Wood Buffalo RCMP have charged a Fort McMurray man in connection with a series of storage-unit break-ins at an apartment complex in the Timberlea neighbourhood and are continuing to search for a second suspect, police said Thursday.
Investigation timeline and arrest
Investigators opened the file on April 21 after receiving a report that a storage unit had been broken into sometime between March 27 and April 20. RCMP reviewed hours of surveillance footage and say it shows people entering the storage area and leaving with several items on two occasions — April 12 and April 18.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 27–April 20 | Period during which the reported break-in(s) occurred |
| April 12 & April 18 | Surveillance footage showed suspects entering storage area and removing belongings |
| April 21 | RCMP opened the investigation |
| Aug. 19 | Police arrested a 38-year-old Fort McMurray man without incident |
| Aug. 26 | Scheduled appearance at Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray |
RCMP identified and arrested Len Labelle, 38, of Fort McMurray on Aug. 19. He has been charged with theft over $5,000. Labelle was held in custody for a judicial interim release hearing and has since been released pending his next court appearance, scheduled for Aug. 26 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray.
"The charge has not been proven in court."
Police seek identity of second suspect
While one suspect is now in custody, RCMP say surveillance footage also captured a female who has not been identified. The investigation remains active and police are asking anyone with information about the woman's identity to get in touch.
- Contact Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040 or 310-RCMP (no area code required).
- Submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via P3 Tips.
Thefts from communal storage areas raise concerns for multi-unit dwellings across Fort McMurray. Beyond the immediate loss to victims, these incidents can undermine residents' sense of security and increase the burden on building managers and local emergency services.
RCMP did not release details about the items taken or the value beyond the charge threshold. Neighbours in Timberlea reported the break-ins to police, prompting the surveillance review that ultimately led to the identification and arrest of a suspect.
What residents can do
Owners and managers of apartment complexes should review storage-area security practices — including lighting, lock standards, access control and the placement and coverage of cameras — and encourage tenants to report suspicious activity promptly. For residents, documenting and photographing valuable stored items and keeping inventories can streamline police investigations and insurance claims if an incident occurs.
Police encourage anyone who recognises the woman in the surveillance footage or who has information about the incidents to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP immediately. Tips can provide the evidentiary link that helps investigators close cases and restore confidence in affected neighbourhoods.
Fort McMurray residents seeking updates on the case can check official RCMP releases or court listings for the scheduled Aug. 26 appearance.
