ARTICLES

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify a man who caused thousands of dollars of damage to several vehicles in the early morning hours of March 15, 2026.

Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:10 a.m., the suspect vandalized parked vehicles in the 600 block of 5 Street SW, then continued on foot to the 400 block of 5 Street SE, damaging additional vehicles.

The suspect was captured on several surveillance cameras. Police are releasing some of the video in hopes someone can identify the suspect.

Anyone with information related to these offences is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit an anonymous tip online at MHPS.ca.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt. Darlene Garrecht
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

Online fraud is a significant and growing concern as internet-based communication and digital marketplaces continue to expand. With less face-to-face interaction, it can be harder to recognize warning signs—making it easier for scammers to gain trust and take money or personal information.

Romance scams are among the most common forms of online fraud. Scammers may build an emotional connection and then ask for money for travel, medical emergencies, or other fabricated situations designed to gain trust and sympathy.

Online marketplace scams are also common. Fraudsters may advertise items that do not exist or are misrepresented, then request partial or full payment in advance. When the buyer arrives at the agreed location, the seller does not appear, and the advertisement is often removed.

Lottery and prize scams continue to target victims through emails, texts, or messages claiming the recipient has won a cash prize or valuable item. Scammers may ask for banking or credit card information to “deposit” winnings, or request payment (for example, by wire transfer, e-transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency) to “secure” the prize. Once money or personal information is provided, funds may be withdrawn and no prize is delivered.

Technical support scams are another common tactic. Victims may be contacted by someone posing as a computer or technology professional who claims there is an urgent issue with the victim’s device or online accounts. If remote access is provided, scammers may attempt to capture passwords and banking information, which can then be used to steal funds.

Authorities remind the public that legitimate businesses typically do not request payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unsolicited money transfers. Many scams originate outside Canada, which can make investigations difficult and recovery of funds unlikely.

To reduce the risk of fraud:

• Be cautious with unsolicited emails, texts, calls, or social media messages—especially from people or businesses you do not recognize.
• Do not send money or share banking details based solely on an online relationship or urgent request.
• When buying or selling online, avoid advance payments when possible and use secure, traceable payment methods.
• Independently verify a company or offer before paying. The Better Business Bureau and recommendations from trusted friends and family may help.

Anyone who believes they may be involved in a scam is encouraged to speak with someone they trust and report it to local police. The public is reminded: you cannot win a prize you did not enter—and if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Phone: 403-529-8451

This week’s focus is on investment-style scams.

You work hard for your money—help protect it by confirming any investment opportunity is legitimate. Investment scams can happen in person, over the phone, online, or through the mail. The goal is to persuade someone to invest in what appears to be an established industry, a new opportunity, or a promising sector. In reality, the money is not invested and is taken by the fraudster.

Ponzi schemes involve investments that do not actually exist. Early investors are paid using funds collected from newer investors, creating the illusion of legitimate returns. These schemes collapse when no new investors can be recruited. Fraudsters often promote high returns with little or no risk—an immediate red flag.

Pyramid schemes rely on recruiting new investors to keep the scheme alive. Participants are encouraged to bring in more people, whose money is used to pay earlier participants. As with Ponzi schemes, when recruitment slows, the entire scheme falls apart. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Cryptocurrency-related fraud is also on the rise. Cryptocurrency is high-risk and is not regulated in the same way as traditional banking products. Once funds are transferred to another person’s digital wallet, recovering them can be very difficult. The speed at which these funds can move globally can also make investigations more complex.

Real estate scams are another common tactic used by fraudsters. These can include fake rental listings, fraudulent property-investment opportunities, or “sellers” who do not own the property they claim to be offering. Scammers may pressure victims to send deposits or investment funds quickly—before there is time to verify ownership or legitimacy. Confirm property details independently and avoid sending money without appropriate documentation.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Investment Frauds

• Ask questions—and if you’re not satisfied, keep asking.
• Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics.
• Take your time. Sound investment decisions require thought and consideration.
• Don’t be swayed by appearances or charisma. Focus on the details, not the salesperson.
  • Seek guidance from trusted professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or licensed investment advisors.

• Never rely on verbal agreements. Get everything in writing and keep records.
• Check the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) Investor Alerts to stay informed about current risks.
• Anyone selling securities in Alberta must be registered with the ASC (with very limited exceptions).

To protect yourself from these common scams, stay vigilant—and avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you have independently verified who you are dealing with.

If you believe you’ve been targeted or have sent money, report it as soon as possible to your local police and consider reporting online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Phone: 403-529-8451

On March 3, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police responded to a motor vehicle collision on Altawana Drive near 7 Street North.

A northbound vehicle, travelling at a high rate of speed, lost control and collided with a southbound vehicle before coming to rest against a retaining wall. The 65?year?old female driver of the northbound vehicle was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The collision remains under active investigation.

The Medicine Hat Police Service is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash?camera footage from the area at the time to contact police at 403?529?8481.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Kurtis LaDouceur
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

As technology continues to evolve, criminals are finding new ways to exploit it for financial gain. Artificial intelligence (AI) has created incredible opportunities for innovation, but it has also enabled increasingly sophisticated scams. These scams are designed to appear realistic, urgent, and convincing, making them difficult to recognize. Understanding how AI is being misused is an important step in protecting yourself and others.

One growing concern is AI voice cloning scams. Fraudsters can copy a person’s voice from online videos or social media clips and use it to call family members, claiming to be in distress. These calls often sound genuine and are designed to create panic, pressuring victims to send money or share personal information. In some cases, scammers add background noise to simulate emergencies or kidnappings, increasing the sense of urgency.

Criminals are also using AI to create deepfake videos that impersonate executives, coworkers, or public figures. These videos may instruct employees to transfer funds, share internal documents, or provide login credentials. Because the videos appear authentic, victims may comply before realizing they have been deceived.

Romance scams have also evolved with the use of AI. Instead of one person managing multiple fake profiles, AI powered chatbots can now run conversations around the clock, building emotional connections with victims. These conversations often feel natural and convincing, making it difficult to distinguish between a real person and a scammer.

AI is frequently used to create fake customer support agents, investment advisors, and business profiles. Scammers design realistic chat windows or phone systems that impersonate banks, airlines, technology companies, or well known financial experts. These fraudulent interactions may request remote access to devices, banking credentials, or personal identification, which can then be used to steal money or commit further fraud.

Job seekers are also being targeted through AI generated interviews that use synthetic voices or video avatars to appear legitimate. Victims may be asked to provide deposits, copies of identification, or banking information. In addition, synthetic identity fraud has increased, with AI being used to create convincing fake IDs and profile images to open accounts or apply for loans.

Online rental and marketplace scams are also on the rise. AI tools can generate realistic images, detailed descriptions, and automated seller conversations to make fraudulent listings appear legitimate. These scams often pressure victims to send deposits or e?transfers quickly before the listing disappears.

The best defence against AI enabled fraud is awareness and verification. If you receive an unusual or urgent request for money or personal information, pause and verify the request. Contact the person or organization directly using trusted phone numbers or in person visits. Be cautious about what you share online, and remember that if something feels too urgent, emotional, or perfect, it may be a scam.

If you believe you are being targeted or have questions about a suspicious interaction, speak with someone you trust or contact the Medicine Hat Police Service by calling 403-529-8481 to speak with an officer.

Media Contact:
Sgt. Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
Ph: 403?529?8451

Emergency crews are on scene at a motor vehicle collision at Altawana Drive and 7 Street NW.

Traffic is asked to avoid Division Avenue between 8 Street North and Parkview Drive NE.

Please follow the directions of police and fire personnel managing traffic in the area.

The MHPS Traffic Unit has been called in to investigate the cause of the collision. No further details are available at this time.

We ask the public to avoid the area and give emergency crews room to work.

UPDATE

Police have cleared the scene and currently have 53-year-old male in custody who is facing the following criminal charges:

• Dangerous Driving
• Refusal to compy with a Breath Demand
• Traffic Safety Act related charges for failing to comply with driver responsibilities involved in an motor vehicle collision

The name of the driver cannot be released at this time, as the charges have not been sworn to in court.

City of Medicine Hat Electrical Utilities remains on scene conducting repairs to power and light standards

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Emergency crews are on scene at an injury collision at the Gershaw Dr SW and Highway?1 interchange. Infrastructure damage at the location is expected to extend the duration of required traffic detours.

Traffic is asked to avoid Gershaw Dr SE between 10 Ave SW and 7 St SW.

Drivers on Highway 3 needing to access eastbound Highway?1 must turn south at 10 Ave and reroute via 16 St SW to Highway?1.

Please follow the directions of police and fire service personnel in the area.

We will provide real-time updates as they become available. Reported injuries are non?life?threatening.

March 2026 marks the 22^nd anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a national crime prevention initiative dedicated to educating the public on how to recognize, report, and prevent fraud.

Frauds continue to impact thousands of Canadians every year, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars lost nationwide.  Residents of Medicine Hatters are not immune – local victims lose millions of dollars annually to a wide range of scams.

Fraudsters use many tactics and these schemes continue to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated.  The most effective way to avoid being a victim is to stay informed, remain cautious, and be skeptical of offers or situations that seem too good to be true.

Throughout Fraud Prevention Month, the Medicine Hat Police Service Community Support Unit will be sharing information and practical tips to help residents recognize common frauds and scams and learn how to protect themselves.

Stay tuned each week as highlight prevalent fraud trends and provide guidance on how to reduce your risk.

For more information, visit:

Alberta Crime Prevention – https://albertacrimeprevention.com/fraud-prevention-month

Better Business Bureau – https://www.bbb.org/bbb-directory/ca/ab

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory
Community Support Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8451

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and the Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) are aware of a social media post from a local business that is circulating that references Crestwood STEM school in Medicine Hat.

We can confirm that the story being shared is not true and is not based on any actual incident in our community. Police have spoken with the business owner and there is no threat to public safety related to this post.

We recognize that messages of this nature can cause concern for families, students, staff, and community members.

We encourage everyone to verify information through official and reliable sources before sharing it further.

The safety and well-being of our community remain a top priority for both the MHPS and MHPSD. If you ever have concerns about safety, please contact us directly by calling our non-emergency: 403-529-8481 or 911 in an emergency.

Thank you for helping keep our community informed responsibly.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

Two Medicine Hat residents are facing drug trafficking charges following a short-term investigation by the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section.

In December 2025, the MHPS began receiving complaints from community members regarding activity at a residence in the 900 block of Bullivant Crescent SW.  The reported activity was negatively impacting the safety and quality of life of nearby residents.

The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant on February 21, 2026.

As a result, Jackie Dopp (47) and Cody Madore (36) have each been charged with:

• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and
• Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

It is further alleged that Dopp was in breach of a Conditional Sentence Order at the time of the offences.

Both individuals appeared in a bail hearing on February 22 and were remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The MHPS remains committed to working with the community to address criminal activity and enhance neighbourhood safety. Anyone with information about suspect drug activity is encouraged to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip online (anonymously if preferred) online through mhps.ca or the MHPS mobile app.

Media Contact:

Patrol S/Sgt
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461