Calgary police looking for badge stolen in break-in
Calgary police are looking for a stolen badge after a man broke into the home of an officer last month.
About 7 p.m. on Nov. 23, the officer, who was at home in Cambrian Heights, went upstairs for a few minutes and someone entered the house through the front door.
The thief took the officer’s phone and badge, among other valuable items, and used keys taken from the home to steal a vehicle, fleeing the area.
Responding officers tracked the phone to the 0-100 block of Hendon Drive N.W., where they found the stolen vehicle with stolen items, except the badge, inside.
At the same time, a residential break and enter call came in nearby in the 900 block of 39th Avenue N.W.
The police canine unit tracked a suspect to the 0-100 block of Harlow Ave. N.W., where he was arrested.
Police believe the man to be responsible for other break-andenters in the area.
Officers conducted an extensive search of the area where the crimes occurred, but have yet to turn up the missing badge. Police said no other items of police property were taken from the house.
If you are approached by a nonuniformed police officer, Calgary police encourage you to ask for photo identification in addition to a badge — a right that citizens have.
Non-uniformed officers are mandated to carry picture identification as well as their badge at all times.
Police said you can also ask for an officer’s last name, and call 403- 266-1234 to confirm you are dealing with a real officer.
Travis Thunderchild Whitequills, 18, of Calgary, is charged with four counts of break and enter, five counts of theft under $5,000 and six counts of breaching a court order, among others.