As part of their Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs, a court order was obtained that took effect on Friday, September 18th, 2020, that shuttered a home at 75 Patterson Crescent in Red Deer that was the focal point of numerous complaints of illegal activity.

The home will be closed for 90 days, with the locks changed, a fence erected around the property,and no one being allowed back inside until December 17th, 2020.

“I want to commend law enforcement for taking decisive action to shut down the illegal and dangerous drug activity that endangers law-abiding Albertans. The Government of Alberta has been clear that these activities have no place in our neighbourhoods. Alberta’s government will ensure law enforcement has the tools to protect our communities, and the SCAN unit has proven to be an effective way of targeting criminal activity by taking action against property owners who enable it.”

Kaycee Madu, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

Police say the investigation started in the fall of 2019 after numerous complaints from the community about the property, with the RCMP fielding 51 calls there between January 2019, and July of 2020. 

During their investigation, police also observed multiple drug deals and an excessive number of people visiting the property on foot and by bicycle. 

A search warrant was executed in July, where they found a small amount of fentanyl, as well as used needles all over the property and near three backyard sheds that were allegedly being used for injecting drugs.

“We are very pleased with the successful outcome. Our partnership with SCAN is a valuable tool in reducing crime in our city, and we look forward to working with them in the future.” Insp. Holly Glassford, Red Deer RCMP.

On Sept. 9, SCAN obtained a community safety order against the property owner that will remain in effect until Sept. 9, 2021. SCAN investigators will continue to monitor the property for the duration.

The SCAN unit works with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act gives sheriffs the authority to target problem properties through civil enforcement.

Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 5,800 problem properties and issued more than 80 community safety orders. The majority of complaints are resolved by working with property owners to keep criminal activity out of the community.

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