An Alberta RV dealer is under fire after the theft of two luxury fifth-wheel trailers with a combined value of more than $300,000.
The thefts occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 4 at Vision RV in the Acheson Industrial Area of Parkland County, just west of Edmonton.
Security footage shows a white Chevrolet pick-up pull up to the front gate just after 2am
A man wearing a balaclava gets out of the driver’s seat and proceeds to try to cut the chain with what appear to be bolt cutters.
Moments later, the man grabs a power tool from the truck and sparks start flying at the entrance.
A man who broke into Vision RV in Atcheson, Alta. on Sunday, December 4, 2022, where two fifth-wheel trailers were stolen.
Supply
A magnetic “security” sticker can be seen on the driver’s rear door. The man opens the gate and drives away.
About ten minutes later, the white truck returns and drives onto the lot to the most expensive of the 200 units parked on the property, according to general manager Melanie Blank-Shatford.
“He totally planned it because he doesn’t even hesitate,” Blank-Shatford said as she watched the security footage Wednesday.
A 41-foot Forest River Cedar Creek brand fifth-wheel trailer stolen from Vision RV in Atcheson, Alta. on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Supply
The truck drives away with a 41-foot Forest River Cedar Creek brand trailer at $154,000.
The Chevy is coming back soon. but this time the security sticker is gone.
The truck goes to another part of the lot and drives off with a second luxury travel trailer — a 43-foot Forest River Cardinal listed at $146,500.
“The two most expensive fifth wheels on the lot are what they took,” Blank-Shatford said.
A 43-foot Forest River Cardinal fifth wheel trailer stolen from Vision RV in Atcheson, Alta. on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Supply
Staff suspect the thief was on the property before Sunday morning.
About 12 hours earlier Saturday afternoon, a customer matching the build and clothing of the thief came to Vision RV in a dark Chevrolet sedan and spoke to a salesperson about the exact two RVs that ended up being stolen.
“He was like a regular customer,” salesperson Dean Wendland said. “He asked questions and acted like he was really interested in an RV.”
Vision RV reported the crime to Parkland County RCMP, who confirmed to Global News that it is investigating the thefts.
“It hurts,” owner Larry Ricci said. “Sure, you paid deductible and insurance.
“But the reality is insurance is going up and we have thieves coming in and doing whatever they want to do.”
Vision RV already dealt with theft in 2022.
Blank-Shatford said someone gained access to the property in July by cutting a hole in their security fence.
One trailer unit was stolen. She said RCMP are not optimistic they will fix it and never have.
“The RCMP officer literally laughed at me and said that by then it would either be in the US or in the woods,” said Blank-Shatford.
“It’s just sick. We are not a large corporation. We are a family owned small business. We have been here for 35 years and last year the theft was the worst it has ever been.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Parkland RCMP or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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