The Medicine Hat Police Service Major Crime Section has charged an additional person in connection with a break in and theft from a jewelry store last week.

On February 10, 2020 at about 3:24 AM, a suspect broke into Gold Pro Jewellers located at #108 - 3030 13 Ave SE by smashing a window. Once inside, the suspect stole several rings and earrings before fleeing the area. The value of the stolen items is approximately $39,000.

Arrests were made and in relation to this offence on February 14, 2020 and charges of possession of stolen property under $5,000 were laid against 37-year-old Kris Hansen and 23-year-old Jessica Ott. Hansen was remanded into custody with his next court date scheduled for February 27, 2020. Ott was released from custody with conditions and a scheduled court date of March 25, 2020.

On February 18, 2020 additional arrests were made in relation to this offence. As a result, 43-year-old Shane Yanke of Medicine Hat has been charged with:

• Break & Enter to a business and commit theft over $5,000
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence
• Possession stolen property for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000
• Trafficking in stolen property under $5,000
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000

Yanke has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear for his next court date court on February 20, 2020.

The Major Crime Section will continue to investigate this matter as only a portion of the stolen jewelry has been recovered at this time and more charges could potentially be laid.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -222-8477 (TIPS). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Chad Holt
Major Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421