In a shocking incident that has left a southeast Calgary family reeling, two individuals are now in custody following a home invasion that occurred while the family slept peacefully in their home. The break-in took place around 1 a.m.
on Sunday in the Douglasdale community, specifically on Douglas Woods Heights S.E.
The family was blissfully unaware of the crime until a relative, who had stayed overnight, discovered a missing shoe while searching for it. “I opened the garage door, and her shoe was on the top step, and we noticed then the garage door was half open and our Jeep was missing,” recounted Laurie Massick, a member of the family.
According to Laurie, the alleged thieves smashed the window of their parked van, grabbed the garage door opener, and used it to gain entry into their home. “While we were sleeping,” she added, expressing her relief that no one ventured downstairs during the invasion.
Among the stolen items were an Apple MacBook, thousands of dollars in collectible gold and silver coins, Laurie’s purse, and their 2014 Jeep, which was later recovered by police just a few blocks away on Douglasdale Boulevard.
In addition to the physical theft, the family reported that the alleged thieves spent thousands using their debit cards on the same day, effectively draining their accounts.
The Calgary Police Service indicated that multiple suspects were likely prowling the neighborhood that night, searching for vehicles to break into.
Community impact and neighbor experiences
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with neighbors expressing their concerns about safety.
Loren Fox, a neighbor of the Massick family, shared his own experience, stating that his truck was also broken into on the same day. “The passenger window had been smashed, but to date, I haven’t been able to find if anything was missing.
I believe they were probably just looking for a garage door opener — don’t keep one in the truck,” he explained.
Police response and ongoing investigation
After locating the stolen Jeep, police were able to track the suspects to a nearby London Drugs store, where they arrested a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman. Several of the stolen items were recovered during the arrest, providing some relief to the victims. Both suspects remain in custody and are scheduled for court appearances.
This incident highlights the growing concern over home invasions and vehicle thefts in Calgary, prompting discussions about community safety and the need for increased vigilance among residents. As the investigation continues, the Massick family and their neighbors are left to grapple with the aftermath of this unsettling experience.
