Calgary police have announced they are increasing patrols around Jimmie Condon Arena after several disturbing incidents occurred this week, creating a disturbing experience for users of the facility.
Officers have responded to Southwest Arena three times this week.
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Police were initially called around 6:30 a.m. Monday after a vehicle was stolen from the parking lot.
Police said three people stole car keys, wallets, purses and other items from one of the arena's locker rooms. The stolen car was later found with damage to the front end. The incident occurred while members of the Calalta Figure Skating Club were using the facilities.
"He was yelling obscenities and appeared unstable," club president Diana Peters said in an email to coaches, skaters and parents. "Police were contacted and are handling the situation."
Peters said one of the credit cards stolen from the locker room on Monday belonged to one of the team's skaters, who was told police had arrested a suspect for attempting to use the card.
On Wednesday morning, Peters said two of the three thieves returned to the arena and continued walking around the hall.
According to Ms. Peters, police were called and grounds staff escorted the suspects off the property. She said she is working closely with the city to figure out what steps can be taken to make the arena safer.
"Security guards will now be present during ice skating sessions at Calalta seven days a week," she said.
"Until security personnel are in place, rink staff have been instructed to remain vigilant and present during our skating hours. While the presence of a security guard may deter some people, it is important to note that the individuals involved in Monday's incident returned Wednesday and appeared confident, mingling as if they belonged."
Suspicious activity
Ed Power goes to Jimmie Condon Arena four times a week for public skating.
"We have seen a lot of different characters come in from time to time, but it's really a crime of opportunity more than anything else because there is no real security at our facility," she said. "Some of these people who come into the facility are not just walking around, I mean we've seen people suddenly show up on the tapes after sleeping there overnight. It's unfortunate because sometimes it's very cold outside and people are looking for any shelter they can find."
Terry Strome, a rink user, said he's noticed an increasing number of vulnerable people coming into the rink during public skating sessions.
"It's very sad," he said. "I can't imagine their situation. We often take care of people who don't belong, we look out for our belongings, and we all know each other, so we look out for each other."
Safety is a 'top priority'
In a statement to CTV News, the City of Calgary said the safety of staff and customers is its "top priority."
"We are committed to keeping our spaces safe and welcoming for everyone. "When criminal activity occurs at our facilities, we work closely with the Calgary Police Service to quickly address and resolve these situations," the statement said.
"We are in contact with Calalta to ensure their concerns are addressed and to keep them informed of any updates."
Jimmie Condon Arena staff are distributing locker room keys to those who have rented the ice and are currently using the facilities.
Calalta advised its members to ensure all doors remain locked when not in use and to keep keys in a safe place.
In addition, rink staff are advising skaters not to leave valuables in locker rooms and instead to bring their personal belongings to the locker rooms and keep an eye on them.
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