Bike theft thwarted and nearly 150 street doses of meth and fentanyl seized during downtown project

Lethbridge Police stopped a bike theft in progress after covert officers working in the downtown core witnessed the offence and arrested two subjects during an ongoing enforcement project targeting crime and social disorder downtown.

Members of the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit and High Risk Offenders Unit also executed 33 arrest warrants, laid 19 charges for various offences and removed 124 doses of methamphetamine and 24 doses of fentanyl from the street. Numerous weapons, including multiple knives, were also seized. 

The arrests and seizures took place on June 19.

The targeted enforcement operation will continue throughout 2024 and businesses and visitors in the downtown area can expect to see a heightened police presence on the days the teams are deployed as officers work to actively target high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime. The operation was developed by police as part of the Service’s 2024 Annual Policing Plan, to help increase visibility and capacity in the downtown core. 

Police remind the public to continue reporting all suspicious and criminal activity downtown – or anywhere in the city – by calling 403-328-4444. LPS uses CompStat, a data-driven model where analytics are used to identify high-crime areas, prolific offenders and the most effective deployment of police resources. Knowing what is occurring, where it is happening and how often, helps give police an accurate picture of crime and disorder in the community, and enables more effective deployment of resources and enforcement strategies. 

Some crimes can also be reported online, including theft under $10,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles. There is also a category for ‘information only’ reports where citizens can report nuisance and non-criminal matters. Visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca and click online reporting.