Police say rescue tools taken from rural fire halls powered a month‑long break‑and‑enter spree causing up to $1M in losses.
Firefighters’ own rescue gear — the Jaws of Life — became burglary tools in a months‑long break‑and‑enter spree that stretched from rural firehalls to retail shops across Edmonton, according to police.
Edmonton Police Service investigators say thieves first stole industrial rescue equipment from firehalls in Water Valley and Calahoo between November and December 2025. The haul included cutters, a ram and spreaders — tools designed to pry open crashed vehicles — worth an estimated $110,000. Sturgeon County publicly confirmed the Calahoo break‑in in late December.
Police now allege those same tools were then used to force entry into businesses across the city. Between Dec. 1, 2025, and Jan. 8, 2026, EPS investigated 18 break‑and‑enters, 14 of which involved the stolen rescue equipment. Ten occurred in southwest Edmonton, five in the southeast, two in the northeast and one in Sherwood Park. The targeted businesses were unrelated to one another.
Investigators estimate $750,000 to $1 million in combined property damage and losses. Stolen items ranged from high‑end jackets and bags to cannabis, vape products and cash taken from ATMs and safes.
Police arrested Logan Murrell, 30, and Tristin Kaiser, 42, in late January, followed by Abram Dyck, 47, in early February. The three men face more than 200 charges combined, including 35 counts each of break and enter to commit theft, 35 counts of disguise with intent and 42 counts of possessing stolen property over $5,000.
Acting Staff Sgt. Meagan McIntyre of EPS’ Southwest Branch said the investigation relied on coordination with RCMP detachments.
“The EPS was able to lead a successful cross-agency partnership to combat a break-and-enter series that impacted multiple communities in Alberta,” says Acting S/Sgt. Meagan McIntyre with the EPS’ Southwest Branch. “Through our collaboration with local RCMP detachments, the EPS arrested individuals who caused nearly $1 million in damages to retailers in Edmonton.”
“This investigation highlights the harm that one small group of offenders can cause to communities,” says S/Sgt. Darcy McGunigal, the Commander of the Morinville RCMP, “Strong partnerships between policing agencies are essential to combating prolific offenders. We thank the officers of the Edmonton Police Service for their continued dedication.”
Court dates for Murrell, Dyck and Kaiser have not been set at this time.
