Meteghan RCMP investigating rash of crimes

The Meteghan RCMP is investigating a suspected arson involving a commercial building in Saulnierville on Friday, April 19.

Just after 3 a.m., emergency crews were called to the Saulnierville Road where a vacant building was engulfed in flames.

Police are treating it as a suspicious fire. The cause of the blaze was under investigation by the RCMP, with assistance from the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal's Office.

“This suspicious fire follows a series of criminal acts in the Meteghan area. We're appealing to residents to report any criminality or suspicious activity to us,” said Meteghan RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Jeff LeBlanc.

Because of this investigation and other ongoing ones, additional RCMP resources are being used with support from the RCMP's Southwest Nova District.

“We're implementing safety and operational planning in the local area, which includes a dedicated investigative team. But we need members of the community to come forward with information," LeBlanc said.

Meteghan RCMP is also appealing to residents for information following a series of other suspicious incidents in the Meteghan area.

“Over the last several weeks, the Meteghan RCMP has responded to increasing reports of suspicious and criminal activity, including assault, arson, and property damage,” reads a media release. “Investigators believe these incidents are isolated to specific individuals; however, the incidents affect the community as a whole.”

“We take any threats to public safety seriously, and investigate all reports we receive,” said Sgt. LeBlanc.

“We have a number of investigations underway, and residents can help us to advance those investigations. I'm encouraging anyone with information about suspicious or criminal incidents in the municipality of Clare to come forward,” he said. “We also ask those residents and business owners with cameras around their properties to ensure they are in good working order, and, should they have captured images or video of suspicious activity, to reach out to our detachment or Crime Stoppers.”

Anyone with information about the fire or other criminal acts is asked to contact the Meteghan RCMP at 902-645-2326 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. People can also submit a secure web tip via www. crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.