Swift Current Municipal RCMP catch the “Car Shopper” Aug. 3 thanks to tips

Thanks to multiple tips and extensive patrols, Swift Current RCMP were able to identify and apprehend an individual believed to be responsible for a rash of property thefts from vehicles in the northwest part of Swift Current. In the early morning hours of August 2, Lance Hilmoe of Swift Current was located and arrested. Later that same day, a search warrant at Hilmoe’s residence was executed by the Swift Current RCMP General Investigative Service.

The search resulted in the recovery of a large amount of stolen property. Hilmoe has been charged with:

• Theft under $5,000 contrary to Section 334 (b) of the Criminal Code

• Mischief Under $5,000 contrary to Section 430 (4) of the Criminal Code Hilmoe has been remanded in custody and will next appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on Aug. 5.

Staff Sergeant Evan Gordon, Swift Current Municipal Detachment

Commander, said “This is just another example of the good work being done by our officers on the street as well as the cooperation we have from our community. I’m pleased we were able to aid the victims of these property crimes by recovering some of the stolen property.” S/Sgt. Gordon added “Even though charges have been laid against one person, the RCMP would like to remind citizens to lock their car doors to remove the temptation from other would be

‘car shoppers’ here in Swift Current”.

Since the end of June 2022, Swift Current RCMP received approximately 15 complaints of theft from vehicles, however, it is possible that additional victims may not have reported thefts to the RCMP. RCMP are requesting any individual who had identifiable valuables stolen from their vehicle during this time period to contact the Swift Current Municipal Detachment at 306-778-4870 to report the theft and identify.