Quebec contractor arrested for breaking into safe in Fort McMurray neighbourhood

Wood Buffalo RCMP have arrested a contractor from Quebec after officers received a report of a man breaking into a safe in Fort McMurray‘s Beacon Hill neighbourhood on Thursday.

Officers said the safe was left behind by a person who was forced to flee their home during the mass evacuation of the northern Alberta community one month ago.

The contractor, a 33-year-old man whose name has not been released, was arrested without incident. Officers said no items were in the safe at the time and nothing was stolen.

“We are committed to remaining on the job for you, as we have throughout this challenging time,” Supt. Rob McCloy, officer-in-charge of the Wood Buffalo RCMP, said.

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“Make no mistake, the RCMP will protect this community from harm.”

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Beacon Hill is one of three Fort McMurray neighbourhoods restricted to residents. Beacon Hill, Waterways and Abasand have been deemed uninhabitable due to toxins.

READ MORE: Visits to 3 restricted Fort McMurray neighbourhoods to begin June 8

Wood Buffalo RCMP said apart from one arrest made on May 6, there have been no other charges laid in relation to incidents in Fort McMurray during the mandatory evacuation.

RCMP said the Quebec contractor will be charged, although it’s not known what he will be charged with. He is scheduled to appear in court in Fort McMurray on Sept. 7.

READ MORE: 2 people charged with fraud after allegedly posing as Fort McMurray evacuees 

The arrest comes as residents of Fort McMurray, Anzac and Fort MacKay continue to return home following the devastating fires. Friday marked Day 3 of the phased, voluntary re-entry.

Watch below: Ongoing coverage of the Fort McMurray re-entry

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• Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees assess work to rebuild
• Fort McMurray pharmacist an unsung hero
• Collecting vehicles abandoned near Fort McMurray
• Hundreds of Fort McMurray fridges thrown out
• 20,000 Fort McMurray residents expected to return home Thursday

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