After two home invasions in two weeks in Cranbrook, police have arrested three people.
As previously reported in the Townsman, the first home invasion occurred on Dec. 18 on 1st Avenue South.
Three people wearing masks and carrying firearms forced their way into the home.
"The subject they were looking for was not present," said Cpl. Chris Newel. "There was an altercation with the residents, and they stole electronic devices then departed.
"On Dec. 24 there was a break and enter at the same residence; the incidents are believed to be related."
Then, on Boxing Day, another home invasion happened on 6th Street North in Cranbrook. Four people entered a residence carrying a long gun, a shot gun, an Uzi-style firearm, brass knuckles and a baton.
"They demanded money and drugs but stole several electronic devices," said Cpl. Newel.
A police investigation determined that the stolen items were at a residence in Kimberley. RCMP obtained a search warrant and search the home on Dec. 27.
"Stolen property from the incidents on Dec. 18 and 26 was recovered. In addition, several firearms were located and seized," said Cpl. Newel.
After RCMP learned that the home owner was in the process of moving, they obtained a warrant to search a second home, where more stolen property was found.
A third search warrant was executed in Cranbrook, which found more stolen property.
Meanwhile, Kimberley RCMP investigated a break and enter on Dec. 24. Two firearms were stolen, which were recovered during the searches.
RCMP recovered the weapons believed to have been used in the home invasions on Dec. 29. Kimberley RCMP followed up on information concerning a vehicle used by the suspects. In the vehicle, police found a sawed off shotgun and an Uzi-style firearm.
"The Uzi style is a BB gun but looks real," said Cpl. Newel.
After obtaining all of this evidence, police arrested three people.
"As a result of the evidence obtained, three persons were arrested and are facing a number of charges including possession of stolen property, break and enter, possession of firearms, robbery and wearing a disguise."
Those arrested are two males, aged 23 and 24, and one female, aged 28. They appeared before a Judicial Justice of the Peace on Dec. 28 and were kept in custody to appear in court on Dec. 30. They are residents of Cranbrook and Kimberley.
"This was a very complex involved investigation that Cranbrook RCMP worked diligently to solve," said Cpl. Newel. "Investigators were following up on the first incident that occurred on Dec. 18, when they learned of a second incident Dec. 24 and the third Dec. 26. They quickly realized the incidents were related and the suspects likely the same.
"Even though Dec 26 was a holiday and a number of officers were enjoying time with their families, they quickly began following up on tips.
"These dedicated officers put the safety of the community first. They responded to the situation, worked long hours and were successful in recovering stolen property, seizing firearms and charging three individuals."