Based on coverage from Global and the Calgary Herald.
Carstairs Residents on Edge Over "Carstairs Creeper"
In the quiet town of Carstairs, Alberta, a series of unsettling break-ins has left residents feeling uneasy and on high alert. Dubbed the "Carstairs Creeper," the burglar has been prowling the community, entering homes and outbuildings under the cover of night. The suspect, described as wearing a black, hooded costume and mask, has been caught on surveillance cameras multiple times since the incidents began on September 20. The burglaries have involved stealing small, easily accessible items like purses, credit cards, and cash. In some cases, the intruder has even been bold enough to snack on a child's school lunch left on a kitchen counter.
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Vigilantism Concerns RCMP in Carstairs
The fear and frustration among Carstairs residents have led to a wave of vigilante actions, which the RCMP warns could hinder their investigation. Cpl. Gina Slaney of the Didsbury RCMP has expressed concern over residents taking matters into their own hands, noting that it diverts police resources and could lead to dangerous misunderstandings. "We get called out for a suspicious person and we find a guy with a baseball bat," said Slaney, urging locals to leave the investigation to the professionals. While the community's desire to protect itself is understandable, the RCMP stresses that such actions could complicate efforts to apprehend the suspect.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The unsettling events have prompted Carstairs' mayor, Dean Allan, to advise residents to take precautions, such as locking doors and keeping a phone and flashlight nearby. The town has issued an online bulletin with safety tips, reflecting a shift in the community's sense of security. Allan noted that while Carstairs has historically been a safe place with a low crime rate, the recent incidents have sparked discussions about the need for a local RCMP detachment, as the nearest one is based in Didsbury, 13 kilometres away.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, the RCMP remains optimistic about resolving the case. They have been actively investigating the dozen reported sightings and break-ins attributed to the "Carstairs Creeper." Staff Sgt. Stephen Browne emphasized the importance of residents providing any information or surveillance footage that could assist in identifying the suspect. Until an arrest is made, the community remains vigilant, with many residents reconsidering their previously relaxed attitudes toward home security.
