‘Pillowcase bandit’ charged in dozens of break and enters in Alberta

EDMONTON – After four months of searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a large amount of break and enters spanning parts of west and central Alberta, RCMP have arrested a 42-year-old Onoway man.

Kenneth Wayne Forbes has been charged with 24 counts of break and enter, most of which reportedly occurred on rural properties during the day. Police believe Forbes would knock on a door, and if someone answered, he would pretend to be lost and ask for directions. He’s suspected to have taken pillowcases from bedrooms in each break and enter, filling them with smaller items like jewelry.

The 42-year-old, who RCMP say has an extensive criminal record for property offences, was arrested after a concerned resident in Edson made a report about a suspicious individual.

Forbes is now in custody awaiting four different trial dates for charges from five jurisdictions:

• Spruce Grove/Stony Plain area: 15 counts of break and enter, from various properties throughout Parkland and Lac Ste Anne Counties
• Edson area: four counts of break and enter, possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance
• Vegreville area: three counts of break and enter, possession of stolen property, forgery, and possession of a forged document
• Evansburg area: break and enter and theft under $5000
• Ponoka area: break and enter, and theft under $5000

That totals 24 counts of break and enter, two counts of possession of stolen property, two counts of theft under $5000, one count of possession of a controlled substance, one count of forgery, and one count of possession of a forged document.