CALGARY – News — The Alberta Sheriffs have shut down their fifth problem property in just over a month, targeting a Braeside home frequently visited by police.
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owner of 499 Bracewood Crescent SW, giving investigators the authority to close the property for 88 days, starting at 10 a.m. on June 27. Effective immediately, any tenancy agreement or lease is terminated, requiring all tenants to vacate the premises.
The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars people from the property until the closure period ends on September 23. The property will be boarded up, fenced, and all locks will be changed.
Frequent Police Visits
In 2023 alone, Calgary Police Service officers attended the property 20 times for various types of calls, including reports of suspicious vehicles, a house fire, and stolen property. Two individuals were found deceased in the property in June 2023 after suspected drug overdoses, and another individual was found deceased in September 2023 for the same reason. On December 29, 2023, a search warrant executed by the Calgary Police Service uncovered items consistent with drug trafficking.
Court Order Obtained
The SCAN unit’s court order imposes additional restrictions that will remain in place for two years after the closure period. These restrictions require the property owner to prevent further drug-related activities and to prohibit certain individuals from residing at or attending the property.
SCAN unit members will continue to monitor the property for any activity while their investigation remains ongoing.
Long-Term Restrictions
“With the fifth problem property being shut down in just over a month, I continue to hear positive feedback from Albertans on the great work from SCAN. If drug dealers and those who prey on our communities have not gotten the message yet, today’s closure sends that message loud and clear – dangerous drugs are not welcome here. My sincerest thanks and appreciation go to SCAN and the Calgary Police Service for their strong, coordinated response to this known problem property,” stated Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
Greg Medley, Deputy Chief of Alberta Sheriffs, added, “With the support and collaboration of partners like the Calgary Police Service, Alberta’s SCAN team continues to have a meaningful impact on improving safety in Alberta communities. Shutting down problem properties like this one helps eliminate disruption and disorder in the community, enabling law-abiding Albertans to live peacefully.”
“All Calgarians have a right to feel safe where they live, and closures of problem properties is an effective way to keep Calgary safe and hold people accountable for their involvement in illegal activities. We remain committed to working with partner agencies to address drug houses and other related criminal activities which will not be tolerated in our communities,” commented Trent Barker Petersen, District 6 Community Resource Officer Sergeant, Calgary Police Service.
The Alberta Sheriffs, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, work to shut down properties used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold property owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated over 9,000 properties and issued 123 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with property owners to stop illegal activity on their premises.
Quick Facts
- In 2023, Calgary Police Service officers attended the property 20 times for various types of calls for service, including suspicious vehicles, a house fire, and stolen property.
- In June 2023, two individuals were found deceased in the property after a suspected drug overdose.
- In September 2023, another individual was found deceased in the property after a suspected drug overdose.
- On December 29, 2023, the Calgary Police Service executed a search warrant at the property and found items consistent with drug trafficking.
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