards, passports and tools used to break and enter.

Yvan Landry, age 49, of Grande Prairie, has been charged with multiple theft-related charges and 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance. 

Clifford Dranchuk, age 38, of Grande Prairie, has been charged with multiple theft and firearm-related charges. 

Both Landry and Dranchuk have been remanded and remain in custody. They next appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on October 21, 2019.

RCMP thank the public and residents of Grande Prairie for assistance provided during this investigation. As investigation into several additional commercial and residential break and enters in the area continue, RCMP remind the public of the importance of reporting crime to police.

“When crime occurs, citizens and business owners have an important role in reporting these incidents,” said Staff Sergeant Mike Lefebvre of Grande Prairie GIS. “By providing video surveillance, serial numbers, and other critical information to police, the public assists us in locating those involved and increases the odds of holding them responsible.”

RCMP advise they are still seeking the owners of much of the recovered stolen property. The public is encouraged to report any items that have been stolen (including serial numbers and other identifying information) to enable the return of the property to its rightful owners.

If you have any information in relation to these, or other, break and enters, or if you are the owner of property you believe may be involved, please contact Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701.