RCMP are calling on people in rural areas to be on the look out for thieves who appear to be targeting batteries at construction sites.
High River RCMP responded to a road construction site on Aug. 15 at 224 Ave. and Highway 23 west of Blackie after a report six Caterpillar batteries were stolen from heavy equipment.
High River RCMP Const. John Rotheisler said the thieves removed the batteries from heavy a piece of machinery at the location.
“It looks like the pried all the access covers open looking for the batteries and they found them finally,” he said.
The batteries are valued at almost $2,000.
“They’re a fairly sizable battery and they actually strap together and they run them in a series,” said Rotheisler.
The incident is one of several recent thefts of batteries from rural locations under investigation by police.
On Aug. 10, someone stole eight batteries from an electronic display sign at the same location. That same day, Rotheisler said someone stole 16 batteries from electronic signs near Aldersyde.
As well, he said Strathmore RCMP are investigating after an electronic sign was found in a field with its batteries removed.
RCMP urged people to be watchful of suspicious activities and report anything suspicious to police.
“Don’t be afraid to call the police, nothing is too trivial,” he said. “It something doesn’t seem right or doesn’t belong, let us know.”
Anyone with information regarding the thefts is asked to contact High River RCMP at 403-652-2357.
