The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the property owner of 5312 51 Avenue in Wetaskiwin. The property will be closed for 90 days, beginning on March 3 at noon. Certain individuals are banned from visiting the property for three years.

The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars all people from the property until the closure period ends on June 1. The property will be boarded up and all the locks will be changed. SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for activity while their investigation remains ongoing. Community safety order conditions remain in effect until Dec. 16, 2028.

“Actions like this send a clear message to drug dealers: you are not welcome here. I want to thank the Sheriffs SCAN unit and the RCMP for their strong collaboration on this closure. All Albertans deserve to feel safe and secure in their homes, without the disruption and risk that illegal activity brings. I continue to encourage residents to report any suspicious activity they see in their communities.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

“Strong outcomes like this are the result of effective collaboration between agencies. I want to thank the Wetaskiwin RCMP for its critical partnership on this investigation, which helped resolve long-standing issues at this property. SCAN units across Alberta remain focused on protecting the safety and security of our communities.”

Andrew Albers, inspector, SCAN

“Wetaskiwin RCMP is proud to work alongside the Alberta Sheriffs SCAN unit and our municipal partners to address properties that are contributing to crime and community harm. Exploring new strategies through collaborative enforcement is essential in improving public safety.”

John Spaans, inspector, Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachment

The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 10,000 properties and has issued more than 140 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.

Quick facts

  • The property is in a residential neighbourhood within a short distance of schools, parks and retirement homes.
  • The SCAN unit began receiving complaints about suspicious activity at this property in fall 2024.

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