FORT McMURRAY — A Fort McMurray man is facing multiple charges after RCMP investigated the theft of nearly 1,000 litres of diesel fuel from commercial properties in the area.
Wood Buffalo RCMP say officers responded to several reports of diesel theft beginning in early July.
An investigation identified a suspect, and members of the Wood Buffalo RCMP General Investigation Section and Crime Reduction Unit arrested a 42-year-old man without incident on July 22.
Steven Yetman of Fort McMurray has been charged with four counts of theft under $5,000 and four counts of failing to comply with conditions of a release order.
Yetman was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on July 27.
“Fuel theft is not a victimless crime,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Robinson, acting investigative services officer with Wood Buffalo RCMP.
Robinson said fuel theft can have significant financial impacts on businesses and residents, while also creating public safety risks.
Police are encouraging residents and businesses to report criminal or suspicious activity, saying those reports can help investigators identify suspects and determine where future patrols are needed.
Anyone who sees a crime in progress should call 911. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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