A prolific offender is facing close to 40 charges of fraud and break-and-enter charges, in connection to a recent series of thefts targeting the vehicles of frontline health-care workers, including nurses and respiratory therapists.
On Friday, April 3, 2020, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Whyte Avenue Beat members spotted prolific offender Richard Harnum, 32, speeding away on a bicycle near 108 Street and 85 Avenue.
An EPS member recognized Harnum, as the suspect wanted for several theft-from -vehicle incidents throughout the Strathcona area, including some that were parked in the University of Alberta Hospital staff lot. The officer gave chase and subsequently caught up to Harnum, who had fled on foot north of Whyte Avenue and 107 Street, before taking him into custody.
Drugs and break-and-enter tools were found on Harnum at the time of the arrest.
Harnum is currently facing 38 charges including:
Theft under-$5,000 (x 2) – backpacks
Mischief (x 2)– damage done to vehicle windows
Fraud (x 14) – various credit card purchases
Use stolen credit card (x 14)– stolen from purses in vehicles
Possession of stolen property (x 3)– U of A hospital scan cards and a backpack
Possession of break-in instruments (x 1)
Possession of a controlled substance (x 2)
Additional charges may be pending. Investigators believe the vehicles of other health-care workers may have also been targeted.
Police are asking anyone whose vehicle was broken into recently in the Strathcona area, including the University of Alberta Hospital staff parking lot, to contact EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.